

There are many versions of this song, which portrays the singer’s longing for her home. This moving Christian prayer song is the perfect addition to a traditional Irish funeral ceremony. “Nearer My God to Thee” by John McCormack Irish bagpipes are often played during funerals if a loved one served in the military, police force, or other service-based position. This particular tune originated in the 1770s as a Scottish song but it’s often played at Irish funerals. There are many interpretations of this 1912 ballad, but many people identify with it as a farewell song. If you need helping sorting it all out, check out our post-loss checklist.

Tip: Creating a funeral playlist might be just a small part of your post-death responsibilities. Do you? If so, you’ll appreciate this compilation of some of the most classic tunes on our playlist. Some people prefer a traditional Irish funeral. The variety of funeral songs allow a little something for everyone based on the personality of the deceased and can help strike a balance for the right “mourning atmosphere.” You’ll be sure to find something on this list that tugs at your heartstrings.ĬOVID-19 tip: If you're hosting a Zoom funeral using a service like GatheringUs, make sure to test your audio beforehand, so online and virtual guests can enjoy the playlist together. Not every song here is rooted in Irish history - we’ve included a blend of traditional Irish songs and contemporary music commonly played at Irish funerals. You can also consider putting some of these songs into a playlist and share it along with a Spotify gift card as a sympathy gift for someone in your life who's grieving the loss of a loved one. You may not always know the right words to say, and sometimes a lyric or melody will resonate with people in a way that words simply can’t. Music allows people to come together to celebrate, mourn, and pay tribute to a very special person. They’re filled with many traditions, but the music selection is one of the most important parts of the in-person or virtual funeral ceremony. Irish funerals can be as diverse and unique as a person who passes away. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible.
