Music in funeral ceremonies
Another frequent discussion that I have with families when meeting with them, is on the subject of music. People ask - "What can we play?" - " Does it have to be a funeral song?" - " Can we play Mum's favourite music?"
My answer is - " You can play anything you like !" . I am a firm believer that as we are holding the ceremony to honour the life of the person who has passed, then we should honour them by playing the music that they liked.
There are many nice songs and there are many favourites that people ask to be played. Some of these are:-
My Way - Frank Sinatra/Vera Lynn
Wind beneath my wings - Bette Midler
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole/Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
We'll meet again - Vera Lynn
My heart will go on - Celine Dion
Arms of an angel - Sarah McLachlan
Supermarket flowers - Ed Sheeran
The Rose - Bette Midler
The way we were - Barbra Streisand
Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
Danny Boy - Various artists and live pipers
Angels - Robbie Williams
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Bros
Never walk alone - Gerry and the Pacemakers
The list goes on. There are so many more.
I have however had some "out of the box" songs - because the person who has passed has had their favourites and even on occasion, requested that a particular song or tune be played.
Some of these include:-
The theme song to " Law and Order"
The sound of a winning poker machine!
The Chicken Dance
I like Chinese - Monty Python
Always look on the bright side of life - Monty Python
Am I ever gonna see your face again - The Angels
Bye Bye Baby - The Bay City Rollers
Burning ring of fire - Johnny Cash
Highway to hell - AC/DC
New York New York - Frank Sinatra
And lots more .
So my advice is, don't be afraid to have something that your loved one enjoyed to listen to.
On a final note, I always recommend the song that is chosen for the conclusion of the ceremony be somewhat uplifting. I can assure you, if a song puts a smile on your face, if only for a short while, it will make things just that little bit easier for you.
