Choosing music for a funeral can help you remember your loved one, sharing a part of their character and personality at their service or wake. Whether you have happy memories attached to music from the decade of flares, feather cuts and roller discos, or they had favourite songs from this time, our collection of 70s songs for funerals could help you find what you’re looking for.
Popular 70s funeral songs
Let It Be – The Beatles
The Beatles are one of the most popular bands iof all time. So, it’s not too surprising that Let It Be isn’t just one of the most chosen 1970s funeral songs, but also one of the most played funeral songs in general. The song encourages acceptance of life as it runs its course. Its line “there will be an answer” gives the idea that things will be okay.
“And when the broken hearted
People living in the world agree
There will be an answer
Let it be.
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer
Let it be.”
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel
Like Let It Be, Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water isn’t just a popular 70s funeral song, but one of the most popular funeral songs from all decades. The chorus talks about going through a difficult time in your life and the perseverance that will help you to find your way through it.
“When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I'll dry them all
I'm on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.”
Bright Eyes – Art Garfunkel
Bright Eyes was written for the 1978 film version of Richard Adam’s book Watership Down. The song is acoustic, slow and emotional, talking about the natural side of death.
“Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes.”
Vincent – Don McLean
This emotional song by Don McLean was originally written about artist Vincent Van Gogh, but its lyrics have touched many people over the years since its release. You might hear people refer to it by its opening lines “Starry starry night”.
“This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.”
Lean On Me – Bill Withers
Lean On Me by Bill Withers offers comfort and solace in the face of hard times. It encourages us to look to tomorrow for hope. Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone is another popular 1970s funeral song from the same album.
“Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow.”
Alternative and rock 70s funeral songs
Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
Stairway to Heaven is one of the best-known 70s rock funeral songs. The first five minutes are slow, peaceful and have an acoustic folk-feel, which then moves into blues-based rock. In total, the song lasts almost eight minutes, so it works well as entry music, exit music, or you may just want to play a shorter section of it.
"Your head is humming and it won't go
In case you don't know
The piper's calling you to join him
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow?
And did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?"
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
This song by Bob Dylan talks about death in a simple and accepting way. It has just two short verses, centred around a scene from the film it was written for - Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Its message touches many.
“Mama, take this badge off of me
I can’t use it anymore
It’s getting dark, too dark to see
I feel I’m knockin' upon heaven’s door.”
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
If you listen to alternative music, you’re probably familiar with (Don’t Fear) The Reaper. This is a good choice when it comes to 70s songs for funerals, with lyrics that deal with the inevitability of death. The words encourage us to be brave when faced with death.
“All our times have come
Here, but now they're gone
Seasons don't fear the reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun, or the rain
(We can be like they are).”
Positive and uplifting 70s funeral songs
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers
If you’re looking for a positive and uplifting funeral songs from the 70s, Three Little Birds is one of the most loved. This reggae funeral song has a happy tone and encourages us to let go of our worries. It tells us that, ultimately, things will be okay.
“Don't worry, about a thing
'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right
Singin', don't worry, about a thing
'Cause every little thing, gonna be all right.”
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
Another positive song is Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. This comedy song is tongue-in-cheek, but reminds us to try to see the positive, even at the worst of times. Please note that its lyrics do contain an instance of mild swearing, which might not be suitable for everyone.
“For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.”
Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks
The music behind Terry Jacks’ Seasons in the Sun is light and joyful. This pop song from the 70s can encourage you to think of the happy memories you have with a loved one, even during times of loss.
“Goodbye to you, my trusted friend
We've known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we've climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABC's
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Goodbye my friend, it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I'll be there.”
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash.