Top 10 Funeral hymns for Dad

A father's funeral is a profound moment of reflection and remembrance, a time to honour his life and legacy through meaningful music. Funeral hymns for Dad can serve as a powerful emotional bridge, offering comfort and expressing the sentiments that words alone might fail to convey.

Here's a selection of ten resonant hymns that can bring solace and honour the memory of a beloved father:

1. "Amazing Grace"

A testimony to God’s grace and mercy, "Amazing Grace" is a globally cherished hymn filled with hope and celebration. Its familiar tune and uplifting lyrics often make it a highlight of the funeral service. A hymn that works both at a funeral and at a cremation. 

Lyric: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!"

2. "Abide With Me"

Written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, this hymn is a plea for God’s presence during times of sadness and loss. It's a popular choice for funerals, offering strength and resolve to those in mourning. 

When someone dies, finding the words to express your grief is never easy, but the right hymn can say it for you. 

Lyric: "Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide."

3. "Ave Maria"

A profound prayer to the Virgin Mary, "Ave Maria" is celebrated for its expression of maternal love, making it a fitting tribute to any father who shared a compassionate and nurturing bond with his children.

Lyric: "Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

4. "How Great Thou Art"

This hymn reflects on the inspiring and comforting power of God, popular across the UK for its deep spiritual resonance and gratitude for the lived life.

Lyric: "And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in."

5. "Lead, Kindly Light"

Expressing a need for guidance and protection after a loss, this hymn by John Henry Newman provides a great deal of comfort, making it a meaningful choice for a father's funeral.

Lyric: "Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom; Lead thou me on!"

6. "The Clouds’ Veil"

By Irish poet Padraic Colum, this hymn is often chosen for its reflection on the temporary nature of our lives and the promise of eternal life, offering a comforting perspective at a funeral.

Lyric: "Oh, the road to the graveside is drear, but beyond it a sun shines."

7. "Going Home"

Known as a stirring reminder of the soul's ultimate destination, this hymn brings reassurance and comfort with its message of reunion with passed loved ones.

Lyric: "I am going home, to see my Lord, I’m just going home."

8. "Ar Hyd y Nos" (All Through the Night)

This 18th-century Welsh hymn is a lullaby that comforts the bereaved, reminding them that those who have passed will always remain in the hearts of those left behind.

Lyric: "All through the night, day and night, let me keep saying my prayers for you."

9. "Blessed Assurance"

Offering a reminder of God's love and the hope of eternal life, this hymn is favoured across denominations for its affirmative celebration of faith.

Lyric: "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!"

10. "Be Still, My Soul"

A hymn that speaks to the peace and comfort found in trusting God, it’s recognised for its soothing and reassuring qualities in times of grief. Ask your funeral director for help to pick the hymns you want, if you couldn't find the right one on our list. 

Lyric: "Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain."