What song do you want played at your funeral?

[middletree]

It's not that morbid of a question. In conversations, I've found lots of
people, including young ones, have run across songs and thought "that one is
the one I would like played at my memorial service." I'll bet a few people
here have had the same thought.

[Tony Trout]

I've thought of this many times, actually...it's not morbid to me....

Here would be my choices:

"Go Rest High On That Mountain" (Vince Gill)

"I'm Leaving" (by Elvis Presley)

"I'm No Stranger To The Rain" (Keith Whitley)

"Freebird" (Skynyrd)

"When I Get Where I'm Going" (Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton)

"Knowing You'll Be There" (Gaither Vocal Band)

"I Can Only Imagine" (Mercy Me)

"Alpha & Omega" (Gaither Vocal Band)

"My Hope Is You" (Third Day-who else? :P)

"Wake Up Dancing" (Gordon Mote)

"Going Away Party" (Jeff & Sheri Easter)

"How Great Is Our God"

"Wish You Were Here" (Kingsmen Quartet)

"Leaving On My Mind" (Rusty Goodman)

"Angels In The Room" (The Ruppes)

"I Know Where I Am Now" - (Jake Hess)


There's prolly others I've thought of but can't remember 'em right now....

After thinking 'bout this again for a little while (and although I would like the songs listed above to be played) I would like for my "Homegoing Celebration" to be just that--a celebration--because I know I'll be with Jesus and free of all this pain and suffering and heartache I've experienced while here on Earth and I would like to be remembered as one who tried to live the Chritian life the way God wanted me to live it.

[EmmoGomer]

I don't want a funeral. Find a hole, plonk me in it - that's what I say!
As for songs......I won't be there to hear them will I? So if people feel the need to have a funeral for me - they can play what the heck they like!

[Valpo]

It's not that morbid of a question. In conversations, I've found lots of
people, including young ones, have run across songs and thought "that one is
the one I would like played at my memorial service." I'll bet a few people
here have had the same thought.

awesome question!

Hymns:

A Mighty Fortress is our God
My Hope is built on nothing less
Battle Hymn of the Republic
For all the saints (who from their labors rest)

I'd leave anything else up to my family, but I love these hymns and would think people would find comfort in them.

[mercyGurl]

I always change every time I hear a good hymn, but I think a staple will have to be "Great is Thy Faithfulness". It's a personal favorite even now, and I hope it will be then.

And I like the last verses of "There is a Fountain", the made-up/combined last verse of "Jesus Paid it All", and "It is Well With My Soul"

[SirMax]

Blessed Assurance

Neighborhoods (Big Daddy Weave)

[middletree]

How Can I Keep From Singing? by Eva Cassidy (not the Chris Tomlin song.)

[wannabaRSgirl]

I want something upbeat to deliver a message lost.

How about Creed, and We're gonna sing like we're Saved!

[Thomas H]

I would want "All the heavens" (By Third day):)

[middletree]

I want something upbeat to deliver a message lost.

How about Creed, and We're gonna sing like we're Saved!
Which song by Creed?

[3D NC fan]

Which song by Creed?

I'm pretty sure she meant Creed by Third Day or Rich Mullins. :cool:

[Sharon]

I think I'd want:

"Free to Dance" - Hillsong

"King of Glory" - 3D

"Amazing Grace" - St Laurence Bagpipe Band

"I Can Only Imagine" - Mercy Me

"God Is Here" - Abundant Life Church

[The Unknown Gomer]

I don't want a funeral. Find a hole, plonk me in it - that's what I say!
As for songs......I won't be there to hear them will I? So if people feel the need to have a funeral for me - they can play what the heck they like!

LOL. And on your tombstone: "Here lies Emily, may she plonk in peace". ;) And in small print across the bottom: "My name wasn't EMMA!" :P

I'm one of those folks that has never given this subject a single iota of thought. I have a hard enough time picking music to listen to in the car on the way to work every day, much less what to have playing at my funeral. :)

[teresaUK]

I would prefer to avoid it all together by going up in the rapture. :P

Otherwise I would like any song that was about raising the dead ..... something that would really get faith levels soaring......:) ....(..are there any? ) .....and sung byThird Day of course!

