Short answer: Funeral songs set the tone of a service. Choose by mood, such as comforting, uplifting or spiritual, or by your faith tradition, and pick one piece for entrance and one for exit. A service's music usually runs only a few songs, so choose pieces that matter most to the family.
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How do I choose funeral songs?
Start with the person. What did they love to listen to, sing or hum? A song they loved often matters more than one that is traditional. Then think about the room: a quiet chapel, a church with an organ, or an outdoor gathering all suit different music.
Titles and artists below are examples only. We do not quote lyrics. Read the words of any song before you choose it, so you are sure they fit the moment.
- Pick music that means something to the family, not what you think is expected.
- Ask the officiant, the venue or the musician what they can play or perform.
- Consider instrumental versions if the lyrics feel too much.
Funeral songs by mood
| Mood | Example titles |
|---|---|
| Comforting | "Over the Rainbow" (Judy Garland), "Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong), "Fix You" (Coldplay) |
| Uplifting | "Here Comes the Sun" (The Beatles), "Three Little Birds" (Bob Marley), "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" (Green Day) |
| Spiritual | "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", "On Eagle's Wings" |
| Classical | "Ave Maria" (Schubert), "Adagio for Strings" (Barber), "Canon in D" (Pachelbel) |
| Country | "I Can Only Imagine" (MercyMe), "Go Rest High on That Mountain" (Vince Gill), "You Raise Me Up" (Josh Groban) |
| Folk | "Blowin' in the Wind" (Bob Dylan), "Teach Your Children" (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), "The Parting Glass" (traditional) |
Many of these appear in both instrumental and sung versions. A solo guitar or piano can make a familiar song feel gentler.
Instrumental music is a good choice when the words of a song feel too heavy, or when the family does not share one faith. A single cellist, a guitarist or a pianist can fill a room with calm. If you have a musician in the family, ask whether they would like to play, and make sure they are comfortable doing so on the day.
Funeral hymns and songs by tradition
Different traditions have their own music, and often their own rules about what is suitable. Ask the family's clergy or community first. This is general guidance, not a ruling for any one congregation.
| Tradition | Common music | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Christian hymns | "Amazing Grace", "Be Still My Soul", "Abide with Me", "The Lord's My Shepherd" | Ask the church about its hymn book and organist |
| Jewish | Psalms and prayers, often chanted | Ask the rabbi or the community; music is often limited or absent |
| Muslim | Quranic recitation | Ask the imam or the community; instruments are often not used |
| Hindu | Bhajans and Sanskrit chants | Ask the family priest about timing and verses |
| Buddhist | Chanting and sutras | Ask the temple or teacher for the right chants |
| Secular | Any music that matters to the family | Recordings, live musicians or a playlist all work |
Entrance, exit and celebration of life music
Entrance music helps people settle. Quiet and steady works best, often instrumental. Exit music is usually the one place where a service can lift: a gentler or warmer piece that lets people leave in a calmer frame of mind.
For a celebration of life, the room is often lighter and the music can be too. A favourite song, a live band, a sing-along or a slideshow with a playlist are all common.
- Choose one piece for entrance, and decide whether it is live or recorded.
- Choose one or two pieces for the service itself, such as a hymn or a favourite song.
- Choose one piece for exit, and one for the reception if there is one.
How long does the music run, and what about licensing?
Most services use three to six pieces, which usually adds up to ten to twenty minutes of music. Ask the officiant for the planned running time, and time your list against it.
If you stream or record the service, copyright rules can apply. Streaming platforms may mute or remove copyrighted music, and a venue may have its own licence or restrictions. Ask the venue and the livestream provider before the day. Our livestream guide covers the practical side.
- Music list agreed with the officiant and the venue
- Lyrics read through, so nothing surprises the family
- Recordings tested on the venue's equipment
- Licensing checked if the service will be streamed or recorded
- A backup, such as a second device or a printed order of service
Where do I go next?
- Music and readings
More on choosing music and readings.
- Ceremony types
How the type of service shapes the music.
- Funeral planner
Build the order of service step by step.
- AI consultant
Talk through ideas with a gentle guide.
- Livestream a service
Practical notes for streaming and recording.
