Most funeral services include a small selection of readings. Meaningful poetry, memorable quotations, favourite song lyrics or comforting scripture are all appropriate choices for a funeral service.
At Logan, we know that when you are planning a funeral there are numerous decisions that need to be made. To help you with the task of choosing funeral readings, we have compiled a selection of memorial poems and quotes. You are very welcome to include any of these examples in the funeral service of your loved one.
Meaningful poetry
Reading poetry at a funeral service is a heartfelt way to express your feelings for the deceased. Listening to a poetry reading can be a very healing experience.
Think about the passions and interests that were important to your loved one. You might be able to find a poem to reflect the times in which they lived, or the places they visited.
Here are three poems that you could use to convey remembrance through poetry.
When We Remember
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile,
open your eyes,
love
and go on.
Author Unknown
If I Should Go
If I should go tomorrow
It would never be goodbye,
For I have left my heart with you,
So don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me,
Shall reach you from the stars,
You’ll feel it from the heavens,
And it will heal the scars.
Author Unknown
Farewell My Friends
It was beautiful as long as it lasted
The journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever
Save the pain I’ll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care
And the strings pulling at the heart and soul.
The strong arms that held me up
When my own strength let me down.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
Friends who stood by me,
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell, my friends
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears for I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad do think of me
For when you live in the hearts
Of those you love, remember then
You never die.
Gitanjali Ghei
Memorable quotes
Quotations and sayings can provide comfort and inspiration for the bereaved. Short quotes will be remembered long after the funeral service and can leave a lasting impression on the hearts of your guests.
You might like to include a quote from someone the deceased loved and admired. Light-hearted and humorous quotes can sometimes bring welcome relief during a sad occasion.
Here is a selection of comforting quotes you might like to consider for readings at the funeral of your loved one.
The best and most beautiful
Things in the world cannot
Be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart.
Helen Keller
Death is the opening of a more subtle life.
In the flower, it sets free the perfume;
in the chrysalis, the butterfly;
in man, the soul.
Juliette Adam
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Author Unknown
Favourite song lyrics
When read aloud, song lyrics can express very powerful messages of love and honour. The reading of song lyrics can be shared between family and friends, each could read a verse or line and share the chorus together.
If your loved one had a favourite song, or artist, you could include this in the service. If you are unsure of the words, you will be able to find the lyrics online.
Here are excerpts from six songs with powerful lyrics that are popular choices for funeral readings.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Did you ever know that you’re my hero,
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
But I’ve got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
Bette Midler
Yesterday
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be
There’s a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Lennon and McCartney
My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from “Titanic”)
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you, go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you, go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you’re here in my heart and my heart will go on and on
Horner and Jennings
Tears in Heaven
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I’ll find my way through night and day
‘Cause I know I just can’t stay here in heaven
You Can Close Your Eyes
Well the sun is surely sinking down
But the moon is slowly rising
So this old world must still be spinning ’round
And I still love you
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it’s all right
I don’t know no love songs
And I can’t sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song when I’m gone
James Taylor
Unforgettable
Unforgettable
That’s what you are
Unforgettable
Tho’ near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable in every way
Gordon
Choosing to include poetry, song lyrics and quotes is a meaningful way to personalise a funeral service. Beautiful words, chosen by you, are a lovely expression of your respect and admiration for the deceased. The memorial readings you share can bring comfort and inspiration to the bereaved.
Please refer to our Funeral Planning Guide for a range of bible readings, poetry and song lyrics. We invite you to choose from this selection when you are making decisions about the items you will include in the funeral service to honour your loved one.