[Tony Trout]

I would prefer to avoid it all together by going up in the rapture. :P



Agreed, but if God chooses to take me by the way of the grave it doesn't matter because I know I'll be with Him and all my loved ones who've gone before me for all eternity...although, I'll be the first to admit that death does scare me a little...although I know it shouldn't because I'm a child of God.

[freakysoccer]

finally someone asked the question. my goal is to make people be happpy for me to be in the presence of the Lord. let me see....

consiming fire
mountian of god
amazing grace-hopefully on bagpipes
freebird
cry out to jesus
chariot-hyperstatic union

[rossid]

This list is over five years old:

Played from the album:

In The Light - dc Talk


Sung as a congregation:

Here I Am To Worship

Amazing Love (You Are My King) - maybe Peter Furler can lead this one

There is a good song off a Promise Keepers cd but I didn't write it on my list and I can't think of it now. Perhaps "How Deep The Father's Love For Us".

[truster]

My mom has always wanted "No More Night" (most recently by David Phelps) sung at her funeral. I also love the song.

My list:

"The Church's One Foundation", from the Baylor Concert Choir's 2007 Spring Concert, directed by Anton Armstrong.

"How Deep the Father's Love For Us."


Besides that, I'll probably just let my family pick out the music. That's what we did for my dad... he had never said anything about it, and so when he died, my mother tasked me with the choosing of pre-service and in-service music.... she already had something picked out for the viewing. I don't have the list of songs that we used for the pre-service, but I'll post them if I can find it somewhere. For during the service, we played "Sharp-Dressed Man" by ZZ Top (just because it was my dad's favorite song), and one of my good friends sang "Homesick" by MercyMe. For the viewing, we looped "I Can Only Imagine".

[Valpo]

Actually Truster

may have to add "The Churches One Foundation" to my list as well.

[TN3Dmom]

I heard this at someone else's funeral and it really touched me:
"Come To Jesus" by Mindy Smith. The girl who sang it has a lovely voice, and it was just perfect. I also love the Vince Gill song "Go Rest High on that Mountain". I'd also like something upbeat as well. "I'll Fly Away" would be a good one.

[SueQ]

I would prefer to avoid it all together by going up in the rapture. :P



Amen! This is my daughter's prayer.....so we all go together....:D

[SueQ]

Had a wonderful evangelist in our church who reminded us that we shouldn't fear death if we know where we are going. Still, he said, many of us fear the method by which we will die. As for himself, his wish was to die by drowning in a vat of sausage gravy.......:D ....didn't get that wish but he's singing with Jesus now anyway........

[SueQ]

OK so the music for my homegoing party needs to include:

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Bow on My Knees

I'm sure I'll add more......

[VerbumReale]

Not a morbid question at all. As one who has presided over several funerals I can tell you that picking hymns for a loved one's funeral is one of the more healing parts of the mourning process. It leads the family toward closure as they remember with joy these great hymns that they sang with the loved one they are remembering and as they read the words of the hymns they are reminded all they more that they will be with them again.

For that reason I don't think that I will have a set list of hymns that I want at my funeral. I want my loved ones to be able to go through that healing process. Funerals are worship services meant to provide a Word of hope for those that are saying goodbye.

However I do want my loved ones to understand that my main concern is that my funeral be treated as exactly what is; a worship service. I want hymns that will proclaim the Gospel and praise God.

If I were going to come up with a list it would probably include.

A Mighty Fortress is our God
Lift High the Cross
The Church's One Foundation
Abide with me

Those that are closest to me will more than likely know how important those hymns are to me and so at least a few of them will more than likely find their way into the service.

I know that I don't want Amazing Grace. It is a great hymn, but just about every funeral I have ever done has had Amazing Grace in it at some point. It has made me want to make sure that I don't have it at mine.

Another question is what scripture passages would you want read???

I would want
Romans 8:38-39
John 14:6-7
Psalm 46

[Valpo]

What a good Lutheran you are picking those verses!

I might only replace Psalm 46 with Psalm 23...though either and or BOTH would do!

