Our 7 Favorite Hymns for Funerals

Hymns are a popular choice of music for funerals across the US, and not just for devoted church-goers. People often find comfort in including religious songs in their loved one’s memorial or funeral service, as they best express their feelings and emotions. In case the deceased loved one was fond of hymns and poems, you can also have them printed on the tombstone to justify the expensive tombstone prices these days. If you are looking for timeless songs to honor the life of a loved one, you would want to use one of these seven beautiful hymns:



#1 (Joint) I watch the sunrise
Watch here: https://youtu.be/vm-A5NlkI8U

This hymn beautifully follows the progress of the sun throughout the day and reflects on the passage of time and the importance of closeness to God. People find this hymn comforting during their grief: “The air is silent, earth is at rest – only your peace is near me. For you are always close to me, following all my ways.”

#2 Morning has broken
Watch here: https://youtu.be/Oa-mWuBY-is

This hymn was written in 1931. Based on a cheerful melody and hopeful lyrics, Morning has broken is not really a song about loss or grief, but about life and renewal. It is one of the many popular hymns which we have grown up singing at school or in church.

#3 Old Rugged Cross
Watch here: https://youtu.be/yXAqoZuYvyA

Mostly performed in a country western style, Old rugged cross is, in fact, the first song celebrating Jesus Christ and dedication to serving God: "So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies, at last, I lay down."

#4 How great thou art
Watch here: https://youtu.be/PdE_NKyY_o0

Based on a 19th-century Swedish poem and the tune of a Swedish folk song -How Great Thou Art rejoices the beauty of nature and power of God: “I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.”

#5 All things bright and beautiful
Watch here: https://youtu.be/IPMA5I3-0Jw

This hymn is probably known by almost every single person in the US. This Anglican hymn is mostly sung and celebrated by many different churches within Christianity. It is a song about celebration and has remained a popular choice for funerals throughout these years.

#6 The Lord is my shepherd
Watch here: https://youtu.be/yLxdb3ov-zE

This famous hymn is based on Psalm 23 and offers a message of comfort and guidance with a tune that even non-religious people will find familiar. Like most other songs on this list, The Lord Is My Shepherd is an uplifting funeral song, which is more about finding guidance in grief rather than about the pain of grief itself.

#7 Ave Maria
Watch here: https://youtu.be/sGr6B6Rp4PU

Ave Maria, meaning ‘Hail Mary' in Latin is a world-famous hymn that has been performed by famous singers from across the globe and has been composed by many different composers. The most loved tune is the one written by Schubert and has been praised for being one of the most beautiful pieces of religious music that have been written so far.

If you are planning a loved one’s funeral, take a look at the Eastern Memorials Memorial Headstones in Maryland for more ideas.