Funeral Hymns 0

funeral hymns

Not everyone wants or has a religious funeral service, but for those who do, funeral hymns play an important part in the memorial process. Hymns can take many different forms and be uplifting, sad, melancholic or inspirational, just like other types of music. With this in mind, we take a look at ten of the most popular hymns for funerals.

Your chosen funeral director will be able to assist you in picking funeral hymns. You can compare from over 1,500 funeral directors all over the UK using our handy directory. Simply head here to get started.

10. All Things Bright and Beautiful

“All Things Bright and Beautiful” is an Anglican funeral hymn written in the 17th century. The lyrics are by Cecil Frances Alexander. It’s a very popular Christian funeral hymn. There’s probably no better known hymn in the UK, this is a good choice for those that want to have all those in attendance singing in full voice. A beautiful hymn dedicated to the celebration of all things living, it contains a positive message of love that can prove a great help on a difficult day.

Listen to “All Things Bright and Beautiful” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the lord god made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colours,
he made their little wings.
The purple-headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning,
that brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
the rushes by the water,
we gather every day.

9. Shine Jesus Shine

Shine Jesus Shine is another uplifting hymn that asks us to celebrate life and God’s work rather than mourning the deceased. A modern composition, this hymn may not be as well-known among the older attendees, but it is always wonderful when sung in remembrance.

Listen to “Shine Jesus Shine” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the father’s glory
Blaze, spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, i come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood i may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me

8. Jerusalem

Based on William Blake’s poem And did those feet in ancient time, this incredibly popular hymn occupies a special spot in the English collective conscious, with some suggesting that it should be the country’s anthem. If you like a rousing piece of religious music, you can’t go wrong with this, and it crops up time and again as one of the most popular Church of England hymns for funerals.

Listen to “Jerusalem” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy lamb of god
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear, oh clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Til we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land
Songwriters: Rupert Christie / William Blake / Charles Parry
Jerusalem lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management

7. Do Not Be Afraid

For some, death is not something to be frightened of and should be considered a natural part of life itself. For others, it is something to fear. This hymn offers sympathy and consolation to those who are afraid of the end and is often sung at funerals across the country.

Listen to “Do Not Be Afraid” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Do not be afraid,
For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
You are mine.

When you walk through the waters I’ll be with you,
You will never sink beneath the waves.

Do not be afraid,
For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
You are mine.

When the fire is burning all around you,
You will never be consumed by the flames.

Do not be afraid,
For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
You are mine.

When the fear of loneliness is looming,
Then remember I am at your side.

Do not be afraid,
For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
You are mine.

When you dwell in the exile of a stranger,
Remember you are precious in my eyes.

Do not be afraid,
For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
You are mine.

You are mine, O my child; I am your father,
And I love you with a perfect love.

Do not be afraid,
For I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
You are mine.

Songwriters: Gerald Markland

6. Amazing Grace

This hymn revolves around the idea of salvation and the deep peace one can find in death. It is one of the most popular hymns for Catholic funerals in the UK and many people find it a reassuring piece of music that can be delivered with real emotion.

Listen to “Amazing Grace” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T’was blind but now I see
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T’was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home
Amazing grace, Howe Sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
T’was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see.

Songwriters: Steve Abbott / Simon Lole / Ian Tilley / Traditional / Unknown Writer
Amazing Grace lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

5. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Sung at the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, this hymn was written by the famous composer Charles Wesley and remains one of his most popular pieces of music. Though it deals with earthly love and relations, it tries to place such love in the context of the much larger, all-encompassing love of God.

Listen to “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion;
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter ev’ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into ev’ry troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver;
let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish then Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Songwriters: Charles Wesley

4. Ave Maria

While Schubert’s adaptation Ave Maria also made it into our post detailing the top ten pieces of classical music to be played at funerals, there’s a number of different versions of this piece of music to enjoy and replicate at a Catholic or Church of England funeral service.

Listen to “Ave Maria” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Ave, Ave Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus,
Benedictus fructos ventris tui,
Tui Jesus
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Ave, Ave Dominus, dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus,
Benedictus fructos ventris tui,
Tui Jesus
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Songwriters: Charles Francois Gounod / John William Lenehan / Malcolm Messiter / Nigel Kennedy
Ave Maria lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

3. I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say is a hymn centred on the idea that comfort can be found in Jesus during difficult or testing times. This makes it an apt choice for those struggling with the loss of a loved one in need of consoling.

