Few things carry the weight of emotion quite like music. A familiar melody can transport us instantly — back to a kitchen where a parent hummed while cooking, a car ride with a friend who always controlled the radio, or a slow dance at a wedding decades ago. When someone we love dies, music becomes one of the most powerful ways to honor who they were, what they loved, and what they meant to us.

Choosing the right funeral songs is one of the most personal decisions you will make when planning a service or memorial. Whether you are looking for a traditional hymn that brings comfort through faith, a modern ballad that captures the depth of your loss, or an upbeat anthem that celebrates a life well lived, the right song can say what words alone cannot.

This guide offers more than 100 of the most popular funeral songs across every genre and mood — from sacred hymns and classical pieces to country, rock, R&B, and contemporary favorites. We have organized them by category so you can find exactly what fits your loved one's personality and the tone of the service you envision. If you are planning a celebration of life, a traditional funeral, or a private family gathering, you will find meaningful options here.

Classic Funeral Hymns & Traditional Songs

Traditional hymns have provided comfort at funeral services for generations. Their familiar melodies and words of faith offer solace during some of life's most difficult moments. These are the songs that many people grew up hearing in church, and they carry a deep sense of reverence and peace.

  1. "Amazing Grace" — John Newton — Perhaps the most universally recognized hymn, its message of redemption and divine mercy has comforted mourners for over 250 years.
  2. "How Great Thou Art" — Carl Boberg (Traditional Hymn) — A sweeping hymn of awe and worship that speaks to the majesty of creation and the promise of eternity.
  3. "Abide with Me" — Henry Francis Lyte — Written as the author faced his own death, this hymn is a tender plea for God's presence through life's final passage.
  4. "The Lord Is My Shepherd" (Psalm 23) — Traditional — The most beloved of all psalms set to music, offering the enduring image of being guided through the valley of the shadow of death.
  5. "Be Not Afraid" — Bob Dufford — A reassuring Catholic hymn that promises God's protection and presence through every trial, including death.
  6. "On Eagle's Wings" — Michael Joncas — Based on Psalm 91, this soaring hymn assures listeners that God will bear them up and hold them in the palm of His hand.
  7. "Ave Maria" — Franz Schubert — This reverent prayer set to exquisite music is a staple at Catholic funerals and evokes deep spiritual beauty.
  8. "It Is Well with My Soul" — Horatio Spafford — Written after unimaginable personal tragedy, this hymn's message of peace amid suffering resonates powerfully at memorial services.
  9. "In the Garden" — C. Austin Miles — A gentle, intimate hymn about walking and talking with God that brings warmth and closeness to a service.
  10. "Nearer, My God, to Thee" — Sarah Flower Adams — A hymn of spiritual longing and ascent that has been a funeral standard for nearly two centuries.
  11. "Old Rugged Cross" — George Bennard — A cherished hymn about clinging to faith and the promise of glory, especially meaningful for devout Christians.
  12. "Softly and Tenderly" — Will L. Thompson — With its gentle invitation to come home, this hymn frames death as a peaceful homecoming.
  13. "Going Home" — Antonín Dvořák (arranged by William Arms Fisher) — Adapted from Dvořák's New World Symphony, this spiritual speaks of death as a journey home with quiet, dignified beauty.
  14. "Blessed Assurance" — Fanny Crosby — A joyful expression of faith and certainty in salvation that uplifts even in grief.
  15. "I'll Fly Away" — Albert E. Brumley — A lively gospel hymn about the soul's joyful departure from this world, often used at both traditional and celebration of life services.

Popular Modern Funeral Songs

Modern songs have become just as meaningful at funerals as traditional hymns. These are the songs that play on the radio, that appear in films, and that have become woven into our collective emotional lives. Many families now choose popular music that reflects who their loved one truly was.

