Great Gospel Funeral Songs
At Crawfordville, FL funeral homes, music is an important part of funeral services. Not only does the type of music set the tone for the service, but the selections played can bring happiness, hope, and comfort.
There are no boundaries around music, as there are around other parts of traditional funeral services, because music is the stuff of the heart and the soul and whatever we chose to play reflects who are we are and what we love and/or believe.
Gospel music is often chosen for funeral services because it offers both hope and comfort. There are many wonderful gospel songs to choose from, but here are some that are very popular to use for funeral services.
One is “I Was Standing by the Bedside of a Neighbor,” performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock. Originally written by Thomas A. Dorsey and performed by the Famous Blue Jay Singers of Birmingham in 1932, this gospel song reflects an old Southern tradition of communities gathering around to attend to their dying and a deep desire for the dying to remember them to the Savior when they see Him. It’s a wonderful uptempo song about hope and faith.
Another gospel song that is often played in the funeral marches in New Orleans jazz funerals is Louis Armstrong’s “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Recorded in 1938, this gospel classic quickly became a jazz classic as well. It expresses the joy of the saints getting their reward and the hope that the narrator is among them.
“Can the Circle be Unbroken?” has been covered by many recording artists, but there’s a singular poignancy about the original version written and recorded by The Carter Family (1935). It’s a particularly appropriate gospel song for adult children whose parents have just passed away, because it provides comfort that the family will be reunited someday.
Another popular gospel song that is played at funerals is “Amazing Grace.” There are a lot of great recorded versions, but the most powerful and moving rendition of this gospel song is when it’s played on the bagpipes (live or recorded).
“I’ll Fly Away” is a gospel song that was first recorded in 1932. For a contemporary Christian sound, the Jars of Clay version is exceptional. For a country sound, the version done by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch for the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack is an excellent choice.
A classic gospel song that is quite popular at funeral’s is Mahaiia Jackson’s “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” It’s a song of acceptance of death, faith in God, and hope for what comes next.
“Oh Happy Day” is a gospel rendition of an hymn written in the 1700’s and is a popular choice for funeral services. The best-known version was record by the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1969 (it became a global hit and its highest position on the Billboard 100 was number 4).
MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine” rounds out the list of most popular gospel songs for funerals. It speaks to the hope of what can only be imagined in this life but will be a reality when this life ends and the new life we’re promised begins.
If you would like more suggestions for funeral music at Crawfordville, FL funeral homes, our compassionate and experienced staff at Lifesong Funerals & Cremations can help. You can come by our funeral home at 20 S. Duval St., Quincy, FL 32351, or you can contact us today at (850) 627-1111.
