Non-Religious Music for Funerals
Today, many people choose to have a non-religious funeral service yet still wish to have music at the celebration of life, however, options may feel limited when most of the suggestions found are hymns.
Most ceremonies follow a similar format, with one song at the beginning, another during the commital (while the coffin is being taken out of sight or lowered) and a third to close the funeral, while the congregation are leaving.
We have put together a few options which may be suitable for your loved ones’ funeral (or if you’re planning your own, make sure you write down your wishes and keep it somewhere safe along with your will, also perhaps tell your closest family member or friend as a back-up). We have chosen songs to suit different emotions and from different viewpoints, so take a listen and see if any of them feel fitting to include in your goodbye tribute to your loved one.
“Time to say goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli
This powerful and moving opera is a perfect way to pay tribute to your loved one.
There is great reason why this is a top choice for non-religious funerals. The lyrics are poignant and perfect for someone who had a well-lived life, and who did things “their way”.
“Thoughts of You” by Dennis Wilson
A beautiful song about loving and missing their other half, Wilson’s sombre yet peaceful tone is warming.
“Across the Universe” by The Beatles
Many say this song is perfect at depicting the stages of grief, this message of sadness will speak to all at the ceremony.
“Over the Rainbow” by Eva Cassidy
A message of hope and happiness, the acoustic version by Eva Cassidy is especially touching and feels very personal.
Originally from The Beatles, this song is about loving the world and wonderful memories but loving one person the most.
“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
Elton John reworked the lyrics of his famous song for the funeral of Princess Diana, although this song does mention heaven, it is not particularly religious. This song is a beautiful tribute on the passing of someone truly special, with meaningful lyrics which could even be printed in the order of service. Just be sure to get the reworked version, rather than the original.
“You raise me up” – Josh Groban
First performed by the original composer at the funeral of his own mother. The lyrics are a wonderful heart-warming message to your loved one who has passed away.
“What a wonderful world” by Louis Armstrong
This iconic ballad from Louis Armstrong is makes an uplifting song about appreciation.
“Smile tho' your heart is aching, Smile even tho' it's breaking,When there are clouds in the sky, You'll get by.” It’s a song about heart ache and grief, perfectly apt for a funeral congregation.
“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
A beautiful and modern song looking at loss and hope, telling a story of someone who is trying to cope with the death of their spouse.
An uplifting and upbeat song which can be seen as the person who has passed away telling friends and family not to forget about them. This is famously in the 80’s The Breakfast Club.
Instrumental pieces
If lyrics aren’t your thing, or you’d prefer one of the songs to be for refelction, here are a few instrumental pieces we suggest.
This is Fleetwood Mac at their best, a moving piece that is great for background music. The song version has vibrant and meaningful lyrics is about a strong woman.
“Adagio for Strings” by Samuel Barber
This beautiful mournful piece has been used to mark important sombre moments and was played at the funeral of Albert Einstein and broadcast in memory of Princess Diana and former US Presidents.
Elgar dedicated this to a friend who encouraged him not to give up composing after a fit of depression, it seems particularly fitting for mourners to feel the emotion of not giving up despite their loved one passing away.
Often associated with weddings, but this piece is also most fitting for funerals with it’s beautiful harmonies and powerful crescendos.
A moving and instantly recognisable piece by Bach, it is easy to see why this is touching composition of Britain’s favourite classical pieces.
Hopefully you have found something fitting for your loved one (or yourself, if you are preparing in advance on behalf of your family). If you have chosen cremation, why not take a look at Life Treasury’s placement or Home Books to hold your loved ones’ ashes along with a memory book to tell their story.