Listen to “I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
I heard the voice of Jesus say
‘Come on to me and rest’
Lay down thy weary,
Weary one lay down,
Lay thy head upon my breast.
I went to Jesus as I was,
I was weary, worn and sad
I found in Him a resting place
And He has made me glad.
Take my yoke upon you
And learn about me,
For my yoke is easy
And my burdens are light
And my burdens are light
I heard the voice of Jesus say
‘Behold I freely give’
Oh, the living waters, oh thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live.
I heard the voice of Jesus say
‘Come on to me and rest’
You’ve got to Lay down thy weary,
Weary one lay down,
Lay thy head upon my breast.
I went to Jesus as I was,
You know I was weary, worn and sad
I found in Him, yes I found in him a resting place
Oh, you know He’s made… me glad.
I heard the voice, yes of Jesus say
‘Behold I freely give’
Oh, the living waters, oh thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live.
Oh I wonder, I wonder you could ever hear me?
I keep on calling, you’ve got to hear me
Oh, I’m pleading, everybody hear my plead
Oh, Jesus, hear my name, Oh Jesus
I said: ‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus’
I’m pleading, I’m pleading
You’ve got to hear me, yeah
You’ve got to hear me calling
I’m calling ‘Jesus’, I keep calling
I said Yeah…, Jesus
I’ve just to keep on calling,
Calling your name, I just call, I just call…
Yeah Yeah, You’ve got to hear me, hear me
Hear me, hear me calling, yes I do,
You’ve got to hear me
I said Yeah…, Jesus Ahh…
You’ve got to hear me, Jesus
I keep calling, calling your name
Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus,
I’m calling, calling your name I keep on calling
Hold down my name
I pray, I pray… Yes, I’m praying
Jesus, hear my, hear my call…

Songwriters: Daniel Scott / Trad
I Heard the Voice of Jesus lyrics © Fox Music A Division Of Classic Fox Records L, Vine Ridge Music, WIM WENDERS STIFTUNG

2. Morning Has Broken

Morning Has Broken is another composition that can provide a little positivity and light in moments of darkness and despair. Concerned with matters of new life and rebirth, most will know both the words and music due to its regular performance in schools and churches.

Listen to “Morning Has Broken” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing
Praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight
Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise ev’ry morning
God’s recreation of the new day
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing
Praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world

Songwriters: Eleanor Farjeon / Yusuf Islam
Morning Has Broken lyrics © BMG Rights Management

1. Be Thou My Vision

As this hymn deals with the issue of God as guide and divine vision, it’s often chosen to be sung at funerals. With both the deceased and mourners requiring direction and assistance, this call for help and guidance can offer some consolation.

Listen to “Be Thou My Vision” on YouTube here or on Spotify here

Lyrics
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art –
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father; thine own may I be,
Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and thou only first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Songwriters: Eleanor Hull
Be Thou My Vision lyrics © Oxford University Press

 

If you still haven’t found the funeral hymn that you’re looking for. Take a look at our playlist compilation of the most popular funeral hymns on Spotify. We have a selection ranging from uplifting, gospel, Catholic, Baptist and Anglican hymns for funerals below.

If we’ve missed out any good funeral hymns, please let us know in the comment section below and we’ll add it to our playlist. Thank you!

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9 Creative Ways to Remember Someone Who Has Died 0

Ways to remember someone who has died

When you lose someone, one of the scariest things about it is the idea that you might forget them. Or that the memory of losing them will overshadow the happier times you spent together. The good news is this: you won’t forget them, ever. We promise. And there are ways of remembering someone who has died that can help you celebrate all the great things about them. Here are some suggestions…

 

9 special things to do to remember someone who has died

Not sure how to remember someone who has died? We hope you’ll find some inspiration here.

 

  1. Start a tradition for their birthday

Find something that helps you feel close to them, and do it each year. For example, you could:

  • Do something your loved one liked to do
  • Take a trip to a place that meant something to you both
  • Have a big family dinner and raise a toast – and invite their close friends
  • Light a candle for them in the evening

Build on what you know about them. Take a class in something they knew well. Go on their favourite dog walk. Take the day off and make all their favourite foods.

“My sister and I go to a 40s event on Mum’s birthday each year,” explains Rachel, a funeral arranger at our Aylesbury branch. “She was a child of the 40s, and it helps us remember how life would have been for her growing up.”

 

  1. Talk to them

Japanese wind telephoneWe all have things we wish we could tell people who are no longer with us. Why not just give it a try? You could wait until you have a quiet moment alone to say what you want to say aloud. Or visit their grave or scattering place to speak to them.

