Music is a traditional part of most funeral services. This can be classical music, it can be a live performance by an individual or group if you so wish, or it may be contemporary or even somewhat eccentric depending on the character of the deceased. Music is traditionally played at one or more of five points during the service and we offer a list of popular hymns and music for funerals below.

Music is traditionally played at one or more of five points during the service:

Entrance

This is the music played whilst the coffin is carried into the Chapel

Reflection

This is music played during the service giving family and friends time to think and reflect

Hymns

Communal songs can be a nice addition. For Hymn suggestions please see below

Committal

Music is sometimes played during the committal of the deceased. The celebrant will often speak the committal whilst the music is playing

Exit

Music that is played at the end of the service and whilst the guests leave.

All local crematoria have facilities for downloading a vast range of music for your service. Many use a site called Wesley Music, however Southend Crematorium uses Obitus Music. They have a huge range of music from classical to electro pop on their servers and they are usually able to provide music not listed on their database if requested. The exception to this is live music and this can be arranged and organised for you by any good Funeral Director.

Whatever your music needs your funeral director will be able to check availability and advise you on whether certain music is available at your crematorium.

Popular Hymns for funerals
Below we have compiled a list of the most popular hymns for a variety of funeral types.

Popular hymns
  • The Lord is My Shepherd
  • Abide With Me
  • Amazing Grace
  • Morning Has Broken
  • Jerusalem
  • All Things Bright and Beautiful
  • How Great Thou Art
  • The Old Rugged Cross
  • I Watch the Sunrise
  • Ave Maria
Catholic funeral hymns
  • Ave Maria
  • I Am The Bread of Life
  • How Great Thou Art
  • Amazing Grace
Church of England hymns
  • Dear Lord and Father
  • Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
  • Lord of All Hopefulness
  • Jerusalem

Popular Songs for funerals
There is often time in the service to think back over your loved one’s life, to grieve and to let go. When thinking about music during the service consider what they enjoyed and what they meant to you, and then try to choose music based on those reflections. Below are a few suggestions for music tracks that are suitable for a variety of funerals.

Songs for your Mum
  • Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
  • Angel by Sarah McLachlan
  • You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
Songs for your Dad
  • Hero by Mariah Carey
  • Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
  • Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
Songs for your Partner
  • I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
  • Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
  • Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
Songs for a Child
  • There You’ll Be by Faith hill
  • Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLachlan
  • This Little Light of Mine
  • Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
Songs about Angels
  • Angels by Robbie Williams
  • Jealous of the Angels by Bostic
  • Touched by an Angel by Stevie Nicks
Joyful funeral music
  • Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python
  • What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
  • Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds

Can we help you?

If you wish to talk to one of our funeral arrangers about our services please get in touch.
01702 436000 Contact us online Get A Bespoke Quote

Testimonials

I just want to say a huge thank you for allowing me to say hello and goodbye to my birth mother Pat W. I never gave up searching for her and really appreciate your help and understanding in allowing me to finish this so beautifully

Linda - Oct 2018

To all the team at Penrose,

Thankyou so much for the dignified way that you conducted my husband’s funeral. It was all I could have wished for under difficult circumstances.

Also for the kind and caring attitude you all had towards myself and my family,

Thank you once again,

Frances Curtis - January 2021

Dear all at Penrose,

thank you so very much for all of your help, care and advice in arranging the funeral of the late Christopher L****. We appreciate all of your kindness and professional services during this difficult time.

Kind regards

Pauline, Jimmy, Lauren, Jack and Jim - June 2024

We would like to thank you for your compassionate and caring handling of the funeral of Alan Jones.

Myself, Colin, Ian and all the family found the experience a lot easier to cope with, your calm and professional attitude was very much appreciated

Sheila, Colin and Ian Jones and Family - May 2019

To Penrose Funerals,

Thank you for taking excellent care of our dad Greg. You made a hard time easier with your kindness and your kindness and generosity meant so much. You made the day run smoothly and a special thank you to Jeremy and the staff on the 6th of October.

Forever Grateful

Gregory Hall’s daughters, son and family - 10th October 2022

Thank you so much for the way you dealt with my husband Dennis’ funeral. It was done with great dignity and respect and for your kindness!

Mandi Martin - October 2018

To all the staff at Penrose Funeral Services,

Thank you all so much for being so helpful and kind at a very difficult time. Keep up the excellent, friendly service.

Kind regards

Sonia and family - May 2018

Dear Nathan, Brendan and Jeremy

Thank you on behalf of myself and all the family for all your help and excellent service from beginning to end!

Kind regards

Natalie Cann - November 2022
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