  1. "My Heart Will Go On" — Celine Dion — The iconic ballad about love that endures beyond loss, its sweeping melody captures the ache of missing someone while holding onto love.
  2. "Tears in Heaven" — Eric Clapton — Written after the tragic death of Clapton's young son, this gentle song asks the questions every grieving heart carries.
  3. "Hallelujah" — Leonard Cohen — A hauntingly beautiful meditation on love, loss, and the sacred that has become one of the most requested funeral songs of the modern era.
  4. "Wind Beneath My Wings" — Bette Midler — A heartfelt tribute to someone who quietly supported and uplifted you, perfect for honoring an unsung hero in your life.
  5. "Angels" — Robbie Williams — One of the most popular funeral songs in the UK, its soaring chorus about being loved and protected by angels resonates with the bereaved.
  6. "Supermarket Flowers" — Ed Sheeran — Written about the death of Sheeran's grandmother, this raw and intimate song captures the small, devastating details of losing a loved one.
  7. "See You Again" — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth — Originally written for the Fast & Furious franchise after Paul Walker's death, it has become a modern anthem of friendship and reunion.
  8. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole — This gentle ukulele rendition transforms the classic into a dreamy, peaceful farewell full of hope.
  9. "You Raise Me Up" — Josh Groban — A powerful expression of gratitude for someone whose strength and encouragement helped you become who you are.
  10. "If I Die Young" — The Band Perry — A poignant reflection on a life cut short, especially meaningful when mourning someone who died before their time.
  11. "Time to Say Goodbye" — Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman — The soaring operatic duet carries an undeniable emotional gravity that suits the finality and beauty of farewell.
  12. "Unforgettable" — Nat King Cole (with Natalie Cole) — A timeless standard about someone whose impact on your life can never be erased by time or distance.
  13. "I Will Always Love You" — Whitney Houston — While originally a love song, its declaration of eternal love makes it a deeply moving choice for saying goodbye.
  14. "Fix You" — Coldplay — A tender promise to help heal what is broken, this song speaks directly to the experience of supporting each other through grief.
  15. "What a Wonderful World" — Louis Armstrong — A warm, optimistic farewell that focuses on the beauty the deceased saw in the world and the beauty they brought to it.

Music is one of the most meaningful ways to remember someone. Honor their memory with a Farewelling Memorial Page featuring their favorite songs — a lasting tribute that family and friends can visit anytime.

Country Funeral Songs

Country music has always excelled at telling stories about love, loss, family, and faith. These songs speak plainly and from the heart, making them especially fitting for services that honor down-to-earth, family-centered lives. If your loved one had country in their soul, these songs will feel like home.

  1. "Go Rest High on That Mountain" — Vince Gill — Written after the deaths of Keith Whitley and Gill's own brother, this is widely considered the quintessential country funeral song.
  2. "Live Like You Were Dying" — Tim McGraw — A song about embracing every moment after a life-changing diagnosis, it celebrates a life lived with courage and intention.
  3. "If Heaven" — Andy Griggs — A tender song imagining what heaven looks like and whether a lost loved one is watching from above.
  4. "When I Get Where I'm Going" — Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton — A hopeful vision of heaven as a place of reunion, peace, and understanding, delivered with quiet conviction.
  5. "Angels Among Us" — Alabama — A comforting song about guardian angels that reassures mourners their loved one is now watching over them.
  6. "The Dance" — Garth Brooks — A bittersweet reflection on the idea that even knowing how things would end, the journey together was worth every moment.
  7. "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" — Steve Wariner — A beautiful image of loved ones in heaven watching down through holes in the floor, crying tears of joy that become rain.
  8. "You Should Be Here" — Cole Swindell — A modern country hit about wishing someone could be present for life's milestones, capturing the ongoing ache of absence.
  9. "If You Get There Before I Do" — Collin Raye — A heartfelt message to a loved one about saving a place in heaven and keeping watch until you are together again.
  10. "I Can Only Imagine" — MercyMe — While technically a Christian crossover hit, this song's vision of standing before God has made it a staple at funerals across the country music world and beyond.