Related services
- Traditional funeral services: steps, choices and costsHow a traditional funeral works: visitation, service, procession and burial. What is optional, what drives cost, and your rights when buying a casket.See this service →
- Memorial services and celebrations of lifeA memorial service honors someone without the body present. Learn about timing, venues, formats, what it costs to host one and how to plan it calmly.See this service →
- Cremation services: options, process and costHow cremation works, cremation cost, how direct cremation differs from cremation with a service, what prices include, and your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule.See this service →
Frequently asked questions
What are good songs for a funeral?
Good funeral songs depend on the person and the service, and usually fall into comforting, uplifting, spiritual, classical, country or folk. Choose pieces that mattered to the person, and read the words first.
What are common funeral hymns?
Common funeral hymns include Amazing Grace, Be Still My Soul, Abide with Me and The Lord's My Shepherd. Ask the church about its hymn book and what the organist can play.
How many songs should a funeral have?
Most services use three to six pieces, covering entrance, the service itself and exit. Ask the officiant for the planned running time and fit the list to it.
What song should play as people leave a funeral?
Exit music is often a gentler or warmer piece, so people can leave with a calmer mind. Choose something that suits the person, such as a favourite song or a hymn.
Can I play recorded music at a funeral?
Usually yes, but ask the venue about its equipment and rules. If the service is streamed or recorded, platforms may mute copyrighted music, so ask the venue and the provider.
What music is suitable for a Jewish or Muslim funeral?
Practices vary by community, and music is often limited or absent, so ask the rabbi, the imam or the community. Quranic recitation and psalms are often used in place of songs.
What songs suit a celebration of life?
A celebration of life can be lighter, so uplifting songs, favourite recordings, live music or a sing-along all work. Choose music that reflects the person's life.
What music works for a funeral or memorial service?
Music at a funeral can be religious, classical, folk, or a favorite song of your loved one, and there are few rules. Many services include one song at the start, one during a reflection, and one at the end. Live musicians, a recorded playlist, or a congregation singing together are all common choices. Some venues have rules about volume or equipment. What to ask: ask the funeral home or venue what audio equipment is available, whether live musicians are welcome, and whether licensing or fees apply, then give the final song list to the officiant in advance.
What happens at a funeral service, and what is the usual order?
A funeral service usually follows a simple order that the family can adapt, and the officiant or funeral director can guide it. A common sequence is a welcome, music, a reading or prayer, a eulogy or remembrances, a closing blessing, and a procession. A committal at the cemetery often follows for burial. Some services include a slideshow or shared memories. Ceremonies vary by faith, culture, and personal wishes. What to do: choose a few elements that matter most, ask the officiant about timing, and share a printed program so guests know what to expect.
What is the difference between a funeral, a memorial service, and a celebration of life?
A funeral generally takes place soon after a death, often with the body present, while a memorial service happens with or without the body and can be held later. A celebration of life is a more informal gathering that focuses on the person's personality and stories, often with food, music, and photos. Any of them can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home, a home, or a park. What to do: pick the style that feels right to your family, set a date that allows travel, and tell guests the tone and dress you have in mind.
Can we livestream a funeral for relatives who cannot travel?
Yes, many funeral homes and venues offer livestreaming or recording, and some families set up their own with a phone or camera. It helps relatives who live far away or cannot travel for health reasons. Check the venue's policy, internet connection, and any fee. Choose a private link rather than a public post, and tell guests so they are comfortable. What to ask: ask the funeral home whether livestreaming is offered, what it costs, whether a recording will be provided afterward, and who will operate the camera so the family does not have to.
What should I wear to a funeral?
Dress in a way that is respectful and modest, and dark or muted colors are the usual choice, though many families now welcome other colors. Some families request a favorite color or casual clothing to honor the person's style. Faith traditions can have specific expectations, such as covered shoulders or head coverings. When in doubt, choose clean, comfortable, conservative clothes. What to do: read the obituary or invitation for any dress request, ask a family member if you are unsure, and bring a light layer since venues can be warm or cool.
How long does a funeral service last?
A funeral service usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, though it can be shorter or longer depending on the faith, music, and number of speakers. A visitation before it often runs one to two hours, and a graveside committal adds another 15 to 30 minutes. Receptions afterward vary. Starting on time and sharing a clear schedule helps guests. What to ask: ask the officiant how long the planned elements will take, tell guests the start time and location of each part, and plan a few minutes of buffer for travel between the service and the cemetery.
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