Top Funeral Songs UK – Popular Music Choices & Classical Pieces 2025

Music creates the emotional atmosphere of a funeral and helps mourners connect with memories. This guide covers the most popular funeral songs in the UK, classical pieces, modern alternatives, how to choose the right music, and when each piece plays during the service.

Quick Guide

✓Top 20 popular funeral songs in the UK
✓Classical pieces and traditional hymns
✓Modern and alternative song suggestions
✓When each piece plays during the service
✓How to choose music that honors their memory

Top 20 Popular Funeral Songs

Based on data from UK crematoriums and funeral directors, these are the most chosen funeral songs.

"My Way" – Frank Sinatra

A powerful anthem about living life on your own terms. Reflective and proud.

Best for: Entrance or reflection | Strong, independent personalities

"Time to Say Goodbye" – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman

Beautiful, emotional operatic song. Powerful farewell message.

Best for: Committal or exit | Emotional, dramatic farewell

"Over the Rainbow" – Eva Cassidy

Gentle, hopeful version of the classic. Comforting and uplifting.

Best for: Reflection or exit | Peaceful, hopeful tone

"Angels" – Robbie Williams

Touching ballad about protection and love. Very popular in UK.

Best for: Reflection | Younger person, modern feel

"Wind Beneath My Wings" – Bette Midler

Tribute to someone who supported you. Emotional and grateful.

Best for: Reflection | Parents, partners, mentors

"Abide With Me" – Traditional Hymn

Classic funeral hymn. Solemn, comforting, and traditional.

Best for: Any part of service | Traditional religious funerals

"The Lord Is My Shepherd" – Traditional

Psalm 23 set to music. Comforting religious piece.

Best for: Religious service | Any point in ceremony

"Unforgettable" – Nat King Cole

Classic, romantic song celebrating lasting memories.

Best for: Entrance or reflection | Romantic partners

"Hallelujah" – Jeff Buckley or Leonard Cohen

Deeply moving, spiritual without being overtly religious.

Best for: Reflection | Both religious and secular services

"You'll Never Walk Alone" – Gerry and the Pacemakers

Uplifting anthem of support and solidarity. Liverpool FC connection.

Best for: Exit | Football fans, community spirit

"What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

Celebrating life's beauty. Warm, nostalgic, optimistic.

Best for: Reflection or exit | Positive celebration of life

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" – Monty Python

Humorous, uplifting exit song. Perfect for those with great sense of humor.

Best for: Exit | Light-hearted, fun-loving personalities

"I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston

Powerful love song. Emotional tribute to lasting love.

Best for: Reflection | Partners, parents

"Tears in Heaven" – Eric Clapton

Written for his son. Deeply moving, about loss and hope.

Best for: Reflection | Loss of a child, young person

"Make You Feel My Love" – Adele

Bob Dylan song, Adele's version deeply emotional. About unwavering love.

Best for: Reflection | Modern, heartfelt tribute

"Candle in the Wind" – Elton John

Tribute to Princess Diana. About life cut short.

Best for: Reflection | Younger person, unexpected loss

"Let It Be" – The Beatles

Comforting message of peace and acceptance.

Best for: Reflection or exit | Beatles fans, peaceful tone

"Unchained Melody" – Righteous Brothers

Romantic classic. Longing and eternal love.

Best for: Reflection | Romantic partners

"The Best" – Tina Turner

Upbeat celebration. "Simply the best" tribute.

Best for: Exit | Uplifting celebration, strong personalities

"Danny Boy" – Traditional Irish

Emotional Irish farewell song. Timeless and moving.

Best for: Any point | Irish heritage, traditional feel

Classical Pieces

Classical music offers timeless elegance and emotional depth for funeral services.

"Nimrod" from Enigma Variations – Edward Elgar

Perhaps the most iconic British funeral music. Solemn, moving, powerful. Often used at Remembrance Day services.

"Ave Maria" – Schubert or Bach/Gounod

Beautiful sacred piece. Two famous versions—both deeply moving. Religious but universally appreciated.

