Music

A song says a lot about our personalities and our memories so when loved ones pass away, as well as mourning and paying tribute, music also allows us to remember the good times we’ve had with them. We want to remember their essence as people and music is a lovely way to do that, especially songs that they loved when they were still alive.

We should be mindful of how powerful music can be and the strong emotions it can evoke as we reflect over memories and express ourselves. While expressing emotions at a funeral is healthy, music choices should be made with care so even if you think you know a song well, make sure you listen to and/or read the lyrics before deciding to use it during a service. A song that had a certain meaning to you before may feel very different when heard during a funeral ceremony. Humorous or lighthearted songs during a service can help celebrate the life that someone lived. Uplifting or celebratory songs can really change the mood of a service.