What readings, poems and music work well at a funeral?
There are no fixed rules in Australia any more. A single service might include a psalm, a pop song and a bush poem, and no one would think it strange.
The readings and songs that work best are the ones that sound like the person. Start there, and let a celebrant help you place them in the service.
Below we cover popular funeral readings and poems, religious and secular options, well-loved songs, how to choose, and where readings and music usually sit in a service.
Popular funeral readings and poems
A handful of readings come up again and again, because they say something true and say it plainly. Any of these works on its own, or as a starting point for finding something closer to the person.
| Reading | Who wrote it | Known for the line |
|---|---|---|
| Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep | Mary Elizabeth Frye | "I am a thousand winds that blow" |
| Remember | Christina Rossetti | "Remember me when I am gone away" |
| Funeral Blues | W. H. Auden | "He was my North, my South, my East and West" |
| Death Is Nothing at All | Henry Scott Holland | "I have only slipped away into the next room" |
| The Dash | Linda Ellis | The dash between the dates is the life lived |
| Psalm 23 | The Bible | "The Lord is my shepherd" |
Religious and secular readings
Traditionally, readings came from the Bible or the Psalms, and for many families they still do. Just as often now, people choose a secular poem, a passage from a favourite book, song lyrics, or words they have written themselves.
You can mix the two. A psalm for the older generation and a modern poem for a grandchild sit together comfortably. And if the person was not religious, there is no need to include scripture at all. Our religious and cultural funeral guides cover the traditional readings for each faith.
Popular funeral songs
Music can say what words alone cannot. The right song can be a classic hymn, a tearjerker, or the daggy track that made the person laugh. These come up often at Australian services.
| Song | Artist | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Say Goodbye | Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman | A classic farewell |
| Wind Beneath My Wings | Bette Midler | A tribute |
| Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Israel Kamakawiwo'ole | Gentle and hopeful |
| My Way | Frank Sinatra | A life lived on their terms |
| Flame Trees | Cold Chisel | Australian and nostalgic |
| Supermarket Flowers | Ed Sheeran | Modern, often for a parent |
How do you choose readings and music?
Start with the person, not with a list. Their favourite book, singer, football club or saying will point you somewhere real. Think about the tone you want, since a service can be quietly solemn, gently uplifting, or a mix that moves between the two. Match the piece to the moment: a soft song suits the reflection, and something with a lift suits the walk out.
One practical tip. Read a poem aloud before the day and time it, because grief makes a short reading feel long, and it helps to know a family member can get through it. If they cannot, the celebrant can read it for them. Our guide on how to write a eulogy covers the spoken tribute.
Where do readings and music fit in a service?
Most services follow a loose order, and readings and music are threaded through it rather than bunched together.
Frequently asked questions
How many readings should a funeral have?
Can you have non-religious readings at a funeral?
What are the most popular funeral songs in Australia?
Who reads at a funeral?
Can you play any song you like at a funeral?
When you are ready
This guide is general information to help Australian families, editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not legal or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider and region, so always ask for an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, bonds, or insurance, consider speaking with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
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