22 Traditional Funeral Songs
It can be a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the perfect piece of music to pay respect to our loved ones. Our musical choices are a unique opportunity to showcase the personality and musical tastes of the deceased. Funeral music is also an opportunity to set the tone or atmosphere of the procession.
With traditional funerals, there are several musical pieces that have accompanied processions for hundreds of years – some of the music we associate with funerals were even written for funerals. Check out our list of traditional funeral music.
Traditional Funeral List Songs
- The Lord Is My Shepherd
- Farjeon – Morning Has Broken
- Williams/Hughes – Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
- Blake/Parry – Jerusalem
- Newman/Purday – Lead Kindly Light
- Bob Dufford – Be Not Afraid
- John Glyn – I Watch The Sunrise
- Chopin – Piano Sonata No2 (Funeral March)
- Hubert Parry – Elegy for Brahms
- Brahms – Horn Trio
- Tchaikovsky- Piano Trio in A minor (Op. 50)e
- Tavener – Song For Athene
- The Last Post
- Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord
- Peace In The Valley
- Amazing Grace
- Lead Me Gently Home
- I’ll Fly Away
- How Great Thou Art
Traditional hymns for funerals
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He leadeth me besides the still waters
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He leadeth me besides the still waters
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
For you are with me
You will comfort me
You are with me
You will comfort me
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life
And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever
Forever
Forever
Forever
You can’t get much more traditional than a hymn based on a passage from the Bible. The lyrics from “Lord Is My Shepherd” are taken from Psalm 23, which talks of God guiding his flock, us, through life and into the afterlife. This hymn offers comfort and hope, and the “green pastures” mentioned in the song have been closely tied to Britain. One of the most popular hymns, this song is a fitting piece of traditional funeral music and offers hope as well as a final goodbye.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul”
Farjeon – Morning Has Broken
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Written in 1931 by English author Eleanor Farjeon, this hymn has become one of the most popular hymns to be sung at funerals. Many of us will have grown up singing this hymn at school in morning assemblies, so you can expect that many of the people in attendance will know this song, and often it is a good idea to choose a piece of music that people will be able to sing along to. With a cheerful melody and hopeful lyrics, Morning Has Broken is about life and renewal. You could categorise it as a “happy” hymn and would be suitable for creating a hopeful, and celebratory atmosphere.
“Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world”
Lyte/Monk – Abide With Me
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me
One of the most sung hymns at funerals, this hymn is a prayer that asks God to stay with us in death, as he did with us in life. The hymn was written by a Scottish Anglican minister, Henry Lyte, in 1847 and was sung at his own funeral. Abide With Me has been sung at British funerals ever since.
“Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.”
Whittier/Parry – Dear Lord and And Father Of Mankind
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways;
reclothe us in our rightful mind,
in purer lives thy service find,
in deeper reverence, praise.
In simple trust like theirs who heard
beside the Syrian sea
the gracious calling of the Lord,
let us, like them, without a word
rise up and follow thee.
O Sabbath rest by Galilee,
O calm of hills above,
where Jesus knelt to share with thee
the silence of eternity,
interpreted by love!
Drop thy still dews of quietness,
till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
thy coolness and thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” is another traditional funeral hymn, with words taken from a poem by an American Quaker Poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. The words describe how we should try and find peace and selflessness in death, and so it is ideal to set a calm and reflective atmosphere. In 2005, the hymn was voted the U.K.’s second favourite hymn, and so naturally it has featured in many processions over the years. If you’re looking for a suitable hymn to say goodbye to your loved ones, this would be a fine choice.
“Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.”
Williams/Hughes – Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
Psalter Hymnal, (Gray)
This hymn is a good choice for those looking for music that is a little more celebratory, and triumphant. After all, funerals are also an opportunity to celebrate the life that our loved ones lived, as well as to say goodbye. Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer is sung at both weddings and funerals, and the lyrics here offer a moment of comfort, in the image of God leading us to heaven. This hymn was written in 1745 by William Williams, and the tune, Cwm Rhondda, was written by John Hughes in 1905 – it has become an anthem for the Welsh.
“Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
Feed me till I want no more.
Feed me till I want no more.”
Blake/Parry – Jerusalem
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear: o clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariots of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight;
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land.
A stirring and patriotic tune, Jerusalem is Britain’s unofficial anthem and is favoured by many for its lyrics describing the U.K.’s beautiful green pastures. This hymn has become a favourite choice for funerals, and so it has become traditional funeral music. Triumphant in nature, this piece of music is ideal for those wanting to create an air of celebration when saying goodbye to loved ones.
“And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?”
Newman/Purday – Lead Kindly Light
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Lead, kindly light, amid
the encircling gloom,
lead thou me on;
the night is dark, and
I am far from home;
lead thou me on.
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
the distant scene; one step
enough for me.
I was not ever
thus, nor prayed that thou
shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and
see my path; but now
lead thou me on.
I loved the garish day,
and, spite of fears,
pride ruled my will: remember not
past years.
