Music and funerals

[HamburgerBoy]

How does this work? I've been to a few funerals and music was never played in the sense that people typically talk about it being played, but I assume this was because they were all in the 90-ish region when they died. When do they decide when to play the music? Are the eulogies impregnated with intermissions of Stairway to Heaven and whatever other kitsch rock ballad choices in lieu of hymnals? Do they play them as they put the coffin into the ground, assuming there is a burial? Is it just something going on in the background like music in weddings?

 

[sjwaste]

Most funerals have a DJ.

 

[clamum]

"Impregnated with intermissions of Stairway to Heaven"... hahahaha.

 

[sjwaste]

"impregnated with intermissions of stairway to heaven"... Hahahaha.

no stairway!

 

[HamburgerBoy]

Most funerals have a DJ.

Seriously? I wouldn't have even considered this possibility, although I guess it makes sense. Do they take requests from the mourners?

 

[Mixolydian]

At my aunts funeral there was background music throughout the whole think except the eulogy.

 

[Farang]

I've only been to one funeral (fortunately), there was a guy up front playing guitar. He would just kick off little riffs, some classical some Here Comes the Sun type stuff

Actually a memorial service since he was cremated so no coffin lowering

 

[glenn1]

Depends on the deceased and their survivors. Religious folks may opt to play the departed's favorite hymns or a contemporary christian song like Mercy Me - Homesick or Casting Crowns - If we ever needed you. Others may opt for timeless standards like "Amazing Grace." Still others may want Jimmy Buffet played. Some may want to have a silent remembrance service, or a rousing wake.

Whatever the music selection, just be respectful and don't hold up a cigarette lighter like you're asking for an encore.

 

[phucheneh]

It's just like weddings. There was never a 'hear comes the bride' or whatever equivalent for funerals, AFAIK, but there used to be pretty standard 'funeral music' played at the beginning (and end? can't remember).

Then it turned into 'here's a pop song we like.'

 

[Triumph]

I guess I've never been to a funeral that wasn't Catholic. And in Catholic church, there's always music. At the wake/viewing, only once heard video, a friend's dad was a big time music collector, they had old 45's of blues classics playing in the background. It was actually very cool.

 

[runzwithsizorz]

Father owned, and ran a mortuary for 64 years. we lived upstairs, and the embalming room was in a back building along with our clothes washer, and dryer. For viewings, and services we had a looping tape machine. Also had
a small room off the side of the chapel with a huge Worlitzer organ, and leslie speaker, if the family made acceptable music requests. There was no music graveside.

 

[PenguinPower]

Bagpipes...and bagpipes alone.

 

[Printer Bandit]

best funeral music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hre5fkdq-0