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Music is often something that defines our lives, and most people have a favorite track or two. It also accompanies significant events like weddings, parties, and funerals. But funeral music doesn't have to be traditional or even somber if those types of songs won't fit the wishes of your deceased loved one.
In an overflowing sea of music to choose from, it may feel impossible to choose the best funeral songs while planning a funeral for a deceased loved one, so we've put together a guide to help you prepare the music for your loved one’s funeral, memorial slideshow, and virtual or zoom funeral reception.
Tip: Creating a funeral playlist might be just a small part of your post-death responsibilities. If you need help sorting it all out, check out ourpost-loss checklist.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Why Are Funeral Songs Important?
- How to Choose the Best Funeral Songs
- When Should You Play Songs at a Funeral?
- Best Country Funeral Songs
- Best Classical Funeral Songs
- Best Classic Rock and Pop Funeral Songs
- Best New Funeral Songs
- Best Christian Funeral Songs
- Best Funeral Songs to Remember Mom and Dad
- Best Upbeat Funeral Songs
In an overflowing sea of music to choose from, it may feel impossible to choose the best funeral songs, so we've put together a guide to help you prepare the music for your loved one’s funeral, memorial slideshow, and virtual or Zoom funeral reception.
Why Are Funeral Songs Important?
Songs are often a reflection of your deceased loved one’s personality and can invoke memories that honor their life when chosen appropriately. Music can also help set the tone for the event, whether you're holding a straightforward funeral or memorial service or a cheerier celebration-of-life event.
How to Choose the Best Funeral Songs
Choosing the best funeral songs can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few things to consider when picking the songs to play at your loved one's funeral.
First, ask yourself what types of music they enjoyed. Did they listen to Christian, classical, country, R&B, Jazz, or classic rock and pop? Maybe they had eclectic tastes and listened to several genres. Start here, and listen to songs within their favorite category to find options that you'd like to honor them with.
Second, ask yourself about their heritage. Is there any music they grew up listening to from their homeland that they'd love to hear? A song that was special to their family and reminds them of other predeceased relatives? If so, you might want to read our articles on Scottish, Filipino, Hawaiian, Jamaican, German, and Malayalam funeral songs.
Third, ask yourself about what made them unique. Maybe they spend their life working in a specific profession or was a motorcycle fanatic. You can honor their hobbies, job, or other qualities by choosing songs like funeral songs for bikers, firefighters, or veterans.
Then, ask yourself what type of tone you want to set. Are you holding a heartfelt funeral or memorial service? Or will the event be a more upbeat celebration of life? Deciding on the tone of the event can help you further refine your song choices.
Finally, ask yourself what type of music you need. Is it background music? Will someone be singing? Are you putting together a slideshow? Do you need music while everyone eats? Once this is decided, choose songs that will best fit your needs.
If you're nervous about playing the wrong music, you can read our guide on the worst songs to play at a funeral to make sure you don't misstep.
When Should You Play Songs at a Funeral?
Funeral songs can be played at a variety of points during the service. Here are a few options to keep in mind:
- Arrival: If you're holding a funeral or memorial service in a place of worship or an indoor facility, you'll likely have the option to play music in the background while attendees arrive. This is a perfect time to set the mood or play a list of your songs from your loved one's favorite genre.
- In the service: Feel free to incorporate individual songs into the service itself by playing a specific song during a time of reflection or by having someone sing or play the song live.
- During a slideshow: Slideshows provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate music. Choose several backing tracks that fit the mood of the slideshow, reflect your loved one's personality, and evoke memories of the deceased.
- During a meal: If you're holding a meal as part of the funeral or memorial service, consider playing music in the background while everyone eats. This is another excellent opportunity to play music that evokes memories of your loved one.
- Departure: When it's time for guests to say goodbye, consider having the event venue play background music to honor your loved one as they depart the service.