R&B and Soul Funeral Songs

R&B and soul music carry an emotional depth that comes from a tradition of expressing the full range of human experience — joy, pain, love, and loss. These songs bring warmth, passion, and spirit to a memorial service.

  1. "I'll Be Missing You" — Puff Daddy & Faith Evans ft. 112 — Written as a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G., this song has become a universal anthem for anyone mourning the loss of someone close.
  2. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" — Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell — A declaration that no barrier — not even death — can separate two people who love each other.
  3. "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" — Ethel Waters (Traditional Gospel) — A gospel standard that assures the listener of God's watchful care, performed with deep feeling at countless African American funerals.
  4. "A Change Is Gonna Come" — Sam Cooke — A song of hope and perseverance through suffering, its message transcends its civil rights origins to speak to anyone enduring hardship.
  5. "I Believe I Can Fly" — R. Kelly — Despite controversy around its artist, the song's message of overcoming and soaring to new heights continues to resonate at services celebrating triumph over adversity.
  6. "Lean on Me" — Bill Withers — A simple, powerful reminder that we all need someone to lean on, especially meaningful when a community gathers to support each other in grief.
  7. "Stand by Me" — Ben E. King — A timeless plea for companionship through darkness and fear, its gentle strength makes it a comforting choice for memorial services.
  8. "Ribbon in the Sky" — Stevie Wonder — A lush, romantic ballad about an unbreakable connection, often chosen to honor a spouse or life partner.
  9. "Take Me to the King" — Tamela Mann — A powerful gospel-soul song about surrendering pain and brokenness to God, deeply moving in a funeral setting.
  10. "I'll Always Love My Mama" — The Intruders — A soulful tribute to maternal love that is especially fitting for honoring a mother or grandmother.

Rock and Alternative Funeral Songs

For those who lived with volume turned up and a rebellious spirit, rock and alternative songs offer a way to honor their energy, depth, and individuality. These selections range from raw and powerful to reflective and haunting.

  1. "Stairway to Heaven" — Led Zeppelin — One of rock's most iconic songs, its mystical journey toward transcendence gives it a natural resonance at funerals.
  2. "Wish You Were Here" — Pink Floyd — A meditation on absence and disconnection that perfectly captures the feeling of reaching for someone who is no longer there.
  3. "Nothing Else Matters" — Metallica — Beneath its heavy exterior, this song is a vulnerable declaration of what truly matters in life — love, trust, and authenticity.
  4. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" — Bob Dylan — A sparse, poetic farewell that has been covered by countless artists and remains one of rock's most enduring funeral choices.
  5. "Fire and Rain" — James Taylor — Written in part about the death of a friend, its quiet honesty about loss and loneliness has made it a classic for memorial services.
  6. "With or Without You" — U2 — A song about the impossibility of being with or without someone, its aching intensity resonates with the paradox of grief.
  7. "Dust in the Wind" — Kansas — A philosophical reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of existence, delivered with spare acoustic beauty.
  8. "Into the Mystic" — Van Morrison — A warm, dreamy song about returning to something ancient and spiritual, often interpreted as a peaceful journey into the afterlife.
  9. "Blackbird" — The Beatles — Paul McCartney's gentle acoustic song about taking flight and finding freedom makes a beautiful metaphor for the soul's release.
  10. "Everybody Hurts" — R.E.M. — A direct, compassionate message to hold on through pain, reminding mourners that they are not alone in their suffering.

If you are looking for more ways to personalize a funeral service, pairing meaningful music with readings, photos, and personal stories can create a truly unforgettable tribute.

Classical and Instrumental Pieces

Sometimes words are unnecessary. Classical and instrumental music can fill a space with emotion, allowing mourners to sit with their feelings without the direction of lyrics. These pieces are ideal for processionals, recessionals, moments of reflection, or simply as background during a visitation.

