Funeral hymn

[Wendalicious]

Hello I would appreciate some advice as planning a funeral for a non religious oldish family member, I have sole decision making power! I think it adds a sense of occasion and the people attending will “expect” one so was thinking something uplifting? But he wasn’t religious at all xx

I Vow To Thee My Country…

Beautiful tune by Holst, words not particularly religious. Does have a link with sport especially English rugby, but if that is not an issue then this might do?

I’m sorry for your loss.

That’s a good one thank you x

Finlandia (be still my soul) is a great tune and of course composed by Sibelius not just any old Tom Dick or Hubert Parry.

Sorry for your loss.

do you want the congregation to sing along? in that case, you need something pretty trad that everyone knows the tune. Or do you want them just to listen to the music? in which case, you can go for a more modern song or jazz or something that would have a link to your relative.

Are you having the funeral in a church? If so I think a hymn is implicitly appropriate. How about To be a pilgrim? It obviously has a Christian context but it's well known and can be read as describing a life well lived.
However if you're not having a funeral in church then you don't need a hymn and should just pick something to listen to that the deceased really liked.

It’s in a crematorium and I thought we could all join in x

Abide with me
Might be too religions, but The day Thou gavest O Lord is ended

Evening hymns can be appropriate

www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/popular-funeral-hymns/ Has some well known ones.

Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer. One of those that even non church goers will know the tune of (football anthem)

If the person is not religious does it need to be a hymn? Its difficult to arrange a funeral unless you've had the discussion with that person. A favorite song artist or classical track could be more appropriate a good funeral director should have a few suggestions

Will there be a pianist in the crematorium, or will you need to find a backing track? I think it's quite unusual to sing religious hymns outside of church, but that might just be my own experience.

Guide me o thou great redeemer is very well known (it's got the "bread of heaven" bit, very popular in Welsh rugby) and the verse about "as I tread the verge of Jordan" is very specifically about death.

Many thanks all x

if he wasn’t religious and he didnt request a hymn I wouldn’t expect one at all. But maybe something like Morning has Broken?

I’m really surprised they list Lord of the Dance and Shine Jesus Shine as funeral hymns

The Lord is my Shepherd seemed popular a few years back, but might be too religious. I think Abide With Me is probably the “classic” funeral hymn.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is uplifting and quite rousing.

Is there a hymn relating to the deceased's life that could be used? Perhaps a hymn from their wedding (if you have a copy of their order of service to hand) or something relating to their career (e.g Eternal Father, Strong to Save if they were in The Navy or were a fisherman). Always good to pick a hymn / tune that others in the congregation know to sing along to.

I'm Welsh so Bread of Heaven is at pretty much every funeral I've ever been too and I do think it works well.

But I'm also fond of "Lord of all Hopefullnes" - I like the way it goes through life from day break to evening - had it at our wedding and also chose it for my DM's funeral

Agreed. I think it’s thought of as an anthem rather than a hymn, so may be suitable for someone who is not religious.

Best wishes with arranging the funeral, it can be a difficult task. X

How about 'what a wonderful world' rather than a hymn?

Personally I won't expect a religious hymn at the funeral of a non religious person. I find it a bit meaningless. Especially as it's also not in a church. Did your relative have any favorite songs or music type instead?

You don't need to add a 'sense of occasion' at a funeral. Just pick a lovely piece of music to play. Much more suitable than a religious anthem.

My Mum chose her own funeral hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful. It was her favourite and Mum did have faith.

When I had to pick for my Aunty at crematorium I chose Waves by Einaudi. Very relaxing as classy music.

I went to a non-religious funeral for someone who was fiercely non-religious. We sang All Things Bright and Beautiful, but were asked to sing "earth" instead of "lord god", and it worked really well because it's a beautiful and uplifting song about nature and life.

"All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'The earth she made them all"

Yes: 'Dance then, wherever you may be' seems a bit odd for a Funeral right enough!!