Which music is right for you?

Music can provide comfort during the grieving process and help process emotions. It can also be a way to honour the deceased and can be linked to memories of the deceased. Music helps to give a certain atmosphere to a farewell gathering. Often, people feel connected by the music.

It can be difficult to choose suitable music for a funeral, so we have listed several tips for you:

Think about someone's personality and taste in music

When choosing music, it is important to consider the personality and taste of the music of the deceased. Was the deceased a fan of classical music, pop music, jazz or country? Choosing music that matches the deceased personal taste helps to honour their life and bring back memories.

Input from your loved ones

Do you wish to involve your loved ones when you are choosing the music? Ask for their favourite songs or songs that remind them of you. This way they feel more connected to each other and to the farewell meeting.

It can also help with processing emotions together.

Live music

Live music can add something personal and beautiful to the farewell gathering. For example, think of a singer, a choir or a violinist. Live music can make the funeral gathering a unique experience.

Mix of different genres and styles

It's usually good to choose a mix of different genres and styles so that there's something for everyone. When putting together the mix, think about the preferences of the deceased and the next of kin.

It is important to consider the personality of the deceased and the emotions of the bereaved. Alternating between quiet and more up-tempo songs guarantees a well-rounded music selection.

There are also options to provide new lyrics for existing songs or have custom ones created, enhancing the personal touch of the funeral.

Be aware of the duration of the songs

When choosing the music, it is also important to consider the duration of the songs. You don't get enough atmosphere with short songs. Long songs can cause awkward silences. Hence, it's advisable to vary the duration of the songs in the mix.

Choose music with a meaning

Music can evoke memories and trigger emotions. Therefore, choose music that has a certain meaning for the deceased and the next of kin. Think, for example, of the favorite song of the deceased, or a song that was often played during special moments. But songs that fit the personality or life story of the deceased are also suitable.

End with an appropriate number

A good ending to the farewell meeting is important. Therefore, choose a number that fits the farewell and the deceased. For example, this can be a number that has a lot of meaning for the deceased or the next of kin. It can also be a song that conveys a message that fits the farewell or the departure to the cemetery or crematorium.

The song must impart a feeling of farewell and solace.

When you are looking for generally suitable funeral music, there is a lot of choice. Below you will find a list of music that can be played at a funeral. Of course, it's only a small selection.

Other well-known funeral music

1. Ave Maria – Schubert
2. Time to say goodbye – Andrea Bocelli
3. Tears in heaven – Eric Clapton
4. Angels – Robbie Williams
5. Nothing else matters – Metallica
6. Goodbye my lover – James Blunt
7. The rose – Bette Midler
8. Hallelujah – Il Divo
9. Hallelujah – Pentatonix
10. Mother love – Queen
11. Roller coaster – Danny Vera
12. My Way – Frank Sinatra
13. You raise me up – Josh Groban
14. Beneath my wings – Bette Midler
15. You can close your eyes – James Taylor
16. Angel – Sarah McLachlan
17. Lay me down – Sam Smith
18. Adagio for strings – Samuel Barber
19. Forever young – Rod Stewart
20. Over the rainbow – Eva Cassidy
21. Heaven was needing a hero – Jo Dee Messina
22. Three little birds – Bob Marley
23. Drops of Jupiter – Train
24. Spirit in the sky – Norman Greenbaum
25. I'll be seeing you – Billie Holiday
26. Wherever you will go – The Calling
27. Hello – Adele
28. How do I live – LeAnn Rimes
29. Nan's song – Robbie Williams
30. Wish you were here – Pink Floyd
31. How long will I love you – Ellie Goulding
32. Wake me up when september ends – Green Day
33. Follow the sun – Xavier Rudd
34. Asleep – The Smith's
35. Ding dong the witch is dead – Wizard of Oz
36. Another one bites the dust – Queen
37. Ring of fire – Johnny Cash
38. Highway to hell – ACDC
39. I'll sleep when I'm dead – Bon Jovi
40. Going underground – The Jam
41. If I die young – The Band Perry
42. The dance – Garth Brooks
43. If heaven wasn't so far away – Justin Moore
44. You've got a friend -- Carole King
45. Nothing compears to you – Sinead O'Connor
46. I'll see you again – Westlife
47. Bring me sunshine – Morecambe and Wise
48. You are the sunshine of my life – Stevie Wonder
49. What a wonderful world – Louis Armstrong
50. Always look on the bright side of life – Monthy Python's Life of Brian
51. Don't worry be happy – Bobby McFerrin
52. Like a river – Carly Simon
53. Mama – Il Divo
54. Goodbye's the saddest word – Celine Dion
55. One sweet day – Mariah Carey
56. Stand by me – Ben E King
57. Smile – Nat King Cole
58. You'll never walk alone – Judy Garland
59. Perfect day – Lou Reed
60. Don't you forget about me – Simple Minds
61. We'll meet again – Vera Lynn
62. You are not alone – Michael Jackson
63. Right here waiting – Richard Marx
64. Amazing grace – various artists
65. My immortal – Evanescence
66. Someone like you – Adele
67. Bitter sweet symphony – The Verve
68. Satisfied mind – Jeff Buckley
69. Time of my life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
70. Keg on my coffin – The Push Stars
71. Dropkick me Jesus – Bobby Bare
72. See you again – Wiz Khalifa, Charlie puth
73. I’ll be missing you – Diddy, Faith Evans, 112
74. Ain’t no sunshine – Bill Withers
75. I will always love you – Whitney Houston
76. I will always love you – Dolly Parton
77. My heart will go on – Celine Dion
78. Dance with my father – Luther Vandross
79. Hero – Mariah Carey
80. Abide with me – Katherine Jenkins
81. I dreamed a dream – Susan Boyle
82. The power of love – Andrea Bocelli
83. The power of love – Celine Dion
84. Heaven – Beyonce
85. Gloomy sunday – Billy Holiday
86. Gloomy Sunday – Sinead O’Connor
87. You’re the last thing on my mins – Aron Wright
88. Please don’t go – Joel Adams
89. I was here – Beyonce
90. Say something – A great big world
91. Remains – Bastille Vs. Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Skunk Anansie
92. Over you – Miranda Lambers
93. The day I die – Chris Stapleton
94. Daddy Doesn’t pray here anymore – Chris Stapletom
95. One word – Anouk
96. Only dreaming – K’s Choice
97. Always Remember us this way – Lady Gaga
98. I’ll Never love again – Lady Gaga
99. Drink a beer – Luke Bryan
100. Non, je ne regrette rien – Edith Piaf