Funeral Hymns

Just like all other forms of music, funeral hymns can be happy, sad, sombre or uplifting. At a time when it can be difficult to find the right words, hymns can provide a healthy release for the emotions we’re feeling. The act of singing can help create a sense of togetherness at a funeral when many in attendance will need it.

Entrance hymns for funerals

Music helps mark the start and end of a funeral service. The music people choose can set the tone of the service. So, whether you want to strike a serious tone or something more joyful, the music you choose as people arrive at the service will play a big role. Something without words that is calming is often a popular choice to help make people feel at ease.

Hymns sung after service

As people leave the service, choosing a poignant hymn could help people to reflect on the life of the person that has died. This might be a chance to choose their favourite hymn or a hymn that is linked to happy memories like a big family occasion. The hymn sung after service will create a lasting impression, so something personal to the person that has died is a popular choice for some.

Uplifting hymns

Attitudes towards funerals are fast changing. In recent years, people have started to view funerals as a celebration of life, which partly explains the rise in popularity of living funerals. On the theme of celebrating life, Shine Jesus Shine is a modern hymn which is a very popular choice. It’s a hymn that’s familiar with people of all ages, meaning it’s ideal for communal singing and maximum participation.

Another popular choice for an inspiring hymn is Jerusalem. Based on William Blake’s famous poem And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time, it was written to raise spirits during the First World War. It’s often regarded as the unofficial anthem of England and remains a well-liked funeral hymn for mums and dads.

Sombre hymns

For some people, funerals will and always should be a serious occasion. For these people, funerals are a place to pay your respects and express grief – and this is reason many would choose hymns that are sad and reflective. The act of playing sombre music can help with the grieving process, encouraging people to express their emotions in a healthy way.

Abide With Me is a hymn that confronts death and the emptiness we feel after loss head on, offering the bereaved solace in their time of need. In its simplest form, the hymn is a prayer to God, as the speaker pleads with God to stay by his side during their darkest hour. Another popular choice of funeral hymn is I Watch The Sunrise, which follows the progress of the sun throughout the day. The sun’s journey mirrors that of someone’s life and causes people to pause for a moment and reflect.

2023 hymns chart

We've created a list of the most popular hymns played at traditional Christian funerals.

You may know some of the traditional funeral hymns in the table below. A number of these are instantly recognisable and are uplifting and stirring pieces of music.