While this might feel a little odd at first, a lot of people find comfort in these talks. After the 2011 tsunami in Japan, one bereaved relative set up a disconnected ‘wind telephone’ in his garden so that he could talk to the family he lost. Since then, people from all over the area have come to talk to their loved ones.

 

  1. Take a trip 

Go somewhere your loved one always wanted to go, do something they always wanted to do. A once-in-a-lifetime trip can be a fantastic way for a family to heal together after a rough year.

 

  1. Keep something of theirs close by

Ash Glass Design's cremation glass mourning ringThis could be something as simple as wearing their jewellery or watch every day. Or clothing: a favourite shirt could be worn, turned into a cushion, or framed to make art. Believe it or not, there is also a company that turns the clothing of people who have died into teddy bears. 

Another (slightly more unusual) way of remembering someone special who has died is to get their ashes made into jewellery. Specialist craftspeople can suspend the ashes in glass or resin beads and place them in pendants, earrings, bracelets or rings. 

 

  1. Go big with a firework displayfriends scattering ashes firework on a boat

A memorial fireworks display can be a lovely way to remember someone special. Team it with plenty of friends and family, some of your loved one’s favourite music, and some toasty hot drinks for a unique and cosy celebration of life.

The important thing here is safety. Always buy your fireworks from a registered seller or licenced shop and check that they are suitable for home use. Make sure bystanders are standing back as far as is recommended for that firework. You can find more safety advice here.

What about balloon, lantern, butterfly and dove launches? Here, it’s important to do your research to minimise the impact on local wildlife and pets. Always use biodegradable materials.

 

  1. Get something dedicated to them

Not sure if the traditional park bench is the best way of remembering someone who has died? There are all kinds of alternatives…

  • For lovers of the performing arts, you can dedicate theatre, opera, or concert hall seats
  • Football ground seats are a great way to remember fans of the beautiful game
  • For music lovers, you can call in to your local radio station and dedicate their favourite song to them on their birthday
  • You can get a rose named in memory of someone special, and give cuttings to family and friends
  • Or dedicate a tree (or an acre of woodland) to them with the Woodland Trust

 

  1. Write to them

Writing a letter to remember someone who has diedWhen you’re struggling with something – anything – writing can be very therapeutic.  So, writing a letter to a loved one who has died can be a lovely way to feel connected to them and work through your grief. Letters can be kept or ‘posted’ by burying them at the grave or scattering site. Other ideas are placing them in a fire or even sending them down a river in boat form. 

Not much of a letter writer? You’re not alone. When writer Rax King tweeted about the emails she sent her dad after he died, thousands of other people came forward to say that they did the same. Or sent texts, or g-chat messages. While it’s best not to actually press ‘send’ on these (numbers can be reallocated to other people, email accounts closed) just the act of writing can bring comfort. 

 

  1. Support a cause that mattered to them

Is there a cause your loved one cared deeply about that you could support? Or would you like to raise money for a charity that fights their final illness, or supports families like yours?

One of the best ways to remember someone who has died is to build something positive with their legacy. You could…

  • Set up an online crowdfunding obituary that asks friends and family to donate
  • Organise a fundraiser or do a charity run to raise money
  • Sign up to donate a small amount each month in their memory
  • Set up a scholarship or endowment at their old school, college or uni
  • Launch a charitable trust or foundation of your own to lobby for a cause
  • Sponsor a child (or even an animal) through a charity

 

  1. Visit their grave or scattering place

Forget-me-not flowersYour loved one’s grave, or the place where their ashes were scattered, can feel very meaningful. There’s comfort to be had in just giving yourself some time to sit with them there. 

If you like, you can also bring a wreath, bouquet or (land owner permitting) something to plant. In Victorian times, people would often use flowers to send messages: each one had a special meaning. This old mourning custom is still a lovely way to express how you feel. E.g. rosemary for remembrance, white periwinkle for happy memories, an oak-leaved geranium for true friendship or marigolds for grief. 

Then again, a bouquet of your loved one’s favourites is an equally thoughtful gesture. At natural burial grounds, where planting rules are strict, a scattering of native wildflowers can also be a beautiful way to remember someone who has died.

 

Share your favourite ways to remember someone who has died

How do you remember the special people you’ve lost? Share your suggestions with other bereaved families in the comment section below. We’d love to hear your stories.

10 Funny Funeral Poems for an Uplifting Service 0

Michael Ashby's A Long Cup of Tea, a funny funeral poem

‘Funny funeral poems’ might sound like a bit of a contradiction. But humour isn’t always out of place at a farewell. When we celebrate someone’s life, we celebrate all of it, all of the best things about them — and that can mean laughter as well as sadness.