  1. "Canon in D" — Johann Pachelbel — One of the most recognized classical pieces in the world, its stately progression brings a sense of order and beauty to solemn occasions.
  2. "Adagio for Strings" — Samuel Barber — Widely regarded as one of the saddest and most beautiful pieces ever composed, it has been played at presidential funerals and memorials worldwide.
  3. "Clair de Lune" — Claude Debussy — A shimmering, reflective piano piece that evokes moonlight and quiet contemplation, perfect for a moment of peaceful remembrance.
  4. "Air on the G String" — Johann Sebastian Bach — A serene and dignified piece that has been a funeral staple for centuries, conveying grace and transcendence.
  5. "Nimrod" from Enigma Variations — Edward Elgar — A majestic, deeply emotional orchestral piece frequently played at state funerals and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
  6. "Moonlight Sonata" (1st Movement) — Ludwig van Beethoven — The haunting, meditative opening of this sonata captures the stillness and depth of grief with exquisite tenderness.
  7. "Requiem: Pie Jesu" — Gabriel Fauré — A gentle soprano prayer from Fauré's Requiem, asking for eternal rest — one of the most peaceful pieces in the funeral repertoire.
  8. "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals — Camille Saint-Saëns — A graceful cello melody that evokes the serene beauty of a swan's final glide, often associated with peaceful departure.
  9. "Gymnopédie No. 1" — Erik Satie — A spare, melancholy piano piece that creates space for quiet grief without overwhelming the listener.
  10. "Gabriel's Oboe" — Ennio Morricone — From the film The Mission, this achingly beautiful oboe melody transcends its cinematic origins to become a powerful piece for memorial settings.

Upbeat Celebration of Life Songs

Not every funeral needs to be somber. Many families choose to celebrate a life with music that is joyful, energetic, and full of the spirit their loved one brought to the world. These songs work especially well at celebrations of life where the focus is on gratitude, joy, and honoring a life that made the world brighter.

  1. "What a Wonderful World" — Louis Armstrong — A song of pure gratitude for the beauty of life, it is both a fitting farewell and a reminder to cherish what surrounds us.
  2. "Here Comes the Sun" — The Beatles — A radiant declaration that brighter days are ahead, offering hope and warmth after the long darkness of loss.
  3. "Three Little Birds" — Bob Marley — With its gentle reggae rhythm and reassuring refrain that every little thing is gonna be alright, it is a balm for grieving hearts.
  4. "Don't Stop Me Now" — Queen — For someone who lived with unstoppable energy and joy, this exuberant anthem celebrates a life lived at full throttle.
  5. "Celebration" — Kool & the Gang — A bold, joyful choice that sets the tone for a service focused on celebrating rather than mourning.
  6. "Happy" — Pharrell Williams — An infectious, feel-good song that works beautifully when the family wants to honor someone whose defining quality was bringing happiness to others.
  7. "Walking on Sunshine" — Katrina and the Waves — A burst of pure joy that can lift the mood of any gathering and celebrate someone who radiated positivity.
  8. "My Way" — Frank Sinatra — The ultimate anthem of a life lived on one's own terms, this classic is one of the most requested songs at funerals worldwide.
  9. "Over the Rainbow" — Judy Garland — The original version carries a wistful hopefulness about a better place beyond this world, blending nostalgia with gentle optimism.
  10. "What I Got" — Sublime — A laid-back celebration of living in the moment and loving what you have, fitting for someone with an easy, grateful spirit.
  11. "Beautiful Day" — U2 — An uplifting rock anthem about seeing beauty even in imperfect circumstances, a fitting tribute to an optimist.
  12. "Dancing Queen" — ABBA — For someone who lit up every dance floor and every room they entered, this disco classic is a joyful and loving send-off.
  13. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" — Stevie Wonder — A bright, warm tribute to someone who brought light and love into your world every single day.
  14. "Spirit in the Sky" — Norman Greenbaum — A rock-gospel hybrid about going to heaven with a confident grin, perfect for someone with faith and a sense of humor.
  15. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" — Green Day — Despite its ironic title, this acoustic ballad has become the definitive song for looking back on a life with fondness and gratitude.

