Funeral Hymns Are Often The Go-To Choice For Religious Music During Funeral Ceremonies. There’S A Wide Range Of Hymns Available, Each One Evoking Different Emotions And Experiences. Many Well-Loved Funeral Hymns Can Provide Comfort During Times Of Sorrow, Bringing People Together To Sing In Memory Of A Loved One. Some Of These Hymns Have Stood The Test Of Time And Are Still Sung At Funeral Services Around The World.
The Hymns You Choose Play An Important Role In Setting The Mood And Atmosphere Of The Ceremony. While Some May Be More Somber, Others Can Be Uplifting, Celebrating The Life And Spiritual Journey Of The Deceased. When Selecting Hymns, It’S Important To Consider Which Ones Your Loved One Cherished Or Which Best Reflect Their Life And Personality. Music Has A Powerful Ability To Help Process Grief And Find Healing After Loss.
In This Blog Post, We’Ve Curated A List Of Popular Funeral Hymns, Handpicked By S. Stibbards & Sons, That Can Be Used In Any Type Of Funeral Service. If You’Re Unsure About Which Hymns To Choose, We Recommend Listening To Them With Your Family Beforehand To See Which Ones Resonate Most. You Can Also Share This Post With Them To Help With The Decision-Making Process.
1. Abide by Me
“Abide With Me” Is A Deeply Moving Hymn, Written In 1847 By Henry Francis Lyte During The Victorian Era. Its Lyrics Reflect A Heartfelt Plea For God’S Comfort And Guidance In Times Of Sorrow And Loss, Asking For His Presence In Both Life And Death. The Hymn Resonates With Those Who Seek Solace During Difficult Moments, Making It A Popular Choice At Funerals. Interestingly, “Abide With Me” Isn’T Just Reserved For Times Of Mourning; It’S Also Often Sung At Weddings. It Holds A Special Place In The Hearts Of The Royal Family And Has Been Featured At Significant Royal Events. Notably, It Was Played At The Weddings Of The Future George Vi And Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, As Well As Their Daughter, Queen Elizabeth Ii, And Prince Philip.
2. Ave Maria
“Ave Maria” is a world-renowned hymn, with its title meaning “Hail Mary” in Latin. Over the years, it has been performed by numerous iconic artists and adapted by various composers. The most famous version of this hymn was composed by the Austrian Franz Schubert, and it’s often considered one of the most beautiful pieces of religious music ever written.
3. How Great Thou Art
“How Great Thou Art” is a hymn inspired by a traditional Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885. The hymn beautifully celebrates the magnificence of nature and the power of God. With lyrics like, “O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed,” it captures the awe and reverence felt when contemplating the world around us and God’s creation.
4. Morning Has Broken
“Morning Has Broken” is a beloved hymn that was first published in 1931. The lyrics were written by English author Eleanor Farjeon, who was inspired by the village of Alfriston in East Sussex. Unlike many hymns that focus on grief, this one celebrates the renewal of life. With its uplifting words and cheerful melody, it carries a sense of hope and joy, making it a wonderful choice for any type of funeral. It’s a beautiful example of a hymn that brings comfort and positivity during difficult times.
5. I Watch the Sunrise
This hymn beautifully traces the journey of the sun across the sky, reflecting on the passage of time and the importance of staying close to God. For those grieving the loss of a loved one, its message can bring comfort: “The air is silent, earth is at rest – only your peace is near me. For you are always close to me, following all my ways.” The words remind us of God’s constant presence, offering a sense of peace and reassurance during difficult moments.
6. Amazing Grace
“Amazing Grace” is centered around the themes of salvation and the peace that comes with death. It’s one of the most beloved funeral hymns in the United Kingdom, offering comfort to many with its powerful message. The hymn is often performed with deep emotion and passion, making it a moving piece of music that resonates with those who are grieving.
7. Going Home
“Going Home” is one of the more somber hymns on this list. Adapted from Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, it carries a message of finding peace and happiness in the life to come. The lyrics reflect a sense of comfort and hope, with lines like, “Morning star lights the way, restless dream all is done, shadows gone, break of day, real-life begun.” It speaks to the idea of transition from this life to the next, offering solace to those in mourning.
8. The Lord is My Shephard
Based on Psalm 23 from the Book of Psalms, this hymn offers a message of comfort and guidance, with a melody that even those who aren’t religious would recognize. Like several other hymns on this list, it’s a positive and uplifting piece, focusing more on finding direction and solace while grieving, rather than dwelling on the pain of grief itself.
9. The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended
This Hymn Uses The Metaphor Of Day And Night To Convey A Message Of Hope. It’S Another Classic Funeral Song That Focuses On Uplifting And Positive Themes, Rather Than Sorrow. With Lines Like, “The Dawn Leads On Another Day, The Voice Of Prayer Is Never Silent, Nor Dies The Strain Of Praise Away,” It Offers A Sense Of Continuity And Reassurance, Celebrating The Enduring Nature Of Faith And Prayer.
10. Thine Be The Glory
“Thine Be the Glory” is a timeless Easter hymn set to a tune composed by the German composer Handel. The hymn tells the story of the first Easter morning, allowing listeners to experience the moment as if they were the disciples, encountering the risen Christ in the second verse. It beautifully captures the joy and triumph of Christ’s resurrection.
11. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” is a hymn based on a poem written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1923. The phrase “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is inspired by a verse from the Old Testament, Lamentations 3:23. You can find these words in both the King James Bible and the Revised Standard Edition. The hymn expresses a deep sense of gratitude for God’s constant and unwavering faithfulness.
12. Death Is Only A Dream
This Victorian hymn conveys a message of faith in God and the assurance of a place in heaven after death. Its words strike a balance between sorrow and hope, making it one of the more popular funeral hymns. With lines like, “Why should we weep when the weary ones’ rest, in the bosom of Jesus supreme, in the mansions of glory prepared for the blessed, for death is no more than a dream,” it offers comfort by reminding us of the peace that comes after life.
13. Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” is a hymn based on a longer poem called The Brewing of Soma, written by the American Quaker John Greenleaf Whittier. In 2005, BBC One’s Songs of Praise ranked it as the second most popular funeral hymn in the United Kingdom. Its peaceful and reflective lyrics have made it a comforting choice for many during times of loss.
14. You’Ll Never Walk Alone
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” was originally written by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, for their 1945 musical Carousel. Since then, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. It has become one of the most beloved funeral hymns in the UK, offering comfort and a sense of support in times of grief.
15. The Old Rugged Cross
This hymn was written by evangelist George Bennard in 1912. Often performed in a country and western style, it celebrates devotion to God. With powerful lyrics like, “And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down, and I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown,” it expresses deep faith and commitment to Christ, making it a moving choice for many occasions.