Here, we’ve gathered together 10 popular funny funeral poems to inspire you. We hope you’ll find something your loved one would have giggled at.

 

Amy Roper's Pardon Me For Not Getting Up, one of our top 10 funny funeral poemsPardon Me For Not Getting Up by Kelly Roper

There’s puns galore in this poem by Kelly Roper, writer and hospice volunteer. It’s a popular light-hearted reading, especially in funerals for people who were always taking care of others.

Told from the perspective of someone who has died, Pardon Me For Not Getting Up asks funeral guests to excuse them from hosting this time — and asks them to go ahead and celebrate their life nevertheless.

 A Long Cup of Tea by Michael Ashby

Michael Ashby's A Long Cup of Tea, a funny funeral poem

Is this the most British funeral poem of all time? Perhaps. Full of sly jokes (‘Please pick the biggest mug you can find / Size really does matter at this time’) Michael Ashby’s funeral poem is perfect for someone who loved to kick back with a cuppa. And who doesn’t?

The Busman’s Prayer by Anon

The Busman's Prayer, one of our top 10 funny funeral poems
This parody of the Lord’s Prayer is one of the more original non-religious funny funeral poems. The version here is ideal for born-and-bred Londoners, but there are also versions for retired policemen and women (‘The Law’s Prayer’) and people in Derbyshire around.

You can, of course, also write your own. Simply swap out the London locations for local landmarks with a similar sound.

Death by Joe Brainard, one of our top 10 funny funeral poemsDeath by Joe Brainard

This wry, matter-of-fact poem by Joe Brainard has a lot of simple truth in it. And some very black humour. Noting that visualising death might help us not to be afraid, he adds:

“Try to visualize, for example, someone sneaking up behind
your back and hitting you over the head with a giant hammer.”

If your friend or relative was a straightforward sort of person with an appreciation for the darker variety of jokes, this could be the one.

Warning by Jenny Joseph

Jenny Joseph's Warning, one of the best funny funeral poems for mums.
This playful and funny funeral poem is all about how old age can be liberating — and how we’d act if we could just please ourselves all the time. It’s a wonderful funeral poem for anyone who spent their later years living life to the full.

It’s also an excellent message for us all: don’t let respectability get in the way of doing all the (silly) things that make you happy.

On a Tired Housewife, one of our top 10 funny funeral poems

On a Tired Housewife by Anon

This anonymous poem has something of a dark backstory. But it’s now one of the nation’s favourite comic poems.

In it, the reader explains that after a lifetime of hard work, she’s actually looking forward to a restful eternal sleep. This makes it one of the more fitting funny funeral poems for a friend or parent who was always busy looking after their family.

Untitled jisei by Moriya Sen’an

A jisei (death poem) by Moriya Sen'an
For some time, it was traditional in Japan for some people (the elite, samurai and monks in particular) to write short poems shortly before their death. Many of these jisei are beautiful and contemplative. Others, like this one, are comically frank and can have a place in funny funeral speeches.

Death by Sean Hughes, one of the best funny funeral poemsDeath by Sean Hughes

This poem, which describes Sean Hughes’ idea of a good funeral, is ideal for any ‘celebration of life’ style funeral service.

With free drinks and new friendships being forged, it actually does sound like a great way to send someone off. The poem was in fact read at Hughes’ own funeral.

I Didn’t Go To Church Today by Ogden Nash

I Didn't Go to Church Today, one of our top 10 funny funeral poems by Ogden Nash
In this quietly comic poem, the narrator explains why he skipped church that morning: the day was too beautiful not to spend at the beach. It’s a sweet piece about appreciating a perfect moment.

Although light-hearted, the poem does have comfort for those at a funeral. As Nash shares, God will likely understand. After all, ‘He knows when I am said and done / We’ll have plenty of time together’.

Last Will and Testament by Will Scratchmann

Last Will and Testament by Will Scratchmann, one of the best funny funeral poems
This short-but-sweet piece by Will Scratchmann could be a funny funeral poem for a dad. But behind the humour is a positive message about what we want for our loved ones after we’re gone. Not a lifetime of sadness, but a lot of joy (and parties!) in time.

 

One last note on funny funeral poems…

Giving a ‘funny’ reading at a funeral can be a bit nerve-wracking. What if it goes down badly? The best thing to ask yourself is what the person who has died would have thought. Does the poem sound like them? Is it something they might have found funny? After all, the day is all about them. And if you need advice on public speaking, take a look at our top tips from funeral celebrants.

Didn’t find the right funeral poem today? Not to worry. We have a round up of 33 beautiful non-religious funeral poems here to help you in your search.