Too much the funeral becomes about the person that died. And although that ought to be partly the case as the Reverend has pointed out it should also be a worship service. Not of the deceased, but of the living in Christ Jesus. What greater comfort than knowing a loved one has gone into eternal rest and happiness with our Creator! Yesterday was All Saints Day and I am reminded of the Hymn "For All the Saints Who from their labors rest" When a person dies in faith they are part of the church triumphant in heaven with Jesus and all the saints/ martyrs, and angelic hosts of heaven, what a glorious thing to be a part of and that ought to increase our hope even more. I am reminded at each funeral for a saint that our hope is built on the solid rock that is Jesus. Rejoice that their sufferings have ended and yearn for the same.

Easier said than done, but my point remains! haha

[middletree]

Funerals are worship services meant to provide a Word of hope for those that are saying goodbye.

However I do want my loved ones to understand that my main concern is that my funeral be treated as exactly what is; a worship service. I want hymns that will proclaim the Gospel and praise God.


So I guess "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones would not be on your list? :)


I know that I don't want Amazing Grace. It is a great hymn, but just about every funeral I have ever done has had Amazing Grace in it at some point. It has made me want to make sure that I don't have it at mine.

I agree. I also think the same about reading 1 Corinthians 13 at weddings. Not because it's not a great passage, but because I've heard it so many times, my eyes glaze over and I start thinking about other things, like sports, when it's read at weddings.

[gratefull gomer]

I've always wanted "Majesty", my grandmother's favorite, "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus", my favorite, and though I don't have a particular fondness for traditional Gospel, I have always told people I wanted "Beulahland".

I'm kind of homesick for a country
To which I've never been before
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
For time won't matter anymore
Beulah land I am longing for you
And someday on thee I'll stand
Where my home shall be eternal
Beulah land sweet Beulah land
I'm looking now across the river
Where my faith will end in sight
There's just a few more days to labor
Then I will take my heavenly flight
I see the lights I hear the singing
A brand new song of joy divine
My soul rejoices just in knowing
That soon these pleasures will be mine

[supermomma]

"all the heavens" or anything by thirdday of course!!!

[markie mark]

Redemption Songs by Jars of Clay (the entire cd):)

[SueQ]

So I guess "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones would not be on your list? :)





You can play it at your funeral....as long as you include this scripture with it:


But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

:D

[Unstereotypical]

These songs definitely:

1. "The Spirit Carries on" from Dream-TheateR.

2. "A Tout le Monde" from MegadetH.

3. "If I Die Tonight" from Supertones.

4. Something from Iron Maiden, b/c they have always been my absolute favorite band. Probably, "Stranger in a Strange Land", or "The Clairvoyant".

5. Something for fun to lighten people's moods at the funeral, and to show how Metal I was in my life: Either "No Remorse", "Motorbreath", "Fuel", or "For Whom the Bell Tolls" all from MetallicA.

6. "Afterlife" from Gamma-Ray.

[Kindnessmatters]

Definitely some rock N roll! Of course Third Day (it's only natural) "You're Everywhere", "Show me Your Way", "Bow Down". There are a lot I would like by other people to and if it is OK with all of you, I will get back with you on that. I can't think of them all right now. :rolleyes: I just know I don't want sappy music playing.

[sherenity]

I want the song amazing grace.
Even i still cry when i hear it.

[jesus loves me]

'King of glory' and 'agnus dei' by third day

[lilmikey]

All is Well and something from Revelations. How bout I Will Always Be True. Just to show how true God has been in my life

[Jason]

Stairway to Heaven. :P

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow
Don't be alarmed now
It's just a spring clean for the May Queen

Yes there are two paths you can go by
but in the long run
There's still time to change the road you're on

Your head is humming and it won't go in case you don't know
The piper's calling you to join him
Dear lady can't you hear the wind blow and did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind

And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll
Woe oh oh oh oh oh
And she's buying a stairway to heaven

[elby65]

My husband and I were talking about this very recently. My mother's death is likely to happen any day now, which is why he and I discussed this. We decided together that we don't want "funerals", just bury the body and have a "memorial" or celebration service afterwards. As for songs, I specifically requested only one - "He Reigns" by Newsboys. Between that and having "God had other plans" written on my gravemarker, I really don't care about the rest. My husband wants tradition - "Amazing Grace", "Fairest Lord Jesus", "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" (which was played at our wedding), and "How Great Thou Art".

