Music gives voice to feelings that words alone cannot capture. The right funeral songs honour a loved one’s personality and bring comfort to those gathered. Many families choose a mix: a reflective piece as people arrive, something meaningful during the service, and an uplifting song as the farewell ends. Hymns, classical works and modern favourites all have a place. The most fitting song is simply one that meant something to them.
Music has a unique power to comfort, to stir memories and to celebrate a life. Choosing the songs for a funeral is one of the most personal parts of planning a farewell, and it is a chance to let your loved one’s character shine through. This guide offers ideas across different styles, suggestions for where music fits in a service, and gentle tips for choosing. It is general guidance, and our team at Keith Logue & Sons is always happy to help you create the right atmosphere.
Where Music Fits in a Funeral Service
Funeral music typically features at a few key moments, each setting a different tone:
- As people arrive. A gentle, reflective piece welcomes guests and sets a calm mood.
- During the service. A meaningful song for quiet reflection, perhaps alongside a slideshow of photos.
- At the committal or farewell. A significant piece for the most emotional moment.
- As people leave. Often something more uplifting, sending people out with hope or a smile.
You might also weave music into a eulogy or play a favourite track at the wake.
Popular Funeral Hymns
For a religious or traditional service, hymns offer comfort and familiarity. Well-loved choices include:
- Amazing Grace
- How Great Thou Art
- Abide With Me
- The Lord Is My Shepherd (Crimond)
- Morning Has Broken
Classic and Contemporary Funeral Songs
Many families choose popular music that reflects their loved one’s taste. Some enduring favourites:
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| Time to Say Goodbye | Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman |
| Wind Beneath My Wings | Bette Midler |
| Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Israel Kamakawiwo’ole |
| My Way | Frank Sinatra |
| Angels | Robbie Williams |
| Supermarket Flowers | Ed Sheeran |
| You Raise Me Up | Josh Groban |
These are just a starting point. A song tied to a special memory will always mean the most.
Australian Songs for a Funeral
For many families, nothing captures a life like a song that feels unmistakably Australian, the kind that fills the local pub, the footy, the backyard and the long country drive. These can send someone off with real heart. A few much-loved choices:
- For a big singalong send-off: The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite, You’re the Voice by John Farnham, Flame Trees by Cold Chisel, and Throw Your Arms Around Me by Hunters & Collectors.
- For a gentle, reflective moment: Into My Arms by Nick Cave, Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House, and Meet Me in the Middle of the Air by Paul Kelly.
- For a country farewell: Lights on the Hill by Slim Dusty and Spirit of the Bush by Lee Kernaghan, long-time favourites across regional New South Wales.
- For a proudly Australian note: I Still Call Australia Home by Peter Allen, Great Southern Land by Icehouse, and The Carnival Is Over by The Seekers.
For a veteran, I Was Only 19 by Redgum carries deep meaning and is often played at RSL and military farewells.
A Song That Captures Their Sense of Humour
Music does not have to be solemn to be meaningful. Sometimes the most fitting choice is the daggy song they belted out every time it came on, the tune they were famous for on a night out, or the one that was hopelessly, wonderfully them. Played as people leave, a song like that can fill the room with laughter and fond memories, and that shared smile is its own kind of tribute. A cheeky, joyful send-off takes nothing away from the love in the room. For many families, it is exactly how their loved one would have wanted to be farewelled.
Tips for Choosing Funeral Songs
- Think of them, not trends. Choose music that reflects their personality, passions and life.
- Mix the moods. A blend of reflective and uplifting pieces feels balanced and true to life.
- Consider the lyrics. Read them through to be sure the words feel right for the moment.
- Ask the family. Loved ones often recall a song that was special, sparking the perfect choice.
- Check the venue. Confirm how music will be played in the space and whether you can supply tracks digitally.
A Few Practical Things to Sort Out
A few simple steps make the day run smoothly:
- Hand your songs over early. Give your chosen tracks to your funeral director well before the service so everything is cued and ready, with no scrambling on the day.
- Pin down the exact version. Many songs have several recordings, whether studio, live, the original artist or a cover. Note the one you want so the right rendition plays.
- Think about the live stream. If the service is being live streamed or recorded, mention your music early. Some recordings can be muted or blocked on streaming platforms because of copyright, and your funeral director can suggest a licensed option or a gentle alternative.
- Have a backup. A second copy on another phone or device saves any last-minute technology worries.
Choosing Your Own Funeral Songs in Advance
Many people like to choose their own music as part of pre-planning a funeral. It is a lovely and surprisingly comforting thing to do. You get the final say on the songs that mean the most to you, whether that is a hymn close to your heart, the track from your wedding day, or the tune you want everyone singing on the way out. Recording your wishes also lifts a quiet weight from your family, sparing them from guessing what you would have wanted during an already difficult time. You can simply jot your choices down for loved ones to keep, or note them with us as part of a pre-planned arrangement, and you are welcome to update them whenever you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular funeral songs in Australia?
Some of the most popular funeral songs in Australia include The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite, You’re the Voice by John Farnham, Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, and the much-loved hymn Amazing Grace. Most families blend a local favourite with a classic that suited their loved one’s taste.
How many songs do you need for a funeral?
Most services include around three to four pieces: one as guests arrive, one or two during the service, and one as people leave. Your celebrant or funeral director can help you plan the timing.
Can you play non-religious songs at a funeral?
Yes. Modern and secular songs are very common, even at religious services. The most important thing is that the music is meaningful and feels right for your family.
Can we have live music at a funeral?
Absolutely. A singer, pianist, guitarist, piper or other musician can add a deeply personal touch. Let your funeral director know and they can help arrange it.
What is a good uplifting song to end a funeral?
Many families choose something hopeful or joyful, such as What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong or a song that brings a smile and captures their loved one’s spirit.
Setting the Right Tone, Together
The right music can turn a service into a heartfelt celebration of a life. As a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home, Keith Logue & Sons can help you choose and arrange music as part of planning the funeral. If you would like a hand, our caring team is here. You are welcome to call us any time on (02) 6652 1999 or send an online enquiry whenever you are ready.
This article was written by the team at Keith Logue & Sons, a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home that has cared for families across Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast for over five decades.
[REFERENCES]
- Australian Funeral Directors Association, https://www.afda.org.au/
