Funeral hymns are an important part of any funeral service, bringing comfort and reassurance to those in attendance. Funeral hymns can help celebrate the life of a loved one and offer comfort to friends and family.
How many hymns are sung at a funeral?
Traditionally, at least two hymns are sung at a Christian funeral service, though you may wish to choose more. There is typically an opening hymn and a closing hymn, but it’s best to speak to whoever is leading the ceremony before the day of the funeral. There are no set rules.
Which type of funeral hymn should you choose?
There are thousands of different funeral hymns to choose from. For many, the funeral hymn is the most memorable part of the funeral service and so it’s important to choose a song that reflects the life of your loved one. Listen carefully to the lyrics and make sure you’re happy with the words.
Popular funeral hymns
To get you started, we’ve listed a selection of traditional and uplifting hymns that are popular at funerals:
Traditional funeral hymns
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is based on a poem by William Blake, written in 1804.
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
Abide With me
Abide With Me is a Victorian hymn, written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
The Lord’s my Shepherd
Based on Psalm 23, The Lord’s My Shepherd is famous with both devoted churchgoers and non-religious people.
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
Uplifting funeral hymns
All Things Bright and Beautiful
This Anglican hymn has remained a popular song for funerals throughout the years.
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
Morning has Broken
Written in 1931, Morning Has Broken is a popular funeral hymn with uplifting and hopeful 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 Word.
Amazing Grace
Famous 18th Century Christian hymn written by Anglican clergyman John Newton.
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound!
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I’m found;
Was blind, but now I see.
Funeral hymns can provide a great comfort and unity between those in attendance. With this in mind, any funeral hymn you choose should capture the spirit and nature of the person you’re remembering. You don’t need to choose a classic funeral hymn – you might choose a song by their favourite artist or a piece of music that reflects their life. For more inspiration, see 9 of the best uplifting funeral songs.
