There’s something particularly moving about singing at the graveside. I can sing outside thanks to our discreet portable backing track system, so I have professional accompaniment wherever I go. I don’t need much else: just a space for me to stand on (preferably), somewhere to rest the speaker, so the mourners can hear and see me. I even sing from under an umbrella if necessary.

Your choice of music

There are very few restrictions even from the Catholic Church on the type of music that I can sing at graveside.

Top 5 funeral graveside songs

Here are the Top 5 songs people have asked us to sing during the burial ceremony:

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.

We’ll meet again

The 1939 British song made famous by Dame Vera Lynn. It became an anthem for those waiting for loved ones to return home during WW2.

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 gently tune provides a source of musical comfort and solace at a very difficult moment.

Thank you so much Toni, That was wonderful, again.  Your singing was really special and made the service truly beautiful.  Having you sing at the graveside as well was brilliant, it really added to a personal send-off.  My uncle would have been chuffed to have you singing for him.

PW, uncle’s funeral, Durrington cemetery

Toni, thank you it was a wonderful send-off for mum. Your voice resounding throughout the cemetery. A wonderful gift. Thanks once again.  

KB, mother’s funeral, Hither Green cemetery

You added a really special atmosphere to such an important occasion. And the bonus Mamma song at the graveside was just so lovely and such a fitting finale!. Thank you thank you thank you!

AH, mother’s funeral Merton & Sutton cemetery

Toni your singing was wonderful. Your beautiful voice resounding around the cemetery brought much joy to the occasion. I am so glad that we found you. And you could sing the Italian ‘O sole mio’. Just brilliant, thanks once again.

SC, brother’s funeral, North Sheen 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 signing is, and the grave diggers are often taken aback; they don’t get singers very often!

​Here are a few ideas for songs by graveside.