Music

What is your signature tune?

Music to capture every facet of life is available. Whether you choose CD’s, live music played by a professional or perhaps you have friends and family who are willing to contribute, the right choice of music will undoubtedly add ambience to the occasion. Maybe you favour hiring a jazz band, a Scottish piper or a drummer to lead you to your woodland resting place? The choice is yours and there are no rules.

The memory you leave behind will be the one that remains in the hearts of those present. Do be sensitive and check both the message and the words of the music you choose to avoid possible misunderstandings or innuendoes.

For cremation, modern funeral songs are popular. There often three pieces chosen; music to play as people enter the chapel, as people contemplate and remember the deceased in their own special ways and more up-beat  music or song as people leave. Crematoria usually have a huge collection of CD’s available. Should you wish to provide your own CD’s the funeral director will need to receive them well before the funeral date. (Original copies are preferred).

Traditional funerals dictated by convention are likely to include familiar hymns, psalms and prayers. Such familiarity brings comfort to those who wish to follow this path.

Modern funeral songs:

Angels – Robbie Williams The Entertainer – Scott Joplin
Candle in the Wind – Elton John Love and Marriage
The Perfect Day – Lou Reed Love Changes Everything
Magical Mystery Tour – the Beatles The Gambler
Always Look on the Bright Side I Just Called to Say I Love You
Let’s Face the Music and Dance High Noon
Tears in Heaven Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)
Over the Rainbow Golden Leaves
I’ve Had The Time Of My Life Three Times a Lady – Lionel Richey
The Rose Jesus Christ Superstar – Lloyd Webber
With Hope The Last Waltz
Catch a Falling Star Come Dance With Me
Life on the Ocean Waves – March Colours Of My Life
From Russia With Love – Bond Theme Chatanooga Choo Chou
Tears from Heaven – Eric Clapton Chin Chin Chree – Mary Poppins
The Way We Were – Barbara Streisand I’m Just a County Boy
Swing Low Sweet Chariot I’m Walking Backwards To Christmas
Time to Say Goodbye Golden Slumbers
My Way Four in the Morning
Something Beautiful Remains For The Good Times – Perry Como
You’ll Never Walk Along Flight of the Bumble Bee
Beyond the Sunset Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree
The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore Don’t Cry for Me Argentina
You’ll Never Walk Alone Days of Wine and Roses
The Londonderry Air Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Mack the Knife Crocodile Rock
Ma, I Miss Your Apple Pie – comedy Come Fly With Me
Magic Moments Falling Leaves
Maple Leaf Rag I’ll Be Your Sweetheart
Love Makes the World Go Round Pack up Your Troubles
Love Letters in The Sand We’ll Meet Again
Love is a Many Splendored Thing Good Luck As We Wave You Goodbye

 

Music from the 60’s:

 

When Irish Eyes are Smiling Baby Face
If You Knew Susie In The Good Old Summertime
Ma, He’s Making Eyes at Me Hello Dolly  
Margie  

 

Popular funeral hymns:

 

The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want (Psalm 23) Our God Our Help in Ages
The Old Rugged Cross Jerusalem
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling All Things Bright and Beautiful
Abide with Me Dark Island

 

Classical music suitable for funerals:

 

Ave Maria – Schubert Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ Sonata
Nimrod – Edward Elgar The Nun’s Chorus – Anni Frind
Ave Maria – from Verdi’s Othello Nessun Dorma – Puccini
Lord Of The Dance Grande Valse Brillante
Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber Elgar’s Nimrod – Enigma
Requiem – Karl Jenkins Variations
Agnus dei – by Karl Jenkins Halleluyah Chorus
Two Hundred Years Later from  Brigadoon  

 

What music will you choose to play at your funeral?