Create a lasting tribute that captures who they were. A Farewelling Memorial Page lets you share their favorite songs, photos, and stories with everyone who loved them.

Songs for a Parent's Funeral

Losing a parent is one of the most profound experiences of adult life. These songs speak specifically to the bond between parent and child — the gratitude, the lessons learned, the ache of realizing you can no longer pick up the phone and hear their voice. Whether you are honoring a mother or a father, these selections capture that irreplaceable relationship.

  1. "Dance with My Father" — Luther Vandross — A heartbreaking wish to have one more day with a beloved father, this Grammy-winning song is one of the most popular choices at fathers' funerals.
  2. "You'll Be in My Heart" — Phil Collins — Originally written for the film Tarzan, its promise of an unbreakable bond resonates deeply when a parent's physical presence is gone but their love remains.
  3. "Mama" — Boyz II Men — A soulful, direct expression of love and gratitude to a mother, honoring every sacrifice she made along the way.
  4. "The Living Years" — Mike + the Mechanics — A powerful song about the regret of not saying what needed to be said before a father's death, resonating with anyone who carries unfinished words.
  5. "A Song for Mama" — Boyz II Men — A tender ballad that thanks a mother for her unconditional love, perfectly capturing the enormity of what she meant.
  6. "Supermarket Flowers" — Ed Sheeran — Written from his mother's perspective after his grandmother's death, this intimate song captures the quiet devastation of clearing a loved one's belongings.
  7. "In My Life" — The Beatles — A reflective look back at the people and places that have shaped a life, with the acknowledgment that one person stands above all the rest.
  8. "Wind Beneath My Wings" — Bette Midler — A tribute to the quiet strength and selflessness of a parent who always put their children first.
  9. "Because You Loved Me" — Celine Dion — A sweeping expression of gratitude for someone who believed in you, stood by you, and gave you strength — a parent in every sense.
  10. "You'll Never Walk Alone" — Gerry & the Pacemakers — Originally from the musical Carousel, this anthem of support and hope promises that a parent's love accompanies you always, even in their absence.

Songs for a Child or Young Person's Service

There is no greater tragedy than the loss of a child or young person. The songs chosen for these services must honor a life that held so much promise while providing comfort to those left behind. These selections speak to innocence, potential, and the enduring love of a parent. If you are searching for additional ways to express your grief, funeral poems can also offer solace when words feel impossible to find.

  1. "Tears in Heaven" — Eric Clapton — Written for Clapton's four-year-old son, this is perhaps the most well-known song about the loss of a child, asking with aching tenderness if they will meet again.
  2. "Gone Too Soon" — Michael Jackson — A brief, mournful ballad comparing a young life to a shining star or a sunset fading too quickly, capturing the cruelty of a life cut short.
  3. "You Are My Sunshine" — Traditional (often associated with Jimmie Davis) — The familiar lullaby takes on devastating new meaning when sung in remembrance of a child, its simplicity carrying enormous emotional weight.
  4. "Somewhere Out There" — Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram — From the animated film An American Tail, this gentle song about separation and the hope of reunion speaks to a parent's unshakable belief that their child is still out there, somewhere safe.
  5. "My Wish" — Rascal Flatts — A parent's hopes and dreams for their child set to music, this song becomes a bittersweet expression of all the things you wished for them.

How to Choose Funeral Songs

With so many options, selecting the right funeral songs can feel overwhelming — especially when you are already carrying the weight of grief. Here are practical tips to help guide your decision.

Consider Who They Were

The most meaningful funeral songs are the ones that reflect the person being honored. Did they love classic rock? Were they a devoted churchgoer? Did they sing along to country music on every road trip? Start with what they actually listened to and loved. A funeral is not about choosing what sounds the most "appropriate" — it is about choosing what sounds like them.