So long thy power
hath blest me, sure it still
will lead me on,
o’er moor and fen, o’er
crag and torrent, till
the night is gone,
and with the morn those
angel faces smile,
which I have loved long
since, and lost awhile.
Amen
This hymn was written by the English writer Jan Struther in 1931. The hymn has become a traditional funeral song ever since, with hopeful lyrics that ask God to be with us throughout the day. Uplifting and comforting, with words talking about peace in the afterlife, this hymn is a great choice to offer calm at a funeral.
“Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom
Lead thou me on
The night is dark, and I am far from home
Lead thou me on
Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see
The distant scene, one step enough for me”
Bob Dufford – Be Not Afraid
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
You shall cross the barrenn desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words to foreign men
And they will understand
You shall see the face of God and live
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
If you pass through raging waters in the sea
You shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames
You shall not be harmed
If you stand before the power of hell
And death is at your side
Know that I am with you through it all
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
And blessed are your poor
For the kingdom shall be theirs
Blest are you that weep and mourn
For one day you shall laugh
And if wicked men insult and hate you
All because of me
Blessed, blessed are you
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
Traditional hymns weren’t all written in the 1700 and 1800s, as popular music took a turn in the 1960s, many Christians took to writing hymns again in the folk revival at the time. There is now a great list of ‘new’ traditional hymns.
Bob Dufford’s “Be Not Afraid” was written in 1972, and the hymn has become greatly loved as both prayer and funeral music. The lyrics talk about finding comfort and strength through difficult times, so it is well-fitting music for a funeral.
You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words to foreign men
And they will understand
You shall see the face of God and live”
John Glyn – I Watch The Sunrise
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
I watch the sunrise lighting the sky,
Casting its shadows near.
And on this morning, bright thought it be,
I feel those shadows near me.
But you are always, close to me,
Following all my ways.
May I be always close to you,
Following all your ways, Lord.
I watch the sunlight shine through the clouds,
Warming the earth below.
And at the mid-day, life seems to say:
I feel your brightness near me.
For you are always…. (Refrain)
I watch the sunset fading away,
Lighting the clouds with sleep.
And as the evening closes it eyes,
I feel your presence near me.
For you are always…. (Refrain)
I watch the moonlight guarding the night,
Waiting till morning comes.
The air is silent, earth is at rest
Only your peace is near me.
Yes, you are always….. (Refrain)
Another folk-style hymn, this one was written by John Glynn in 1970, a Roman Catholic priest. I Watch The Sunrise is a Christian hymn about reflection, peace, and faith. This funeral hymn is an uplifting choice for funeral services and celebrations of life.
“I watch the sunrise lighting the sky,
Casting its shadows near.
And on this morning bright though it be,
I feel those shadows near me.”
Traditional classical music written for funerals
Chopin – Piano Sonata No2 (Funeral March)
Chopin’s Piano Sonata No2 is perhaps the most famous piece of piano music ever composed. Better known as the ‘funeral march’, this piece of music has been used in state funerals for generations, most recently at the Queen’s funeral. Grand, and unapologetically sad, this piece of music has marked funerals for nearly 200 years.
Even in death He remembered
The thief hanging by His side
Then he spoke of love and compassion
And He took him to paradise
It’s got to be love
Hubert Parry – Elegy for Brahms
Classical composers have often written specifically for funerals – elegies and memoriams is the name given to these pieces. The Elegy for Brahms is a short symphonic movement written by Hubert Parry in 1897. It was written shortly after the death of Johannes Brahms, whom Parry considered the greatest artist of the time. Gentle, stirring, and contemplative, this piece of music is a great choice for a funeral and a fitting celebration for a loved one.
Brahms – Horn Trio
Brahms’s Horn Trio is a contemplative, slow, and thoughtful piece of music written for natural horn, violin, and piano. Composed in 1865, the work is dedicated to Brahms’s mother, Christiane, who died earlier that year. Although a lesser-known piece of music, this is a great choice for someone looking for a contemplative, hopeful piece of music to say goodbye to their loved ones.
“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art”
Tchaikovsky- Piano Trio in A minor (Op. 50)e
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Trio in A minor, Op. 50, is scored for piano, violin, and cello. Another intensely melancholic piece, it was written in Rome between December 1881 and late January 1882. It is subtitled “À la mémoire d’un grand artiste” [In memory of a great artist], referring to Nikolai Rubinstein, his close friend, who had recently died. This piece of music is a fine choice to mark the passing of a loved one.
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never, ever walk alone.
Tavener – Song For Athene
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Alleluia, Alleluia.
May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Remember me O Lord, when you come into your kingdom.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Give rest O Lord to your handmaid, who has fallen asleep.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Choir of Saints have found the well-spring of life and door of paradise.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Life a shadow and a dream.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Weeping at the grave creates the song Alleluia.