- If someone wants to sing in honor of the deceased. You can check out our selections for the best funeral songs to sing for song idieas.
Best Country Funeral Songs
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1. "One More Day" by Diamond Rio
This song sums up how your longing for one more moment with someone never goes away.
2. "How Do I Live?" by LeAnn Rimes
“How do I live?” is the same question we each ask ourselves after losing someone close to us. This song is sung by a true vocal genius who released the song when she was only 15 years old.
3. "When I’m Gone" by Joey + Rory
This may be one of the more heartbreaking contemporary songs you’ll hear because the author and singer wrote this to her daughter, knowing cancer would prevent her from watching her daughter grow up.
4. "Broken Halos" by Chris Stapleton
This song eloquently expresses the grief and heartache experienced when we lose the ones we love. It would be a perfect tribute to a country lover.
5. "Go Rest High On That Mountain" by Vince Gill
Vince Gill wrote this as a eulogy after fellow singer/songwriter Keith Whitley passed away. The lyrics are emotional and heartfelt, with beautiful imagery of the deceased resting in peace.
You can read our article on the best country funeral songs and the best patriotic funeral songs for more ideas.
Best Classical Funeral Songs
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6. "Time to Say Goodbye" by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli, an Italian opera singer, and Sarah Brightman, a multi-lingual soprano, sing mostly in Italian on this beautifully harmonious track, backed by a full orchestra.
You can read our guide to the best Italian funeral songs for more selections from Andrea Boccelli.
7. "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
This song is typically sung in Latin or played with instruments only. The lyrics are deeply religious and can be a beautiful tribute to a person of faith.
8. "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber
This breathtaking piece emphasizes the emotions felt when grieving a loved one. It was even played at the funerals of Albert Einstein and Princess Grace of Monaco.
9. "Liebestraum No. 3" by Franz Liszt
If you're looking for a tribute for a piano music lover, this is the perfect song. Liszt composed this piece based on the themes of love and loss.
10. "Lux Aeterna" by Edward Elgar
Elger wrote this sweeping classical song in tribute to a friend who supported him during his ups and downs with depression. The emotional score is perfect when paying tribute to someone who supported you.
You can read our guides on the best funeral songs for an older generation, the best Polish funeral songs, the best instrumental funeral music, and the best jazz funeral songs for more ideas.
Best Classic Rock and Pop Funeral Songs
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11. "Lullabye (Goodnight my Angel)" by Billie Joel
A piano-playing icon sings this song about how he’s sorry he left sooner than expected. But he wants the subject to know that he’ll miss everything about those moments, too.
12. "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor
Maybe you remember this iconic song from the 1980s. Written and composed by Prince, Sinéad O’Connor’s voice absorbs the lyrics with total familiarity. She sings that time passes desolately when you lose something you hadn’t planned on losing.
You can read our guide on the best Irish funeral songs for more songs from Sinead's home country.
13. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd
Iconic 70s guitar riffs and long pauses between the lyrics allow plenty of room for reminiscing. Definitely a great song for someone who appreciated the time of transitions in our country during war, finding peace, and a time to fight yourself out of marginalization.
14. "Unchained Melody" by Righteous Brothers
Made famous by Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in the movie, Ghost, the song perfectly paints a picture of longing.
15. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
This song appeared on the soundtrack and movie, The Bodyguardand explains the cruel fate that love changes.
16. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
This song was released in 1988 for the movie, Beaches. Bette Midler’s full but hearty alto sings about how the right support system helps you to achieve more.
17. "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith
You’ll discover that this song begins with only a breathy singer and his lonely piano. It’s a sorrowful call to your partner because you feel so empty without them.
18. "My Immortal" by Evanescence
My Immortal is a song that perfectly explains that when someone is no longer with you, they still possess every part of you.
19. "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton
Although a father is lamenting the loss of a child, he sings sweetly that when he sees him again, he knows there won’t be any reason for sorrow.
