Songs are often used at funeral services to express the feelings of those left behind towards the death of a loved one. Songs can provide comfort, solace and joy to those that are grieving in a way that is essentially universal—almost anyone emotionally comforted by a song. The type of songs used at funeral services will depend on the individuals planning the funeral. For example, some people may choose more somber, religious music to mourn the departed loved one, while others may choose to utilize joyful and upbeat music to celebrate the life of the deceased. Some loved ones may choose to play music which was enjoyed by the deceased as a way to remember the life that has passed on.
Many songs which are chosen to be played at funerals include lyrics which touch on the death of the deceased, but they are mostly targeted towards the loved ones who are still left behind. Songs that include lyrics which express sorrow and joy intermingled are very common. Also popular are songs which are uplifting and hopeful, such as those that indicate the presence of a peaceful afterlife or an end to suffering and pain. Religious music is also common, and may run the gamut from a somber piece about the importance of adhering to religious principles to an uplifting song about reuniting with loved ones someday.
The following are the lyrics of two very popular songs which are commonly used at funeral services.
Celine Dion—Fly
Fly, fly little wing
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven’s love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem’ry bittersweet
Until we meet
Fly, fly do not fear
Don’t waste a breath, don’t shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don’t wait for me
Above the universe you’ll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won’t forget
Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light
The above song is clearly sorrowful, but provides comfort to the living through the hope that the loved one is now in a better place without pain—in particular, the Christian heaven—and will be met again by their loved ones after they too, pass away. This song was actually written by the singer about the impending death of a young child relative, and because of this is especially popular among loved ones who have also lost a young family member.
The below song is a way for loved ones to memorialize the deceased through a song that indicates they were someone who provided joy and other positive experiences to their life. This song is also considerably popular at funeral services and memorial services because of its reflective and uplifting message, which promotes the idea that the influence of the departed loved one will continue on despite their passing.
The Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way
You always walked a step behind
So I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
A beautiful face without a name for so long
A beautiful smile to hide the pain
Did you ever know that you’re my hero
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I’ve got it all here in my heart
I want you to know, I know the truth, of course I know it
I would be nothing without you
Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?
You’re everything, everything I wish I could be
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
Oh, the wind beneath my wings
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings
Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings
Songs can provide comfort, solace, and memories to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Songs can also be a reminder of something the deceased enjoyed. Funeral songs have been popular for centuries and will continue to be popular because music is a universal way to express emotion and to receive comfort.