"Adagio for Strings" – Samuel Barber

Intensely emotional American piece. Used in many films. Profound sadness and beauty.

"Canon in D" – Johann Pachelbel

Gentle, reflective baroque piece. Often used at weddings but equally beautiful for funerals.

"Air on the G String" – J.S. Bach

Serene, contemplative. One of Bach's most beloved works. Peaceful atmosphere.

"Pie Jesu" – Andrew Lloyd Webber (or Fauré)

Sacred choral piece meaning "merciful Jesus." Both versions are hauntingly beautiful.

"Clair de Lune" – Claude Debussy

Gentle, dreamy piano piece. Peaceful and reflective. Means "moonlight."

"The Lark Ascending" – Ralph Vaughan Williams

Beautiful British pastoral piece. Uplifting, hopeful, celebrating nature and freedom.

"Requiem" (movements) – Mozart or Verdi

Mass for the dead. Powerful choral works. Choose specific movements like "Lacrimosa" (Mozart) or "Dies Irae" (Verdi).

"Funeral March" – Frédéric Chopin

Solemn, traditional funeral music. Recognized worldwide. Very formal and dignified.

Modern and Alternative Songs

For those wanting something contemporary, unique, or reflecting modern tastes.

Modern Pop/Rock

→ "Fix You" – Coldplay
→ "The Scientist" – Coldplay
→ "Chasing Cars" – Snow Patrol
→ "Everybody Hurts" – R.E.M.
→ "Mad World" – Gary Jules
→ "A Thousand Years" – Christina Perri
→ "See You Again" – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
→ "Supermarket Flowers" – Ed Sheeran

Uplifting/Celebratory

→ "Don't Stop Me Now" – Queen
→ "Here Comes the Sun" – The Beatles
→ "Three Little Birds" – Bob Marley
→ "I've Had the Time of My Life" – Bill Medley
→ "Walking on Sunshine" – Katrina and the Waves
→ "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" – Green Day
→ "Live While We're Young" – One Direction

Country/Folk

→ "Go Rest High on That Mountain" – Vince Gill
→ "If Tomorrow Never Comes" – Garth Brooks
→ "The Dance" – Garth Brooks
→ "Wild Horses" – The Rolling Stones
→ "Blackbird" – The Beatles
→ "Songbird" – Eva Cassidy

Soul/R&B

→ "A Song for You" – Donny Hathaway
→ "Ain't No Sunshine" – Bill Withers
→ "Stand By Me" – Ben E. King
→ "I'll Be Missing You" – Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans
→ "One Sweet Day" – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men

When Music Plays During Service

Understanding when each piece of music plays helps you choose appropriately for each moment.

1. Before Service (Background Music)

Timing: As guests arrive, 15-30 minutes before service starts

Purpose: Sets the tone, creates atmosphere, comforts guests as they settle

Suggestions: Gentle, instrumental, or the deceased's favorite songs played softly. Create a 30-40 minute playlist.

Examples: Classical compilations, jazz standards, acoustic versions of favorite songs

2. Entrance Music (Processional)

Timing: As the coffin enters, 1-3 minutes

Purpose: Marks the formal start of the service. Most emotional moment for many.

Tone: Solemn, respectful, meaningful. Sets emotional tone for the service.

Popular choices: "Ave Maria," "Nimrod," "My Way," "Unforgettable," or traditional hymns

3. Reflection Music (During Service)

Timing: Mid-service, 3-5 minutes. Often after eulogy or before committal.

Purpose: Gives mourners time to reflect quietly. Emotional release point.

Tone: Most personal choice. Can be deeply emotional, uplifting, or meaningful to the deceased.

Popular choices: "Angels," "Tears in Heaven," "Hallelujah," "Wind Beneath My Wings," their favorite song

4. Committal Music (During Burial/Cremation)

Timing: As the coffin is lowered or curtains close, 1-2 minutes

Purpose: Accompanies the final farewell. Most symbolic moment.

Tone: Poignant, final. Often instrumental or very meaningful lyrics.

