5 Funeral Songs to Farewell a Friend
It is incredibly difficult to choose a song which encompasses a lifetime. It is especially hard when that person is close to you and you know well their many facets and sensibilities. Having recently been asked to sing at the funeral of a friend who lost her fight with cancer, I was reminded of just how precious and significant it is to farewell a loved one through music and to choose a piece that reflects them and helps us to move forward in our grief.
Whilst it is important to honour their memory, it is equally important not to be paralysed by indecision for fear of making a mistake in choosing a song of farewell. Music has a way of resonating with people in different ways and no matter what you choose, be confident that whilst it is a reflection of your loved one, it does not define them. People listening will take from it what they need and discard what doesn’t resonate.
Here are some idea’s for songs of farewell:
Pie Jesu from Requiem composed by Maurice Durufle.
2. Pie Jesu composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
3. Abide with Me composed by Henry Francis Lyte.
4. It is Well with my Soul composed by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss.
5. Ave Maria composed by Franz Schubert
Each piece brings such reverence to the moment and a chance for those attending to breathe and reflect on the life lost and the memories left. Whilst they do require some expertise to sing live, there are many great recordings that may be played if you do not know or cannot avail yourself of a classical singer. Live singing is always best, but not always possible.
Finally, the song you choose is to reflect the loved one and your sentiments towards them as you bid them farewell, engage live music where you can and remember, you cannot make a mistake.