I don’t know if this is something that everyone thinks about, but at my own funeral I know for certain that I don’t want everyone listening to Robbie Williams belting out ‘Angels’ for the billionth time, or some classical music piece that I had absolutely no affinity for. No, I want songs to play that would have meant something to me, or songs that remind others of me and the kind of music I enjoy.
That’s why I thought I would put together this list of alternative rock songs that could be played at a funeral; to provide rock fans with some inspiration if you have been thinking about it for yourself, or maybe if you have the heartbreaking task of arranging someone else's funeral who you know would appreciate some of their own personality being stamped onto the occasion.
Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World
This song sends literal chills down my spine, a kind of modern rock ballad that is both haunting and beautiful. The repeated lyrics ‘may angels lead you in’ are bound to really resonate with people on the day.
Wish You Were Here by Incubus
The chorus of ‘I wish you were here’ shares a sentiment that many will feel while attending a funeral. The song itself is an eclectic mix of guitars, drums, synths and turntables, making for a really unique and memorable sound.
When September Ends by Green Day
For a band associated with powerful punk rock anthems, ‘When September Ends’ is a really emotive guitar ballad. BIllie Joe’s vocals are absolutely perfect on this track, but be warned that the video is a tough watch if you’re already feeling emotional.
Times Like These (Acoustic) by Dave Grohl
The original version of this modern rock anthem by the Foo Fighters is probably a bit too raucous for most funerals, but this acoustic version is a great compromise. It may have a melancholic sound, but is actually very uplifting and easy to sing along to.
Awake My Soul by Mumford and Sons
Known for their foot tapping indie folk sound, Mumford and Sons may not be the first band you would think of for a funeral song, but ‘Awake My Soul’ is particularly poignant; the lyrics ‘In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die, And where you invest your love, you invest your life’ will be truly heard by everyone in the room.
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
For the metal fan, you can't ask for anything better than Nothing Else Matters by Metallica as your send off song. If you want the kind of funeral where guests can hold their lighters in the air as tribute, then this emotional power ballad is sure to be a winner.
The Sound Of Silence by Disturbed
Here the heavy metal band Disturbed cover the original Simon & Garfunkel classic, The Sound Of Silence. This incredibly evocative version of the song is both moody and powerful, and would certainly make for a memorable backing track to a funeral.
At Your Funeral by Saves The Day
The title of this is a little on the nose, and some of the lyrics might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for something a little bit more punk rock that people could sing along too, then this is a really great track. On the surface it might all sound a little too upbeat for some, but under the circumstances belting out the line ‘and at your funeral I will sing the requiem’ could be an incredibly moving experience.
Hopefully you haven’t found this topic to be too macabre, because I would love to continue this series and tackle other genres like folk and country, or maybe even punk or hip hop! Please do comment below, and let me know that I’m not the only one who has thought about this topic by leaving your own song suggestions of any genre.