Popular choices: "Time to Say Goodbye," "Over the Rainbow," "Abide With Me," "Ave Maria"

5. Exit Music (Recessional)

Timing: As family leaves and guests file out, 2-3 minutes

Purpose: Closes the service. Last impression and emotional tone.

Tone: Can be uplifting, hopeful, or reflective. Many choose celebratory songs here.

Popular choices: "What a Wonderful World," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "Let It Be"

Typical Service Structure

A typical funeral service includes 3-4 pieces of music:

Entrance music as coffin arrives
Hymn or song during service (optional)
Reflection music mid-service
Committal music (burial/cremation)
Exit music as guests leave

Need Help Planning the Music?

Funeral directors and celebrants can guide you through music choices and ensure the sound system works properly. Get quotes from local funeral directors to find one who understands your vision.

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How to Choose the Right Music

These questions help you select music that truly honors your loved one.

1. Did they have a favorite song?

The most personal choice. Even if unconventional, their favorite song is meaningful. "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is now a top funeral song because people loved it.

2. What tone do you want to set?

Different songs create different atmospheres:

→ Solemn and traditional: Hymns, classical
→ Emotional and moving: "Angels," "Tears in Heaven"
→ Uplifting and celebratory: "What a Wonderful World"
→ Light-hearted: Monty Python, upbeat favorites

3. Consider their personality and values

Were they traditional or modern? Religious or secular? Fun-loving or serious? Let music reflect who they were.

4. Think about the audience

Will the song resonate with attendees? Will it comfort or confuse? Balance personal choice with what will be meaningful to mourners.

5. Check venue restrictions

Some religious venues restrict secular music. Some crematoriums have audio limitations. Confirm your choices work with the venue.

6. Live music vs recorded?

Recorded: More song options, cheaper (often free), consistent quality

Live: Personal touch, can be performed by family member, more emotional impact. Cost: £200-£600.

7. Listen before deciding

Play the song in full. Read the lyrics carefully. Some songs have unexpected meanings or verses you might not want at a funeral.

Practical Considerations

Audio Format

Most crematoriums and venues accept:

→ USB flash drive (MP3 files) - most common
→ CD (bring backup in case of issues)
→ Streaming (Spotify, YouTube) - check venue allows this
→ Phone/tablet aux connection - least reliable

Tip: Bring music on both USB and CD as backup. Label clearly with song names and order.

Timing and Length

→Entrance/Exit: Choose songs 2-4 minutes long
→Reflection: Full song (3-5 minutes)
→Committal: 1-2 minutes (may fade out)
→Total service: 30-45 minutes typical

Copyright and Permissions

Good news: You don't need to worry about music licensing for funerals. Crematoriums and funeral venues have blanket licenses covering virtually all music.

Exception: If you're filming the service to share online, you may need permission. Check with the venue.

Test the Audio

Arrive 15 minutes early (or have funeral director test beforehand):

→ Check songs play in correct order
→ Test volume levels
→ Confirm files aren't corrupted
→ Have backup ready

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we play explicit or unusual songs?

Technically yes, but consider your audience. If the deceased loved a song with profanity, some families use edited versions or choose a different song. Others embrace it as authentic to the person. It's your choice, but be aware some guests may be uncomfortable.

How many songs should we choose?

Typically 3-5 songs: entrance, 1-2 during service (reflection, hymn), committal, and exit. You can also have background music before the service starts.

What if we can't afford live musicians?

Recorded music is perfectly acceptable and most common. High-quality recordings sound beautiful and cost nothing. Many people prefer hearing the original artist's version anyway.

Can family members perform music?

Yes, if they feel able to. It's deeply personal and meaningful. However, emotions can be overwhelming, so always have a recorded backup in case they can't go through with it.

What if family members disagree on music choices?

Prioritize what the deceased would have wanted. If unknown, try to accommodate multiple preferences: one person's choice for entrance, another's for reflection. Music can be inclusive.

Get Help Planning Your Funeral Music

Funeral directors and celebrants can help you choose appropriate music, coordinate audio equipment, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Get quotes from experienced professionals in your area.