Honoring a Life
Music has the power to comfort, heal, and evoke precious memories, making it an important part of any funeral service. Choosing the right songs can help express the emotions you’re feeling, honor your loved one’s memory, and bring solace to everyone gathered. But selecting funeral music can be a delicate task—how do you find songs that convey the right message and respect your loved one’s wishes? Here are three essential tips to help you choose meaningful funeral music, with Emma Kate Tobia’s list of recommended songs as a resource for guidance.
1. Reflect on Their Life and Personality
The music you choose should reflect the essence of your loved one. Think about what kind of music they enjoyed, whether it was classical, traditional hymns, or something contemporary. Consider including songs that were meaningful to them—perhaps a favorite tune or something that represents a cherished memory. Emma Kate Tobia’s recommended song list provides a range of options, allowing you to find pieces that truly celebrate the individual and their unique personality.
2. Match the Tone of the Service
A funeral service often includes different parts, from a time of remembrance to moments of quiet reflection. Choose songs that match the tone of each segment. Gentle, comforting pieces are ideal for moments of reflection, while uplifting songs can help celebrate the life lived and bring a sense of hope. Whether you prefer solemn, peaceful music or something with a message of love and celebration, Emma Kate Tobia’s song suggestions can help set the right mood for each part of the service.
3. Consider the Setting and Audience
The venue for the funeral and the people attending should also influence your song choices. A church service may call for traditional hymns or sacred music, while a more personal gathering could include contemporary songs or even instrumental favorites. It’s important to select music that resonates with both the family and friends present while staying appropriate for the setting. Emma Kate Tobia’s curated list includes diverse options that can be adapted to various venues and audiences.
By thoughtfully choosing the music for your loved one’s funeral, you can create a meaningful tribute that honors their life and offers comfort to those who are grieving. If you need inspiration, explore Emma Kate Tobia’s list of recommended songs to find the perfect pieces for your service.
✨ Italian Hymn Favourites:
E Giunta L’Ora
Nella Tue Mani ( into your hands)
Viaggio Nella Vita
Ave Maria, Piena di Grazia
Il Pane Di Vita
O Bella Regina ( Immacuate Mary)
Amici Miei ( amazing grace)
O Mio Papa
Usami Signore Per la tua Pace ( make me a channel of your peace)
Non Aver Paura ( Be not Afraid)
Non Ti Dimentichero Mai ( I will never forget you)
Il Signore e’ il mio pastore ( the lord is my shepherd)
Credo in Te Signor (nearer my god to thee)
Mamma ( CA Bixio)
Signore delle Cime
Fratello sole e sorella Luna
Volare
✨ Italian Operatic pieces:
Ave Maria Schubert
Ave Maria Bach/Gounod
Ave Maria Caccini
Panis Angelicus Franck
Pie Jesu G Faure
Pie Jesu Andre Lloyd Webber
Ombra Mai Fu Handel
Art Thou Troubled
Ave Verum Mozart
Laudate Dominum Mozart
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring JS Bach
Where’er you walk Handel
Lascia ch’io pianga Handel
Nella Fantasia Morricone
✨ Non Liturgical well known songs
Conte Partiro-Time to say Good bye
The Prayer
You Raise Me Up
The Rose
Over the Rainbow
The way we were
Songbird
Perfect day –lou reed
Goodbye for Now – Cathy Troccoli
Unforgettable
What a wonderful world
One day at a time
Wherever you go
I Thank my God
All that we have (Gary Ault)
You’ll never walk alone
✨Traditional Catholic Hymns
One Bread , One Body
Come as you are
Hail Queen of Heaven
Strong and Constant
How Great Thou Art
Hail Mary Gentle Woman
Make me a channel of your peace
May the Good Lord bless and keep you- (Meredith Wilson)
Here I am Lord
Be still my Soul
The Lord is my Shepherd
The Lord Bless You and Keep you- (John Rutter)
I have loved you with an everlasting love
Jesus remember me
On Eagles Wings- all songs
Jesus my Lord, my God, my all
O Perfect Love
Christ be our light
Be still and know that I am God
Be thou my vision
Peace my Friends
You are mine ( David Haas)
Be Still for the presence of the Lord
God of Mercy and Compassion
How Amazing is your love
In Bread we bring you Lord
Ave Maria- As I kneel before you
The King of Love my shepherd is
Soul of my Saviour
As Gentle as Silence
Farewell ( tune of ‘Be still my soul’)
In Faith and Hope and Love
Immaculate Mary
Sweet Sacrament Divine
Softly and Tenderly
God gives his people strength
Amazing Grace
I want to walk as a child of the light
Song of Farewell
One Step Beyond- Liam Lawton
Our supper Invitation
Galilee Song Frank Anderson
Celtic Alleluia
All people that on earth do dwell
Come to me all who labour
Wherever you go, I shall go
Dona Nobis Pacem
I have loved you
Only a shadow – Carey Landry
