Funeral songs?

Question

A dying dude asked me to sing at his funeral and I told him I would sing him something nice. Any good ideas?

Yeah, that would be the logical response, but I already did, he wants me to pick. He doesn't care what it is as long as I do it.

He's my dad's friend. I don't know him well at all. My dad knows nothing about songs. The guy is a believer and into Jesus and stuff, but I kinda don't want to go with anything as classic as Amazing Grace or The Lord's Prayer.

Answer 1

Sounds as if he hasn't passed yet. Ask him to select a special song for you to sing.

Answer 2

I've only sang for one funeral, and that was my great-grandmothers. I did a duet with a cousin and sang "The Prayer" (Celine Dion/Andrea Bocelli). Family and friends were very pleased with the selection.

I would think a favorite hymn would also be highly appropriate. I know my grandmother has asked that I sing "In the Garden" for her funeral. And you simply can not go wrong with a classic such as "Amazing Grace". I've heard an interesting arrangement of the song recently, however I have no idea who did the arrangement.

Answer 3

I agree that Amazing Grace is a wonderful pick; there are many new arrangements out there. It is such a powerful song and its message never gets tired. The suggestion for I Can Only Imagine was also another good one. The Eastern Gate is another that points to heaven. May your voice ring true as you sing your farewell.

Answer 4

Amazing Grace is a good one, also Mansion Over the Hilltop. Another good one is The Lord's Prayer or Old Rugged Cross. You might ask your friend if any of these are what he has in mind. If not, let us know.

God bless you both.

Since you prefer something less formal - I have heard a song called "Serenaded by Angels" it is slow and beautiful. It is one you might want to consider.

Answer 5

In The Garden is a popular song for funerals. It is restful and pastoral.

Turn, Turn Turn (Pete Seeger) is nice, especially if you can get someone to accompany you with an acoustic guitar.

Angels among us (Performed by Alabama)

Dust in the Wind (Performed by Kansas)

Abide With Me

I'll Fly Away

Jesu Joy of Our Desiring

Seasons in the Sun

My Heart Will Go On (The Love Theme From Titanic,which apparently has become very popular at modern funerals)

Wind Beneath My Wings

This is one of mine. I wrote it for my deceased Grand-daughter's memorial ceremony. If you think it's appropriate, you are welcome to use it.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=430970&songID=3166165

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is a good song.
"I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra
"Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks

Answer 7

I would suggest Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here". It's a very touching song that i believe they wrote for a band member who passed and on both seasons of Rockstar, contestants sang it for loved ones they've lost and there wasn't a dry eye in the place for Marty or Storm.


Wish You Were Here

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,
blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

And did they get you trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change? And did you exchange
a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year,
running over the same old ground. What have we found?
The same old fears,
wish you were here.

Another I like is "Afterglow" by INXS that they recorded with their new singer,JD Fortune,in tribute to late vocalist Michael Hutchence.

Here I am
Lost in the light of the moon
That comes through my window
Bathed in blue
The walls of my memory
Divides the thorns from the roses
It's you and the roses

Touch me and I will follow
In your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go

I will find my way
When I see your eyes
Now I'm living
In your afterglow

Here I am
Lost in the ashes of time
But who owns tomorrow
In between
The longing to hold you again
I'm caught in your shadow
I'm losing control
My mind drifts away
We only have today

Touch me and I will follow
In your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go

I will find my way
I will sacrifice
Till that blinding day
When I see your eyes
Now I'm living
In your afterglow

When the veils are gone
As I let you go
As I let you go

Touch me and I will follow
In your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go

I will find my way
I will sacrifice
Now I'm living
In your afterglow
Bathed in blue
The walls of my memory
Divides the thorns from the roses
It's you who is closest


I think both are beautiful songs. But like others mentioned, it would be more personal to sing a special song for him, either his favorite song now or as a child or one that will remind you and/or his loved ones of him. I do think either of these would be suiting, though.

Answer 8

It depends, how old of a dude is he? what kind of music does he like? is he Christian? what kind of life did he lead? If he is a close friend YOU will know what to sing.

Answer 9

wind beneath my wings, i read somewhere it was the most popular to sing at funerals...i sang it at my grandmas funeral and made everyong cry. just done look at anyone

Answer 10

How about 'I can only Imagine', sung by Mercy Me....incredible song....especially for everyone who's left behind.....hope it goes well.