20. "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John
If you weren’t able to really know your loved one before they passed, then you may be able to relate to the most iconic funeral song of the twentieth century. Written for Princess Diana, this song gave comfort to an entire nation who lost their beloved “people’s princess.”
You can read our guide on the best rock funeral songs, the best heavy metal funeral songs, the best reggae funeral songs, and the best pop funeral songs for more ideas.
Best New Funeral Songs
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21. "Memories" by Maroon 5
The lyrics of this song depict the singer enjoying a good time with his friends as well as the one he loves. While contemplative and sad, the song works well when looking for music that helps mourners reminisce and think about good times spent with the deceased.
22. "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
Capaldi wrote this song in memory of his grandmother, and it's a perfect track to play at a funeral. The lyrics highlight the emptiness and pain felt when someone we love passes away.
23. “In the Kitchen” by Reneé Rapp
Rapp's song is incredibly emotional and describes how life can feel completely empty when a loved one is no longer present.
24. “It’ll Be Okay” by Shawn Mendes
Though this song is technically about a breakup, the lyrics describe what it feels like when the future you planned with someone is no longer a possibility.
You can read our guide on the best modern funeral songs, the , the best rap funeral songs, the best non-religious funeral songs, the best Disney funeral songs, and the best Spanish funeral songs for more ideas.
Best Christian Funeral Songs
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25. "Amazing Grace" by Chris Tomlin
Written by a poet and clergyman, this John Newton Hymn came from his personal experiences. You’ll find that it’s deeply moving no matter which version you choose.
26. "How Great Thou Art" by Home Free
Originally a Swedish poem, How Great Thou Art has been translated into many languages, but you may discover that the instrumental/hymnal versions are equally as good as the lyrical ones.
27. "Abide With Me" by Audrey Assad
Audrey Assad is a popular Christian singer with a soft alto voice. The song intends to comfort you, explaining that the Lord will always be beside you.
28. "Be Thou My Vision" by Keith and Kristyn Getty
“By day or by night, waking or sleeping,” this song is meant to let you understand that everything is better when the Lord is near, making this a comforting song, especially in a time of grief and mourning.
29. "The Lord’s My Shepherd" by Sounds Like Reign
Found in the Old Testament, Psalm 23 is a traditional hymnal in both Christian and Jewish ceremonies. It explains and gives cause for complete trust in God.
30. "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah (feat. Jeremy Casella)" by Indelible Grace
Jeremy Casella’s easy but raspy tenor voice, reminiscent of Bryan Adams, sings this song which helps you know that God will protect and guide you when you die. This song explains that there’s no need for you to be anxious or fearful.
31. "Fairest Lord Jesus (Beautiful Savior)" by Hymns of Grace
Originally composed in 1842, it’s beautifully presented as a piano concerto. The song tells you that although death is saddening, there’s also a lot to be grateful for—like the sunshine, woodland, or stars above.
32. "The Old Rugged Cross" by Bryan Davis
Reminiscent of the Boys 2 Men vocalists, Bryan sings a capella for this version of The Old Rugged Cross. Written by George Bennard in 1912, the hymn is about being happy to serve God when he calls you home.
33. "This is My Father's World" by Hymns of Grace
This beautiful hymn affirms a Christian's belief that, no matter what comes, "this is my Father's world."
34. "Lord of All Hopefulness" by Jan Struther
Written in 1931, this hymn asks God to be with us at each crossing in life. There are several versions, but brass instruments in the Norwich Cathedral version are particularly beautiful.
You can read our list of the best Christian funeral songs, the best funeral songs about angels, and the best religious funeral songs for more ideas.
Best Funeral Songs to Remember Mom and Dad
35. "Living Years" by Mike + the Mechanics
The Living Years is a quintessential song about remorse for not having said the words a child wanted to say to his father before he died.
36. "My Father’s Eyes" by Eric Clapton
My Father’s Eyes is a touching tribute not only by an artist who never met his father but also one who lost his young son. Eric Clapton has described the song as the singular link between him and his father.
