Broadway Showtunes and Soundtracks for a Funeral Service
There is nothing quite like using Broadway songs for funerals. The same emotion and inspiration that brings stage characters to life can set the scene for the type of goodbye you would like to say and bring both tears and smiles to those who are grieving. If your loved one was someone who loved the escape of musical theater or cinema, both show tunes and film scores can present a wide range of possibilities for funeral music.
One benefit of using Broadway or movie songs for a funeral service is that there are generally many versions available. “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from the Rogers and Hammerstein classic Carousel, for example, has been recorded many times. Some of the most famous versions were by Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Gerry and the Pacemakers. The song has even been covered by Pink Floyd and the punk band The Dropkick Murphys. The song was also used by Jerry Lewis to close his annual telethon to benefit muscular dystrophy.
The point is, you can design a service that uses Broadway show tunes or movie music exclusively, or you can combine it with other types of music. The important thing to remember is that you are choosing funeral songs that will honor your loved one and allow others the opportunity to mourn. If you can bring a smile to someone’s face or evoke a special memory, all the better.
>>Creating a Celebration of Life
Popular Movie and Broadway Songs for Funerals
Remember Me–CocoSomewhere Over the Rainbow–Judy GarlandSong on the Sand–La Cage Aux FollesThe Rose–WestlifeThink Of Me–Phantom of the OperaWind Beneath My Wings–Bette MidlerYou’ll Never Walk Alone–Carousel
| Other Broadway Songs for Funerals | ||
|---|---|---|
| Anatevka “If I Were a Rich Man” Fiddler On The Roof |
If I Never Knew You Pocahontas |
Sunrise, Sunset Fiddler On The Roof |
| Blade Runner (End Title) Vangelis |
I’ll Cover You Rent |
Tara’s Theme Gone With the Wind |
| Borrowed Angeles Kristin Chenoweth |
In Whatever Time We Have Children of Eden |
The Way We Were Barbra Streisand |
| Chariots of Fire Vangelis |
Left Behind Spring Awakening |
Those You’ve Known Spring Awakening |
| Come on In From the Outside Taboo |
Move On Sunday in the Park with George |
Till We Reach That Day Ragtime |
| Come Sail Away From Pirates of the Caribbean |
My Heart Will Go On Celine Dion |
Time Heals Everything Mack & Mabel |
| Edward Scissorhands Theme Theme Song |
Old Man River Showboat |
Will You? Grey Gardens |
| Empty Chairs at Empty Tables Les Miz |
Once Before I Go The Boy From OZ |
Wishing you were somehow here again Phantom |
| Fly, Fly Away Catch Me If You Can |
One More Kiss Follies |
With So Little To Be Sure Of Anyone Can Whistle |
| For Good Wicked |
Over The Rainbow Wizard of Oz |
You are the Starlight Starlight Express |
| How Could I Ever Know Secret Garden |
People Funny Girl |
You Have to Be There Kristina |
| How Glory Goes Floyd Collins |
Scent of a Woman Tango (Por Una Cabeza) John Williams, Itzhak Perlman |
You Walk With Me The Full Monty |
| Hymn (from “Portraits”) Vangelis |
Seasons of Love Performed by the cast of RENT |
You’ll Be In My Heart Phil Collins |
| I Will Always Love You The Bodyguard |
Somewhere West Side Story |
Your Eyes Rent |
As with any other music you select, you must follow copyright law when playing Broadway songs for funerals and the rules for music that is piped in may be different than for that used in a slide show or video. Most funeral homes have arrangements with the top music licensing agencies and can legally provide you with music from the above lists, but be sure to talk with your funeral director to ensure that you can legally use the songs before making your final choices.
