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Please help me with song ideas for my sister’s funeral

115 replies

weusedtocampinthegarden · 01/01/2026 18:16

My sister has recently passed away and my parents would like me to choose music for her Funeral. It will be at a cremation and not religious. Mum has chosen a piece of classical music for while everyone is gathering. I have already chosen Emilie Sande Read all about it pt 3 for the middle of the service as this reflects her very well.
I need two more piece of music. One for as she comes in at the start (with the family behind her), and one for everyone going out.
she wasn’t into classical music but she liked r an b an dance music, and 90s indie. She died suddenly and unexpectedly. When she was alive she did a lot to help other people. She also danced Ceroc a lot so it could reflect that but I don’t know anything about that kind of music.
I would love the leaving song to be more full of hope. Neither song has to be directly about death or sad, but don’t think my parents are ready for anything too comedy (although I would love gangsta’s paradise to be played as she loved that song)
any and all suggestions welcome.

TIA

OP posts:
nondrinker1985 · 02/01/2026 00:59

rwalker · 01/01/2026 23:10

Missing you -diddy faith Evans

Dunno you can’t play Diddy really.

assignmentsites · 02/01/2026 01:08

That’s What Friends are for - Dianne Warwick maybe?

Rosecoffeecup · 02/01/2026 07:38

The Whole of The Moon by The Waterboys

rwalker · 02/01/2026 08:09

nondrinker1985 · 02/01/2026 00:59

Dunno you can’t play Diddy really.

Oops fair point
never thought

TheEllisGreyMethod · 02/01/2026 08:18

We had king of my castle for my friends, it was one of her favourites and she loved dancing but most people weren't expecting it and it did lift the mood.

AyeKarumba · 02/01/2026 09:53

Hallelujah - by Jeff Buckley

AyeKarumba · 02/01/2026 09:54

Purple Rain

Paperwhite209 · 02/01/2026 09:55

Jugendstiel · 01/01/2026 22:31

I want that for my funeral. It's so beautiful.

If she loved Gangsta's Paradise, play that. A song that connects mourners to her will bring back happy memories. An old friend of mine died last year - too young. His final song was one we used to listen to as teenagers and it made us all smile.

Me too - seems I'm in good company based on this thread.

That said, I'm going out to 'Copacabana' 😁

MrsMurphyIWish · 02/01/2026 10:08

I’ve told DH that I want “Everlong”’ by Foo Fighters blasted out at my funeral.

Saw a poster suggested “She’s a star” (James) - I love that song! I used to sing that to DD along with Halo by Texas.

NoelEdmondsHairGel · 02/01/2026 11:51

GiddyDog · 01/01/2026 22:41

I'm sorry for your loss. I would suggest On and On by Longpigs for a 90's Indie lover.
Also Sinead O'Connor and Terry Hall's version of All Kinds of Everything is just lovely.

Edited

I do completely love the Longpigs song, I’ve had it on repeat since the 90s! But it’s lyrics do talk about “I wish you would leave me, I wish you would go” which probably isn’t the right type of language.

boobmama · 02/01/2026 11:59

Two that I’ve known at funerals were “one sweet day” by boyz ll men, and Diana Ross “one shining moment”.

Ginmonkeyagain · 02/01/2026 12:08

If you sister was keen on indie/alternative music how about My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion by the Flaming Lips? It is a beautiful and life affirming song for a funeral.

Fingalscave · 02/01/2026 12:12

GetOnWithLife · 01/01/2026 19:28

Sorry for your loss. I love “I hope you dance” by Lee Ann Womack, it was played at my Aunties funeral and it makes me tear up and smile at the same time

That's a lovely song and she has such a beautiful voice.

NomDePrune · 02/01/2026 15:27

LlynTegid · 01/01/2026 19:16

Sorry for your loss. Agree with the suggestions of Days by Kirsty MacColl and She's a Star by James.

Some Fantastic Place by Squeeze I suggested on another similar thread. Without being intrusive it was written about someone who like your sister died far too young.

Another vote for the Squeeze track; it’s a similar vibe to Days but less well known. It’s about celebrating a life.

slug · 02/01/2026 16:29

Snow Patrol “Rise Up.” Somber and beautiful

we sent FIL out to Louis Armstrong singing What a Wonderful World

Personally I want Sigur Ros. Preferably Svefn-g-englar

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