Most funeral services use three pieces of music: one for entry, one during the service itself, and one for exit. Some add a fourth during a reflection or committal moment. You do not need to choose well-known funeral songs. You need to choose songs that meant something to the person, or that say what the family wants to say.
How to think about music for each moment
Entry music
The entry piece plays as the coffin arrives and as mourners take their seats. It sets the tone for the entire service. Some families choose something calm and reflective to settle the room. Others choose something that captures the personality of the person who died — a favourite song, something unexpected, something that gets a knowing nod from the people who knew them well.
Entry music typically runs for two to four minutes, depending on the size of the venue and the pace of the procession.
Reflection music
A reflection piece, if used, is played during a moment of quiet in the service. It might accompany a slideshow, play during a communal reflection, or provide a pause between the formal parts of the service. Instrumental pieces often work well here because they do not compete with the images or the moment.
Exit music
Exit music plays as mourners leave. Many families choose something uplifting or celebratory here. It is the last sound people carry out with them. Some families deliberately choose something unexpected or joyful as a final statement about the person's character.
Most funeral venues can play music from a phone, USB, or streaming service. Confirm with your funeral director or celebrant how music will be managed on the day, and provide a playlist or named tracks in advance. If you want live music, book early, especially for a service within the first week.
Contemporary songs commonly chosen at Australian funerals
Popular contemporary choices
- The Horses — Daryl Braithwaite. One of the most frequently played songs at Australian funerals. Uplifting, familiar, and deeply associated with a certain generation.
- Someone Like You — Adele. A song about loss and acceptance that resonates widely.
- Hallelujah — Leonard Cohen (or the Jeff Buckley version). Works equally as entry, reflection or exit.
- Time to Say Goodbye — Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. Often used for committal or exit.
- Angels — Robbie Williams. One of the most popular funeral songs in Australia and the UK.
- My Way — Frank Sinatra. A natural choice for someone who lived life on their own terms.
- Fields of Gold — Eva Cassidy's version is particularly beloved.
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Gentle, warm, and broadly appealing.
- Don't You (Forget About Me) — Simple Minds. Occasionally chosen for its direct sentiment, particularly for younger people.
- Dancing Queen — ABBA. More common than you might expect, particularly for someone known for their joy.
Traditional and hymn choices
Hymns and traditional pieces
- Abide With Me. One of the oldest and most recognised funeral hymns. Often sung by the congregation.
- Amazing Grace. Works well sung, played on bagpipes, or in a choral arrangement.
- How Great Thou Art. Common in religious services across denominations.
- Ave Maria. Frequently chosen for Catholic services or where classical music is preferred.
- The Lord is My Shepherd. Set to the tune of Crimond, or the Psalm 23 version.
- Jerusalem. Particularly common for older generations and those with British heritage.
Instrumental and classical pieces
Instrumental options
- Canon in D — Pachelbel. Widely used for entry, particularly at more formal services.
- Clair de Lune — Debussy. A reflective piece that works well during a slideshow or moment of quiet.
- Air on the G String — Bach. Calm, dignified, and broadly appropriate.
- Gymnopedies No.1 — Erik Satie. Increasingly popular for its quiet, unhurried quality.
- The Swan — Saint-Saens. Particularly moving when played on cello.
- A Thousand Years — Christina Perri (instrumental version). Popular for younger people and those with a romantic story.
Australian artists worth considering
Beyond the Daryl Braithwaite standard, a number of Australian artists feature regularly in services. Paul Kelly's catalogue is especially well-suited to funerals. "How to Make Gravy" and "Every Fucking City" carry that particular weight of absence and love that finds its place in grief. "To Her Door" is another. John Williamson, Missy Higgins, and Kasey Chambers are all chosen regularly by families looking for something that feels distinctly Australian.
Choosing something personal
The most meaningful funeral music is often not the most obvious choice. A song from the person's wedding, something they played on repeat in their last months, a track from a road trip decades ago. These choices say something no generic playlist can.
If you knew the person well, think about what they listened to. What they sang along to. What they put on when they were happy. That is usually the right answer.
If you are planning ahead for yourself, writing down your music preferences now is one of the most useful things you can do for the people who will plan your service. See our guide to how to plan a funeral in Australia for the full scope of decisions involved, or our funeral checklist for a practical overview.
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