Let’s face it folks, funeral planning isn’t the most thrilling and exciting task, but it’s something that will require some attention at some point in our lives. One day you have to sit down and put down the ideas for this on paper. Part of the funeral planning process would be investing in a funeral insurance policy which would cover the anticipated expenses. It’s a good starting point to get the planning off the ground, so ideally you should be investigating the comparative funeral cover options that you could potentially invest in.
Once you’ve done the required planning you can focus on slightly more entertaining things like the soundtrack to your funeral. I bet most you already have a tune in mind that should play at your final send-off and I’m also sure that you’re hoping that it will make your friends and loved ones remember you. There are so many touching songs that you can play at a funeral, but if you ask me the song should sum up the person that is being sent of the afterlife.
Today I’m featuring the Top 10 Funeral Songs of All Time (in no particular order):
It’s one of my favourite songs and is played a lot of funerals. My favourite line is probably:
I did my best, it wasn’t much, I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch.
Green Day – “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life
It’s one of my favourite songs and probably the song that I want to play at my funeral one day.
So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind. Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time. Tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial. For what it’s worth it was worth all the while. It’s something unpredictable, but in the end is right, I hope you had the time of your life.
Queen – “Who Wants to Live Forever”
This song is also quite popular at funerals. The opening line is pretty touching:
There’s no time for us, There’s no place for us, What is this thing that builds our dreams, yet slips away from us?
Damien Rice – “The Blower’s Daughter”
The lyrics cut deep and there’s something about this song that is quite romantic. It’s one of those that may be popular at a funeral where someone’s life – and love – were cut short. It’s sad, but beautiful.
Did I say that I loathe you? Did I say that I want to leave it all behind?
Eric Clapton – “Tears in Heaven”
It’s a truly sad song and fitting for a funeral. The song was written about the pain and loss Clapton felt following the death of his four-year-old son. His son fell from a window of a 53rd-floor New York apartment building owned by his mother’s friend in March 1991.
Would you know my name, If I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same, If I saw you in heaven?
Jeff Buckley – “A Satisfied Mind”
This song is takes my breath away. It helps you reflect the life lived, but it also inspires you to live a life based on love and compassion.
Money can’t buy back all your youth when you’re old, a friend when you’re lonely, or peace to your soul.
This song is also a popular song at funerals. The song is the perfect song to play for someone who really did it all and lived an extremely full life.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried. I’ve had my fill; my share of losing. And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing. To think I did all that; And may I say – not in a shy way, ‘Oh no, oh no not me, I did it my way’.
This is probably one of my favorite songs from the 1960’s and very popular at funerals. The song was written by John Lennon and is perfect for reflecting back on a person’s life.
There are places I’ll remember, all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better. Some have gone and some remain. All these places have their moments, with lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living. In my life, I’ve loved them all.
Nat King Cole – “Unforgettable”
This is another song that you might hear at the next funeral you’ll attend.
Unforgettable, that’s what you are. Unforgettable, tho’ near or far.
Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
This is a classic and another song that will tug on your heart strings at funeral.
How I wish, how I wish you were here. We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year, running over the same old ground. What have we found? The same old fears. Wish you were here.
Well, there you go, the 10 Most Popular Songs Played at Funerals. If you can think of another song that you’ve heard at funeral that touched you deeply, feel free to comment. Feedback is appreciated and welcome here.
Watch this space for regular updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
Like what you do? Buy us a coffee to enable us to bring your more content like this.
Want to stay in the loop with all things SA Music? Get in the Zone!
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow check out editor's playlists on Spotify or YouTube.