Come, enjoy rewards and crowns I have prepared for you.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The music for “Song for Athene” was written by British composer John Tavener, with its lyrics being written by Mother Thekla, an Orthodox nun. The music is written for a four-part choir and is sung unaccompanied. The result is a beautiful and sorrowful tune, ideal for a funeral. It is Tavener’s best-known work, after being performed at the funeral service of Diana, Princess of Wales. Again, intensely melancholic, this song is a fit for those wanting to create a tender and sorrowful ambiance.
The Last Post
Eternally tied to remembrance, The Last Post is played every year to mark those lost at war. The Last Post has also been the soundtrack to military funerals where it is sounded as a final farewell and symbolises the fact that the duty of the soldier is over – and that now they can rest in peace. If your loved one was in the military, then playing The Last Post would be a fitting reminder, and a suitable way to say goodbye.
Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending
Where the previous classical pieces mentioned in this article have been melancholic, Vaughan William’s “The Lark Ascending” sounds more hopeful. Brighter, with open and singing violin melodies written to sound like birdsong, this music paints a picture of a beautiful English landscape as the sun sets on a long day. If you’re wanting to paint a more optimistic and hopeful picture, then you should consider choosing The Lark Ascending to play at your loved ones’ funeral.
Traditional gospel music written for funerals
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
When my way groweth drear
Precious Lord, linger near-ear
When my li-ight is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my ha-and lest I fa-all
Take my hand, precious Lor-ord
Lead me on
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me sta-and
I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the li-ight
Take my ha-and, precious Lor-ord
Lead me home
When my work is all done
And my race here is are you-un
Let me see-ee by the light
Thou hast shown
That fair city so bright
Where the lantern is the li-ight
Take my ha-and, precious Lor-ord
Lead me on
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me sta-and
I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the li-ight
Take my ha-and, precious Lor-ord
Lead me home
The gospel music created in north america at the start of the century has made many songs become ‘new traditional’ music for funerals. One of these is “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” This song is a comforting hymn that talks about passing into the afterlife and being guided by God. We think that Mahalia Jackson’s version is the best, with her beautiful and sorrowful voice leading the piece.
Peace In The Valley
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Oh well, I’m tired and so weary
But I must go alone
‘Til the Lord comes and calls
Calls me away, oh yes
Well, the morning’s so bright
And the lamp is alight
And the night
Night is as black as the sea, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
No trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me
Well the bear will be gentle
And the wolves will be tame
And the lion shall lay down
By the lamb, oh yes
And the beasts from the wild
Shall be lit by a child
And I’ll be changed
Changed from this creature that I am, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
Oh my Lord, no trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me
Another classic gospel tune, the lyrics of this song talk of the peace and happiness felt after passing, a soothing message for loved ones to hear at a funeral. We think Mahalia’s version is another stunning interpretation, and it casts a hopeful and calming atmosphere, a quietly uplifting song.
“There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
Oh my Lord, no trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me”
Amazing Grace
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see
This track might no need an introduction – Amazing Grace is perhaps the most famous gospel songs ever recorded, and there are thousands of fantastic interpretations. It is beloved because of its beautiful melody and hopeful lyrics.
“When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun”
Lead Me Gently Home
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
When life’s toils are ended and parting days have come
Sin no more will tempt me there from Thee I’ll roam
If you’ll only lead me father lead me gently home
Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
If I fall upon the wayside lead me gently home
Lead me gently home father lead me gently home
If life’s darkest hours father when my troubles come
Keep my feet from wandering there from Thee I’ll roam
Lest I fall upon the wayside lead me gently home
Oh lead me gently home
This gospel funeral song has a comforting message, reminding us that we are going “home” when we pass into the afterlife. Describing be lead by the hand, just as a child is lead by their parents, this song paints a gentle picture of God as a caring father. We think that Johnny Cash’s country/gospel rendition is a standout, and a fitting style for a funeral.
“Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
When life’s toils are ended and parting days have come
Sin no more will tempt me there from Thee I’ll roam
If you’ll only lead me father lead me gently home”
I’ll Fly Away
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Some glad morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To a land where joy shall never end
I’ll, I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh, glory
I’ll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye
I’ll fly away
A gospel classic, I’ll Fly Away is a popular choice for funerals. It is an ubpeat, positive and hopeful song that describes passing as a thing of freedom, and the ability of “flying away” from this land to find peace. Hank Williams’ version is a classic, and is a great choice for traditional gospel funeral music that is a little more upbeat.
How Great Thou Art
Listen or purchase Apple Music
Listen or purchase on Amazon Music
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Elvis released How Great Thou Art in 1967, and the album is a mix between Gospel and Country music – slow, tender, and soothing. It is neither sad nor happy, but contemplative and calming – this is a great message for children to give their mum or dad, and a reflective mood to set the tone of the procession. We think the song How Great Thou Art is well-suited to a funeral, it was originally a hymn and is written from the perspective of someone ascending to heaven – it was voted Britain’s favourite hymn in 2000. It talks about saying goodbye to this world and moving on to the next. If your loved one was religious as well as being an Elvis fan, this might be a good pick to show both sides of their personality.
“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart,
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art”