Choosing music for a funeral is one of the most personal decisions a family makes. The right song can capture something true about the person — their spirit, their tastes, the things they loved — and create a moment in the service that everyone in the room will carry with them long after it ends.
Below are some of the songs chosen most often at UK funerals today, and some thoughts on why they resonate. This list focuses on popular and contemporary pieces; if you are looking for hymns and classical music, we have a separate guide to those too.
My Way — Frank Sinatra
For decades, My Way has ranked at or near the top of surveys of popular funeral music in the UK. Its message — a life lived on its own terms, with no apologies — resonates across generations and backgrounds. If someone in your family “did it their way,” this song says so better than any eulogy could.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow — Eva Cassidy
Eva Cassidy’s recording carries an emotional weight that the original does not — partly because of her own story, and partly because of the extraordinary delicacy of her performance. It speaks of somewhere better, somewhere peaceful. Suitable for services with almost any tone.
Wind Beneath My Wings — Bette Midler
A tribute to someone who carried others quietly and without recognition — a parent, a partner, a friend who supported everyone around them without ever seeking anything in return. For many families, this is exactly the song.
Hallelujah — Jeff Buckley or Alexandra Burke
Few songs are requested more consistently at UK funerals. Both versions work: Jeff Buckley’s is raw and intimate; Alexandra Burke’s is sweeping and powerful. The lyrics can feel abstract, but emotionally it lands every time. Discuss with your funeral director which version works best in your venue.
Fix You — Coldplay
One of the most requested contemporary choices of the past decade. The build from quiet piano to full sound mirrors the arc of grief in a way that feels almost intentional — and for families who loved contemporary music, it carries genuine meaning without feeling inappropriate.
Time to Say Goodbye — Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
The Italian original, Con Te Partirò, translates as “I will go with you.” The English version — with its explicit farewell — is one of the most commonly chosen pieces for the moment of committal. Beautiful, formal and emotionally direct.
Angels — Robbie Williams
Regularly at the top of UK funeral song surveys, Angels speaks of being watched over after death — a quietly comforting thought. Well-known enough that many in the room will know the words.
What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong
A celebration rather than a farewell — ideal for someone who lived with joy and gratitude. The simplicity and warmth of the recording makes it one of the most uplifting choices a family can make for the service.
You Raise Me Up — Josh Groban
A powerful, stirring piece about the strength we draw from those we love. Chosen particularly often for parents and grandparents — people whose influence shaped those left behind.
Bridge Over Troubled Water — Simon and Garfunkel
Enduring for a reason. The lyric — “I will lay me down” — works on multiple levels at a funeral, and the emotional reach of the song is enormous. Works well as a recorded piece or performed live.
Perfect — Ed Sheeran
Increasingly chosen for funerals, particularly for a partner or spouse. The intimacy of the lyric makes it a deeply personal choice, and its familiarity means most in the room will feel it immediately.
Amazing Grace
One of the most widely known hymns in the English-speaking world, Amazing Grace works equally well as a traditional hymn — with the congregation singing — or as a solo or instrumental piece. Its message of peace and redemption makes it appropriate for almost any service.
A practical note on music at the venue
Most crematoria and churches have CD or streaming facilities, and some have live organists or are happy to accommodate live musicians. Discuss the possibilities with your funeral director early — it affects the practical planning of the service. If you want a particular recording rather than a cover version, make sure the venue can accommodate it.
A personal note: music beyond the service
When my father passed away, we created a Spotify playlist called Lifetime of Memories — a collection of songs from different chapters of his life, compiled by family and friends. It was played at the wake, and it sparked conversations that wouldn’t otherwise have happened: surprise at some of the choices, recognition in others, stories that came out because a particular song reminded someone of a particular moment.
We printed a QR code on the order of service that linked directly to the playlist. Guests could scan it during or after the service and find the music whenever they wanted to remember him.
It is a small thing, but it made the order of service more than a running order. It became part of the tribute itself — and guests told us they still listen to it.
If you would like to include something like this in your order of service, we can help. A QR code can link to a playlist, a memorial page, a video, or anything else you would like to share.
Creating a bespoke order of service
At Fitting Farewell, we create your order of service for you — you don’t edit a template. You tell us about the person, share any music, readings or photographs you have in mind, and your designer creates something personal and beautifully printed. Every order of service includes bespoke design, high-quality print and next-day UK delivery — all at one transparent price, with nothing extra to pay.