Think About the Tone You Want to Set

Decide early on whether the service will be solemn and reflective, celebratory and uplifting, or a mix of both. Most services benefit from a range — perhaps a traditional hymn during the processional, a personal favorite during a slideshow, and an upbeat song to close the service on a note of hope.

Choose Songs with Personal Connections

A song does not need to be about death or grief to work at a funeral. The song your father danced to at his wedding, the lullaby your mother sang to you as a child, or the anthem your friend blasted every summer — these personal connections make a song far more powerful than any "standard" funeral selection ever could.

Listen Before You Decide

Read the lyrics carefully and listen to each song all the way through before making your final choices. A song you remember as uplifting may have a verse that feels wrong for the occasion, or a song you dismissed may reveal surprising depth when you listen with fresh ears. Pay attention to how the music makes you feel, not just what the words say.

Do Not Be Afraid to Be Unconventional

Some of the most memorable funeral moments come from unexpected song choices. If your grandfather's favorite song was "Bohemian Rhapsody" or your sister could not stop playing a particular pop song, honor that. The people who knew them will smile through their tears, and that is exactly the point.

Plan for Multiple Musical Moments

Most funeral services have several opportunities for music: the prelude as guests arrive, the processional, one or two songs during the service, and the recessional. You might also include music during a photo slideshow or a moment of reflection. Having three to five songs gives you the flexibility to set different moods throughout the service.

Ask Family and Friends for Input

You do not have to make this decision alone. Reach out to the people who knew your loved one best and ask what songs remind them of the person who died. You may discover a song or a memory you did not know about — and including it in the service can be a beautiful way to bring the community together in shared remembrance.

Once you have chosen the perfect songs, preserve them as part of a lasting tribute. A Farewelling Memorial Page lets you feature their favorite music alongside photos, stories, and condolences — a living memorial that keeps their memory alive for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Songs

How many songs should be played at a funeral?

Most funeral services include three to five songs, though this varies depending on the length and format of the service. A typical arrangement might include one song for the processional, one or two during the service itself (such as during a reading, slideshow, or moment of reflection), and one for the recessional. Celebrations of life or longer memorial services may include more. There is no strict rule — choose as many or as few as feel right for honoring your loved one.

Can you play non-religious songs at a church funeral?

This depends on the specific church and denomination. Some churches welcome secular music as part of the service, while others may have guidelines requiring that all music be sacred or faith-based. It is always best to speak directly with the officiant or clergy member early in your planning. If the church restricts secular music during the formal service, you may be able to play personal favorites during a reception or gathering afterward.

Who typically chooses the music for a funeral?

The music is usually chosen by the immediate family, often in collaboration with the funeral director and the officiant. In some cases, the deceased may have specified their wishes in advance — either in a will, in conversation with loved ones, or in end-of-life planning documents. If no wishes were expressed, the family should choose songs that reflect the personality, faith, and tastes of the person being honored. Asking close friends for suggestions can also be helpful.

Is it appropriate to play upbeat or happy music at a funeral?

Absolutely. Many families intentionally choose joyful, upbeat music to celebrate a life rather than focus solely on the loss. This is especially common at celebrations of life, where the emphasis is on gratitude and happy memories. Songs like "Here Comes the Sun," "What a Wonderful World," or even "Dancing Queen" can bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of the deceased's spirit to the gathering. There is no wrong way to honor someone, and if they would have wanted people dancing, let them dance.

Can I use recorded music instead of live performers at a funeral?

Yes, and in fact the majority of modern funerals use recorded music. While live performances by a soloist, choir, or musician can be deeply moving, recorded music is perfectly acceptable and allows you to play the exact version of a song that holds meaning — whether it is a specific artist's recording, a live performance your loved one attended, or even a recording of the deceased themselves singing or playing. Most funeral homes and venues are equipped with sound systems for playing recorded music. Discuss your audio needs with the funeral director during planning.