any ideas for a funeral song?

Psykicpup

I would chose some tracks that either you think suit or that the deceased was really keen on. if you think they might be too cheerful for some members of the funeral, why not play an instrumental version of the track.
Most of my friends/family are rockers/bikers so not many tunes suit a funeral but as instrumental versions they work well
People who know (for instance Bon Jovi) will recognise the track & why played but older members may just hear lovely music, others may recognise the track but apprieciate that the words may be just too raw...

tomstickland

Simply The Best - Tina Turner

For those with no sense of irony.

Most songs I've heard at funerals seem out of place to me, like they are trying to force emotion (like funerals aren't sad enough!). Songs like 'Angels' are guilty of his IMHO so I would stick to something that meant something to him rather than going for the obvious or forced sentimental type song.

I agree. Sometimes it can be a bit of a taste bypass.

hm71_2

how about leanne rhimes "How do I live" went to a service where this was played and thought it was beautiful.

dancinghomer

How about
Johnny Cash-"The man comes around"

It's always a tough time when someone dies, I wish you strength to get through it.

Remember the good times not the bad...

eyelinerprincess

OH's sister had Angel played at her funeral, quite a sad one, though (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoN3MQmdQ2E - The Westlife version, she loved them)

And then we sang "You Are My Sunshine" as she was always smiling (she had cerebral palsy, but was always a really happy girl)

pulliptears

Knowing in advance he was dying my Dad had the ability to chose his own songs.

He chose Eva Cassidy - Over The Rainbow for on the way in, to lull em into a false sense of security he said! Then he wanted to hit them with "Always look on the bright side of life", a song which totally summed up Dad's sense of humour!

His funeral is at 1.30 today, and we will be playing exactly what he requested, and probably singing along to Brian as well

RHYSDAD

What about 'Moonlight Sonata' Beethoven? Not too sad, not too bright and no words needed to convey the emotion. Truly a poignant piece of music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6txOvK-mAk

Personally i want this (and the congregation would be warned in advance)!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saSWh6PXoug&feature=related

Whatever you choose, i wish you all the best....

belfastgirl23

You guys have made me realise I need to get a song sorted for myself if anyone played angels or celine dion or eva cassidy I too would be back to haunt them. Absolutely love the Aretha song tho SueMaggie, seems just so perfect. Although I always worry that a song played at a funeral is ruined for anyone who attends. The last funeral I was at they played Danny Boy and I still can't hear it....

and personally I'd go for Johnny Cash's version of in my life

BTW I def couldn't cope with gymnopedie - I don't know if anyone else heard the Mark Radcliffe version on the Mark and Lard radio show (they used to do pastiches of songs on it) but it was the funniest thing ever and no matter how sad the circumstances that song would still crack me up

Have to say though personally that I would wonder if there might be a hymn he particularly liked? I'm not religious myself but 'Abide with me' or indeed some of the latin hymns are somehow comforting, they recognise the importance of the moment but because they're classic somehow they give a sense that this too will pass?? Just a thought.

Comper21

How about 'The Scientist' by coldplay. It was used to great effect at the scattering of Rachel's ashes in the tv series 'Cold Feet.'

Lagerlegs

Sorry for your loss........ Memories by Elvis Presley