At Funerals by Design, we often ask families a simple but powerful question: “If your loved one had one song to sum up their life, what would it be?”
It might sound like a bit of fun, but this question opens the door to something much deeper.
Music is memory.
It’s laughter, love, sorrow, and soul.
It’s the goosebumps you get when you hear that song, the one that feels like a time machine.
And when it comes to farewells, the right song can transform a funeral or memorial into something unforgettable. It can bring people together, make them smile through tears, and say what words sometimes can’t.
Whether you’re planning your own send-off or creating a playlist for someone special, we’re here to help you choose music that truly means something.
Funeral Music Doesn’t Have to Be Sad, Slow or Solemn
When many people picture a funeral, they imagine formal or religious music. And while that’s absolutely right for some, it’s not the only way to honour a life.
Maybe your loved one would’ve hated the idea of mournful organ music. Maybe they would’ve preferred Fleetwood Mac, INXS, or a bit of Elton John.
Music can be joyful. It can be nostalgic. It can be funny, bold, rebellious or even unexpected. A well-chosen track can lighten the mood, spark laughter, or simply reflect the spirit of the person being remembered.
We’ve helped families plan farewells with:
- Disco playlists
- Pub classics
- Jazz favourites
- Acoustic indie tracks
- Even a spontaneous dance-off to ABBA
After all, it’s your goodbye so it should sound like you!
Creating a Farewell Playlist: Where Do You Start?
When it comes to creating a farewell playlist, there are no rules, only what feels right for you or your loved one.
However, to help inspire your choices, we’ve created some lists of our most requested songs, sorted by style and emotion.
Timeless Classics
Perfect for setting a heartfelt, reflective tone.
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
- You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Contemporary & Modern Favourites
Modern songs that carry deep emotional meaning.
- See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
- Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
- The Scientist – Coldplay
- Photograph – Ed Sheeran
- Memories – Maroon 5
- How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
- Lay Me Down – Sam Smith & John Legend
- Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy
- Angels – Robbie Williams
Uplifting & Celebratory
For farewells that feel more like a celebration of life.
- Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
- Happy – Pharrell Williams
- I’ve Had the Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
- Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
- You Raise Me Up – Westlife
Instrumental & Classical
Gentle, soothing options for moments of quiet reflection.
- Clair de Lune – Debussy
- Canon in D – Pachelbel
- The Lark Ascending – Vaughan Williams
- River Flows in You – Yiruma
- Adagio for Strings – Barber
- Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
Gospel & Spiritual
Music that brings comfort, faith and a sense of peace.
- Amazing Grace – Traditional
- I’ll Fly Away – Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch
- His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Lauryn Hill
- Abide With Me – Various Artists
- Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill
- How Great Thou Art – Carrie Underwood
Unexpected, Quirky & Personal
Because sometimes the best tribute is the one that makes people smile.
- Highway to Hell – AC/DC (yes, really)
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
- Send in the Clowns – Judy Collins
- Thank You for Being a Friend – Andrew Gold
- You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones
- Closing Time – Semisonic
Don’t forget, you can also find inspiration online.
Spotify has hundreds of curated funeral and memorial playlists across every genre, including classical, acoustic, gospel, modern, and more.
If your loved one had a Spotify account, scroll through their playlists or liked songs. Often, the music they listened to most holds beautiful clues to who they were and how they’d want to be remembered.
Live Performances Make It Personal
One of the most touching ways to include music in a farewell is through live performance.
Whether it’s a family member playing the guitar, a friend singing a favourite ballad, or the grandchildren performing a song they used to sing with Nan, these moments are unforgettable. The rawness, the nerves and the love all add a layer of intimacy you can’t get from a recording.
And if someone performs using the loved one’s own instrument? That’s powerful.
We’ve seen mourners play Dad’s old harmonica, Mum’s beloved piano, or Grandad’s vintage guitar, bringing their presence into the room in a way no words could.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
If you’re thinking about including a live performance, we can help coordinate the logistics, set up the sound, and create a supportive environment that encourages even the most nervous performers to share their tribute.
Your Soundtrack, Your Story
At Funerals by Design, we know there’s no “right” way to say goodbye.
Some people want strings and silence. Others want dancing and daggy singalongs. We’re here for all of it.
When you work with us, we’ll help you build a farewell playlist that’s as unique as the life it’s celebrating. Whether that’s one song or twenty, it’ll be the soundtrack that tells your story,your way.
Want help planning a farewell that feels more personal and less traditional?
Contact Funerals by Design for a conversation that’s honest, warm, and completely tailored to you.