As for my mom, it was her being told she was dying that finally made her get in touch with me. We hadn't spoken since I told my family that I put my faith in Yeshua (Jesus). They had a funeral for me which is not unusual under the circumstances. We did not speak for 25 years. Mom says she wants a traditional Jewish funeral. They don't sing songs in the same way "Christian" funerals have them. I'm hoping that God will open her eyes to the truth before she dies, and that she will repent and place her trust in Jesus. I have already shared my faith with her and she is asking questions. I just keep praying!

[ConsumingWhoIAm]

(in no order):

"Go rest high on that mountain" by Vince Gill
"The Dance" by Garth Brooks
"Whenever you remember" by Carrie Underwood
"When I get where I'm going" by Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton
"How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood
"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts (because it's me speaking to my loved ones from The Other Side)

just a few on top of my head

[blue eyed merle]

Just As I Am -- the hymn for it is my favorite hymn besides All Creatures of Our Lord and King... go ahead and play that too...I think that is the title.

Where the Streets Have No Name -- U2

Rockin' Down The Highway -- The Doobie Brothers, probably not appropriate for a funeral, but this is in my top five favorite songs of all time... my true friends would appreciate it.

"Truce" -- Jars of Clay

"Give" -- Third Day

"Livin' For Jesus" -- Third Day

[clemsontigers23]

Free Bird lol

[Col. Mustard]

"Stayin' Alive
ah,ah,ah,ah stayin alive, stayin alive, ah, ah, ah, ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
;)

[Genna14]

Well, number one would have to be "Lullaby" by All Star United. I've wanted this as my funeral song since I first heard it in 1997.

"Missing You"- Chris Rice

"Remember When It Rained"- Josh Groban

"Lullaby"- Josh Groban *different song, just as lovely*

"Vincent *Starry Starry Night*"- as performed by Josh Groban *its rather depressing, but its such a beautiful song*

"Will The Circle Be Unbroken"- as sung by NGDB

"The Soft Goodbye" or "Send Me a Song"- performed by Celtic Woman

And I'd love to have a soloist sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

[R. Smith]

Interesting question. I'd probably go with - Revolution - Jars of Clay

[UGA Gomer07]

Tears in Heaven by Clapton
We Shall be Free by Garth Brooks
Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day
Go Rest High on the Mountain by Vince Gill

[HotWireD]

Just yesterday, whilst driving at work the following song came on the radio. At the time I thought "This would be good for a funeral song".

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin?for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

[lilmikey]

Here's an odd one Harry Hood by Phish. It sounds like one of those going out encorish type songs especially at the end:D :D

[Valpo]

Here's an odd one Harry Hood by Phish. It sounds like one of those going out encorish type songs especially at the end:D :D

hahah, good boy.


except I'll leave any phish tunes for my friends to play before and after. the service will be about glorifying God with my favorite hymns

[lilmikey]

hahah, good boy.


except I'll leave any phish tunes for my friends to play before and after. the service will be about glorifying God with my favorite hymns

Where do you go when the lights go out? Well I'll be with Jesus:D ;) :D

[ExtravagantlyLoved]

I hadn't really ever thought about this before, but now that it's been brought to my attention I'll probably be able to come up with a big list. One that comes to me off the top of my head is "Home" by downhere.

[lilmikey]

Harry Harry.......... I can hear it now now lol. But hopefully not anytime soon.

[Howlin' Wolf]

In My Time of Dying by Led Zeppelin

[lilmikey]

In My Time of Dying by Led Zeppelin

good one

[Genna14]

I totally forgot to put "The Cowboy Rides Away" by George Strait.

[Healing Oil]

I havent thought much about this subject, but my sister has. She is very serious about having "Another one bites the dust" by Queen played at her funeral. :rolleyes: ;)

[caninemom]

No doubt about it. Even though it is not a song, it has to be Mozart's Requiem.

[ExtravagantlyLoved]

No doubt about it. Even though it is not a song, it has to be Mozart's Requiem.
Beautiful piece of music, for sure, but I don't think I could have a requiem played at my funeral. I've sang too many!

[WeaselInYerFoot]

One of many, would be "P.S. You Rock my World" by Eels. It wouldn't really apply to me (I'm dead, why would I care?) as it would more to everyone else. Specially this part of the lyrics:

Laying in bed tonight i was thinking
And listening to all the dogs
And the sirens and the shots
And how a careful man tries
To dodge the bullets
While a happy man takes a walk

And maybe it is time to live