Music can touch many emotions. It can bring happiness and sadness. It can even help the brain learn in different ways. So how do you choose the music for a loved one’s funeral? Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana says there is no “right or wrong” music to play. It is completely up the family to choose their favorite songs that remind them of their loved one, which most likely will include favorites of the deceased. Sunset will also create a playlist for you, if you think it may be harder on you to choose yourself, based off the things you’ve told us about your loved one. Sometimes decisions like this can bring up unwanted emotions or can be overwhelming. Sunset is here to make this hard time easier on you.
How Do I Know What Music To Pick?
What was your loved one’s favorite genre? Was it Jazz, Country, or Pop? Did they have favorite songs? Knowing this is a starting point to choosing a selection of visitation and/or service songs, from Gospel Hymns to modern Rap and Hip-Hop.
Can Sunset Play the Music I Select?
Yes, Sunset Funeral Home in Evansville, Indiana will play your music selections during a visitation or service. We have a sound system, with speakers throughout the building. We will pull the music from sources like Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Spotify. If you have created your own playlist, bring it along and we will play this for you.
Don’t Feel Pressured
Maybe one of your family members is adamant about having a specific song played. If you don’t feel comfortable with it or would like something else played, don’t be afraid to speak up. People sometimes think that their opinion is helpful, when sometimes it is overwhelming with so many other decisions needing to be made at the same time. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or confused, take a deep breath and call someone who can help you through it peacefully.
What Are Some Popular Songs That Are Played?
Here are some from a few different genres that you may find helpful:
Country:
- “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
- “You Should Be Here” by Cole Swindell
- “Where I Get to Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton
- “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood
Christian
- “Amazing Grace”
- “Old Rugged Cross”
- “How Great Thou Art” by Alan Jackson
- “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me
Modern
- “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
- “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa
- “Forever Young” by Jay-Z featuring Beyonce
- “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
Military
- “America The Beautiful”
- “In Color” by Jamey Johnson
- “American Soldier” by Toby Keith
- “Til The Last Shot’s Fired” by Trace Adkins
Celebration of Life
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
- “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole
Live Music
You may know a friend or family member that is comfortable around singing in front of people. Having someone close to you be part of this day may help you get through it a little easier. At Sunset we have a piano you can use. People also have been known to bring in a guitar as well. Live music makes funerals a little more personal and memorable, if it’s an option for you.
Your music choices are important to Sunset Funeral Home. We will always try to help ease the stress off your shoulders. No matter the song, pick what means the most to you and your loved one. Any special love song you shared, a song that played a part in a huge moment in your life, or one you just listened to in the car together. You want to pick something that you will always remember them by. Having music in your visitation and service is just one more way to make the funeral just a little more personal.
