Funerals are profound occasions, marking both an end and a commemorative celebration of a life. While traditional music at funerals often includes hymns or classical pieces, some may choose to celebrate their loved ones with songs that are less conventional but deeply meaningful. This list of ten unusual but beautiful songs offers alternatives that might not typically be associated with funerals but can provide a unique and personal touch to the ceremony.
1. “Into the West” by Annie Lennox
Featured in the soundtrack of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” this song is imbued with themes of journeying into the unknown and finding peace after struggle. Its ethereal quality and poignant lyrics make it a fitting tribute for someone who had a sense of adventure or who loved epic stories and themes of heroism and final rest.
2. “Saturn” by Sleeping at Last
This song, with its sweeping orchestral arrangements and tender vocals, contemplates the beauty and transient nature of life. The lyrics “How rare and beautiful it truly is that we exist” can resonate deeply at a funeral, providing a moment of reflection on the uniqueness of the deceased’s life and the preciousness of life in general.
3. “Holocene” by Bon Iver
Bon Iver is known for his introspective and often somber music. “Holocene” is a meditative, soft-spoken song that reflects on human insignificance in the face of the vast, ageless world, yet simultaneously celebrates the personal significance of individual experiences. This duality can be comforting in the context of a funeral, recognizing both the small place we occupy in the universe and the large impact we have on the lives of others.
4. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
This haunting track is about love, loss, and regret, making it profoundly suitable for a funeral. Its chorus, “I had all and then most of you, some and now none of you,” speaks to the heart of loss but also to the deep connection that remains through memory. It’s a beautiful choice for commemorating a significant relationship.
5. “On Your Porch” by The Format
This song is a narrative about life’s trials and the enduring strength of relationships through difficult times. Its gentle acoustics and heartfelt lyrics can provide comfort and a sense of closeness during a funeral, celebrating the supportive bonds the deceased may have offered others during their lifetime.
6. “Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon
Written as a farewell song by Zevon when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, this song is a straightforward, touching reminder of enduring love and remembrance. Its simplicity and directness can be incredibly moving, making it an appropriate tribute to someone who was straightforward and deeply cherished.
7. “HoppÃpolla” by Sigur Rós
Though the lyrics are in Icelandic, the universal feeling of joy and nostalgia in “HoppÃpolla” transcends language barriers. Its uplifting, soaring instrumental sections and the overall sense of hope and triumph make it an inspiring choice for celebrating a life well-lived.
8. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
Originally written for the soundtrack of “Furious 7” as a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, this song has become a modern anthem for saying goodbye to loved ones while holding onto the hope that it’s not the final goodbye. Its contemporary sound and heartfelt lyrics make it particularly suitable for a younger person or someone who was a fan of the franchise.
9. “Blackbird” by The Beatles
“Blackbird” is a song about overcoming adversity and finding one’s path in the face of difficulty. Its gentle melody and hopeful lyrics can be particularly comforting, symbolizing the peace and freedom that many hope comes after death.
10. “Sailing” by Rod Stewart
“Sailing” is often interpreted as a song about returning home or journeying to a final resting place. Its metaphor of sailing across an expansive sea can be a soothing image at a funeral, representing the soul’s passage from this life to the next.
Conclusion
Choosing funeral music is a deeply personal decision that reflects the life and preferences of the deceased and their family. While traditional songs have their place, these unusual choices can add a unique and personal touch that celebrates the individuality of the loved one. Each song listed here offers something different—a reflection on life, a celebration of love, or a contemplation of the journey beyond. Music has the power to bring comfort, provoke thought, and commemorate a life in a way that words alone cannot. At a funeral, these songs can help express the complex tapestry of grief and celebration, providing a fitting farewell to a cherished life.