37. "Dance with My Father" by Luther Vandross
This is a selfless song about a young man who, although he misses his dad very much, also comes to understand and plead with God so that his mom might have another opportunity to dance with her husband.
38. "Hero" by Mariah Carey
Hero is a song that you can relate to the support your loved one lends when hope and strength leave you.
39. "Smile" by Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s rich, pleasant voice sings all the words and advice your parents would have offered to you when you were young.
40. "Like a River" by Carly Simon
Carly Simon’s love for her mother is so descriptive and evident in each of the lyrics, but they are all very relatable to each of us. Even the “worn step” on the back porch tells a story we can relate to.
41. "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban
This song is very much a song for mom and dad. Josh Groban fully illustrates how parents are determined to be in your corner so that you can succeed at anything.
42. "Mama" by Il Divo
Although the video doesn’t really represent the lyrics the way you might imagine, the song does recognize moms as individuals who gave up a lot for us.
43. "Goodbye’s (the Saddest Word)" by Celine Dion
This song lets you know to be present for your mom at the end. It’s important to be just as strong for your mom as she has been for you.
44. "You’ll Never Walk Alone" by Judy Garland
You may discover this song to be life-affirming. Judy Garland sings that whether the sky is “windy, rainy or golden,” you’ll never walk alone.
You can read our guide on the best funeral songs for dad, the best funeral songs for grandpa, the best funeral songs for a husband, the best funeral songs for a brother, the best funeral songs for a son, the best funeral songs for mom, the best funeral songs for grandma, the best funeral songs for a wife, and the best funeral songs for infants, for more ideas.
Best Upbeat Funeral Songs
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45. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
This song is absolutely timeless. What a Wonderful World will remind you of happy times with your family, no matter the time of year—season or event.
46. "Bring Me Sunshine" by Morecambe & Wise
The cheerful xylophone in this song encourages us to see our way to a better day. These British comedians remind us to walk through life knowing that things will certainly turn around.
47. "Don’t Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin
McFerrin’s falsetto brightens the day. He sings that when you are in doubt, lacking cash, missing this or that, just remember…Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Life always turns around.
48. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
Jazzy 70s-style singing captures what your dad or mom might have sung to you. Happy, lasting love is here, there, in your heart, and in heaven.
49. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This 1993 Hawai’ian rendition of two beautiful songs is accompanied by a ukulele. It echoes that nostalgic, untouched paradise of youth coupled with every good thing that ever happened to you in your life.
50. "I’ll See You Again" by Westlife
This beloved UK boy band harmonizes while singing about gratitude, the possibility of becoming better simply by having known someone, and the promise that you’ll see them again.
51. "Nessum Dorma" by Luciano Pavarotti
This time, a classical operatic song by one of the greats of Italian opera. Because the song is Italian, the words about impending fates seem less tragic, even hopeful.
52. "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum
The song presents a lack of fear of death in the most upbeat way that a bluesy folk singer can.
53. "When the Saints Go Marching In" by Louis Armstrong
A jazzy, scratchy voice accompanied by brass and woodwinds will bring a little levity to your sad day.
54. "You Are Not Alone" by Michael Jackson
Sung by the King of Pop, this is a mellow but positive song to remind you that your friend is nearby when you need them.
You can read our guides on the best uplifting funeral songs and the best celebration of life songs for more ideas.
Funeral Songs to Bring Joy, Closure, and Lasting Memories
While planning a memorial service or funeral can be difficult, the songs you choose to honor your loved one can be a comforting balm in a trying time. While nothing can take away the pain of losing them, the right playlist can provide comfort to you and your guests, hopefully even bringing smiles at the recollection of happy memories.
Make planning easier for your loved ones by letting them know in advance what songs you’d like to have played at your funeral. Create a free Cake end-of-life profile to get started.
