How to make a funeral service more personal
From venue to music and more, here are nine ideas to create a funeral that reflects your person.
Welsh songs for funerals
The most popular songs for Welsh funerals, for Welsh male voice choirs, mixed choirs and soloists
Wales is famous for its rich musical heritage, not least its stunning tradition of Welsh male voice choirs. The rich, resonant sound of the choir is deeply emblematic of the country’s history and traditions, and is the perfect way to say goodbye to a Welsh loved one. If you’re planning the funeral of a person from Wales, consider booking a male voice choir or mixed voice choir to sing some of these classics from the Land of Song.
Cwm Rhondda/Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (Bread of Heaven)
Bread of Heaven, bread of Heaven
Feed me now and evermore (evermore).
Feed me now and evermore.
We couldn’t begin this list with anything but the powerful and uplifting hymn Cwm Rhondda - known in English as Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, but best known by its repeated refrain, “Bread of Heaven”. If you’re choosing this hymn, it’s all the more important to book a choir so that you hear the famous “evermore” echo in the first tenor part. This moving and passionate song is often chosen in church services as a Communion hymn, and can also be heard at many Welsh sporting events.
Calon Lân
Calon lân yn llawn daioni
Tecach yw na'r lili dlos:
Dim ond calon lân all ganu,
Canu'r dydd a chanu'r nos.
Calon Lân translates as “Pure Heart”, and reflects on the idea that the true riches of life are kindness, honesty, and a good heart. That’s why it’s a hugely popular hymn for Welsh funerals - it’s an opportunity to celebrate the good character and generous spirit of the person being remembered. Calon Lân has also been adopted as a popular chant by the rugby fans of Wales.
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
Gwlad! Gwlad! Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.
Wales’ national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (“Land of My Fathers”), is sometimes chosen for the funerals of people with a strong sense of Welsh identity. It’s a more secular choice than many of the hymns in this list, focusing on a love of Wales as a homeland rather than religious themes. Singing it together at a funeral can be a powerful tribute to those who were passionate about their heritage, their community, or Welsh culture.
Myfanwy
Paham mae dicter, O Myfanwy,
Yn llenwi'th lygaid duon di?
Myfanwy is one of the most beautiful songs in the Welsh choral tradition. Originally written as a love song, it is often performed by Welsh male voice choirs and carries a strong emotional impact. Its sweeping melody and heartfelt sentiment make it a touching choice for moments of reflection during a service. Hear our singers performing Myfanwy from home in 2020 as part of our Covid-19 charity initiative, A Song For Them.
Ar Hyd y Nos
Holl amrantau'r sêr ddywedant
Ar hyd y nos
"Dyma'r ffordd i fro gogoniant,"
Ar hyd y nos.
Meaning “All Through the Night,” Ar Hyd y Nos is a gentle Welsh folk song that brings a sense of calm and peace. The soothing melody and comforting words make it particularly suitable for quiet moments in a funeral service, offering reassurance and serenity to those who are grieving. It’s often sung at Christmas, so could be particularly fitting for funerals held in December.
Gwahoddiad
Mi glywaf dyner lais,
Yn galw arnaf fi,
I ddod a golchi 'meiau gyd,
Yn afon Calfari.
Gwahoddiad, known in English by the line “I hear Thy welcome voice,” and sometimes marked “Calvary”, originated in the US before being adopted and translated into Welsh. Its lyrics speak of a journey or transformation and resonate with unwavering faith, making it a meaningful choice for many families when saying goodbye.
Abide With Me
Abide with me,
Fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens,
Lord, with me abide.
Although not originally Welsh, Abide With Me has become firmly embedded in the Welsh musical tradition. Its slow, reflective melody and powerful lyrics about comfort and companionship during difficult times make it a timeless and fitting piece for funeral services. Hear our singers performing this lovely hymn on our Listen page.
Suo Gân
Ni chaiff dim amharu'th gyntun,
Ni wna undyn â thi gam;
Huna'n dawel, annwyl blentyn,
Huna'n fwyn ar fron dy fam.
The title of this anonymous Welsh lullaby means simply that: “Lullaby”. You won't find this in other lists of traditional Welsh funeral music online, but it is always a beautiful and comforting choice for someone who is having to say goodbye to one of their children. A poetic translation of the lyrics reads, “As you sleep there's naught to scare you, Naught to wake you from your rest; Close those eyelids, little angel, Sleep upon your mother's breast.”
If you’re organising a Welsh funeral, talk to us about booking a choir to bring an authentically Welsh feel to the service. We have several Welsh singers on our books, and many others who have experience singing in the Welsh language. We have provided male-voice choirs and mixed-voice choirs for hundreds of funeral services, and will be happy to help.
Need more inspiration?
Check out our articles to find more funeral music ideas
