Graveside Funeral Songs: Live Singing at Cemeteries and Burial Grounds

There’s something particularly moving about singing at the graveside. With the discreet portable backing track system I have professional accompaniment wherever I’m asked to sing. All I need is a space for me to stand and somewhere safe to rest the speaker so the mourners can hear clearly. I can even sing under an umbrella when the weather requires it. (Not this summer for rain but as a sun shelter!)

Your choice of music

Families often choose songs because they meant something to the deceased, or because the words capture what they want to say. At the graveside, a solo singer can feel especially intimate and personal at this poignant final moment of farewell.

In my experience, there are usually very few restrictions on the type of music that can be sung at graveside, even for Catholic burials.

Most requested and recent graveside songs

Alongside long-standing favourites such as “Danny Boy”, “Going Home” and “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”, we’ve recently been asked to sing a wider range of personal songs for graveside, from Irish and Welsh favourites to Italian classics and 50’s standards. See these below.

Danny Boy

The melody is the lilting Irish tune “Londonderry Air”. The song is very popular for funerals, and for graveside, the third and fourth verses are particularly appropriate.

Hello and Goodbye

From the film Noon till Three is a beautiful, bittersweet song that captures the complex emotions of love and loss of a partner. When sung live at the graveside, it brings a unique and personal touch, offering both a gentle farewell and a heartfelt tribute. A perfect choice for reflecting on the love shared.

Going Home

This song is often thought to be a negro spiritual, but is from a melody in the New World Symphony by Dvorák. The tune is gently lyrical and calming, it was used as the Hovis advert for music for some time.

You Raise Me Up

“You Raise Me Up” was originally composed by the duo Secret Garden. Josh Groban popularised the song in 2003; and the Irish band Westlife brought it to wider public attention in the UK. A great choice as people relate easily to the sentiment.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

A great funeral poem set to wonderful music. This song has become a very popular choice at funeral services and is extremely fitting for the graveside. Many families find that the combination of apt words and a gentle tune provides a source of musical comfort and solace at a very difficult moment.

Recent song requests from families

Here are some of the personal favourites requested by families for a graveside send off.

Over the Rainbow

The Eva Cassidy version, which has a gentle, reflective quality is very popular. And sung with a guitar backing and birdsong in the air has created a special send-off during this year for many families.

Fields of Gold

Sting’s warm, lyrical song sits well in an outside setting, many families are particularly fond of this.

Dream a Little Dream of Me

A nostalgic look back to the 50’s and 60’s is just what some families wanted this summer. This song can be particularly poignant when saying farewell to a much-loved wife or partner.

Ar Hyd y Nos

This gentle, lilting Welsh song, has proved especially meaningful for families with Welsh connections. I must admit I’m always pleased when families think I sound Welsh; it means I’ve got the accent right!

O Sole Mio

Or should I say just one cornetto! Powerful Italian song, familiar to many not only the ice-cream aficionados.

The Fields of Athenry

This song written by Pete St John has particular meaning for Irish families and those with Irish connections. It’s been growing in popularity recently.

Time to Say Goodbye

The crossover stalwart has seen a resurgence in popularity recently. A dramatic and emotional choice for a final farewell, with this soaring song resounding around the cemetery.

Recent Cemeteries and Burial Grounds Where We’ve Sung

We have recently sung at graveside services across London, Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire and surrounding areas including:

• Epsom Cemetery
• The Avenue Cemetery, Salisbury
• Hollybrook Cemetery, Southampton
• Chertsey Cemetery
• Cobham Cemetery
• Sunbury Cemetery
• Henley Wood Burial Ground
• North Sheen Cemetery
• Merton & Sutton Cemetery
• Westhoe Cemetery, Southampton
• Durrington Cemetery, West Sussex
• Reading Cemetery
• Hither Green Cemetery
• Bybrook Cemetery, Southampton
• Slough Cemetery
• Hendon Cemetery

Why choose live singing at the graveside

Having a favourite song sung beside the open grave adds an extra level of thought, care and personalisation to the service. The vicar/priest/celebrant often remarks how special live singing is, and the cemetery staff are often taken aback too; they don’t hear singers at the graveside very often!

If you are arranging a burial or graveside service and would like a favourite song sung live, please get in touch. I’m always happy to advise on suitable songs and practical arrangements for singing outdoors.