Why The Right Music Sets The Tone At A Funeral

This month saw the veteran singer Sir Tom Jones turning 82 and, according to the Daily Express, giving an interview in which he revealed the song he would most like to be played at his funeral.

His choice – “Great Balls of Fire”, was stated in an interview with NME. Suffice to say, the Express was playing somewhat fast and loose in treating this comment as breaking news related to the Welsh legend’s recent birthday, as the music magazine actually published it last year.

The report may not be so timely, but the topic is perennially relevant. Sir Tom may not be going anywhere just yet, but it is “not unusual” for people to choose the tunes they want played at their funeral.

When choosing funeral stationary, it may be very important to take this into account, as the type of music played can often set the tone for the funeral itself, which the design and colours of the stationary should take into account.

Some might choose something deep and meaningful, spiritual or a little bit ethereal. It might even be a Tom Jones song (Sometimes We Cry?).

However, while sometimes the tunes may be sombre, many funerals are treated as a celebration of a person’s life, perhaps even with traditional elements like wearing black being dispensed with. That means some cheery, upbeat songs could be played.

There are many popular songs that appear in lots of funerals; My Way by Frank Sinatra, Angels by Robbie Williams or You’ll Never Wake Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers to name but three, although the appropriateness of the last of these may depend on the football allegiances of the deceased and those present.

Of course, the choice can be deeply personal and this is certainly true if someone has detailed the music they want at their funeral. But if they have not, it is worth thinking very carefully about what might have fitted with their wishes and how the music used could set the tone for the style and manner of the send-off they get.