Music possesses a profound ability to resonate with our deepest emotions. It can evoke laughter, tears, and a spectrum of feelings in between. When it comes to funerals, music plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere of the service and reflecting the unique spirit of the person we are remembering. Selecting the right Songs For Funerals can provide comfort, solace, and a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived.
Choosing songs for a funeral is a deeply personal process. The music selected should resonate with the deceased’s personality, beliefs, and the emotions you wish to express during the service. To help guide you in this important decision, we’ve curated a list of songs that are often chosen for funerals, offering a range of styles and sentiments to inspire your selections.
Timeless Songs of Comfort and Reflection
-
“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a deeply moving and frequently chosen song for funerals. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to evoke a sense of peace and reflection during times of grief. The song’s beauty lies in its ambiguity, allowing listeners to find personal meaning within its verses, making it a universal expression of solace. For many, it offers a sense of tranquility amidst the pain of loss, making it a perfect choice for songs for funerals.
-
“The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion
“The Prayer,” performed by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, transcends religious boundaries, making it suitable for both religious and non-religious funeral services. While presented as a prayer, the song’s essence is one of comfort and guardianship. The lyrics evoke a sense of hope and reassurance, suggesting that the departed loved one is watching over those left behind. This comforting message makes it a popular selection among songs for funerals, offering solace and a sense of continued connection.
-
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers” has become a poignant choice for funerals, particularly when honoring a mother. Sung from the perspective of a son reflecting on his mother’s passing, the song is a tender message of gratitude and remembrance. It expresses heartfelt thanks for the love and time shared, resonating deeply with those grieving the loss of a maternal figure. Its intimate and emotional nature makes it a touching addition to songs for funerals.
-
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” is a deeply personal tribute dedicated to his brother. The song poignantly captures the profound grief experienced after losing someone deeply cherished. However, amidst the sorrow, it offers a sense of hope and peace, expressing the wish that the loved one’s spirit has found tranquility. This blend of grief and hope makes it a powerful and cathartic choice for songs for funerals, especially for those seeking to express both sorrow and acceptance.
-
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack is often requested to be played at funerals as a parting message to those remaining. It serves as a beautiful reminder to embrace life, to “dance” through its joys and wonders, and to live fully. The song encourages listeners to cherish their time and find amazement in the world around them. As one of the more uplifting songs for funerals, it offers a message of hope and encouragement to those navigating grief.
-
“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” is another popular choice for individuals to pre-select for their own funerals. The song’s central theme revolves around the enduring power of love, even in the face of death. The lyrics convey a message that love transcends physical presence and continues to exist beyond life. This focus on everlasting love makes “Iris” a meaningful inclusion in songs for funerals, emphasizing the enduring bonds we share with loved ones.
-
“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind,” famously re-written and performed at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, has become a staple at funeral services worldwide. Its elegant melody and powerful lyrics serve as a beautiful homage to someone deeply missed by the world. The song’s poignant reflection on a life extinguished too soon resonates with mourners, making it a classic and impactful choice among songs for funerals.
-
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
While originally popularized by Judy Garland, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele-infused version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” brings a softer, more somber tone to the beloved classic. This rendition evokes feelings of peace, harmony, and a gentle longing for a better place. Its calming and hopeful nature makes it a fitting selection for funeral services, offering a sense of serenity among songs for funerals.
-
“Long As I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long As I Can See the Light” speaks to the idea of guidance and homecoming. For many, it symbolizes the journey home after life’s long and often tiring path. This song is particularly meaningful when played alongside a memorial slideshow celebrating the beauty of a loved one’s life. Its themes of journey and peace make it a thoughtful addition to songs for funerals, especially when reflecting on a life’s journey.
-
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s iconic “My Way” offers a powerful narrative of self-reflection and a life lived with personal agency. As a tribute to a loved one, it acknowledges the complexities of life, including regrets, but ultimately celebrates the individual’s choices and the pride in living life authentically. This message of self-determination and reflection makes “My Way” a meaningful and strong choice among songs for funerals, honoring a life lived on one’s own terms.
Modern & Contemporary Funeral Song Choices
-
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran (Reiterated for emphasis on contemporary appeal)
Again, “Supermarket Flowers” deserves mention not only for its emotional depth but also its contemporary resonance. Its recent release and relatable themes have quickly made it a modern classic within songs for funerals, particularly for younger generations or those seeking a more current musical expression of grief.
-
“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” poignantly captures the raw emotions of loss and longing. The lyrics express the universal desire to have just one more moment with a departed loved one. Its vulnerability and emotional honesty resonate deeply with those experiencing grief, making it a powerful contemporary choice for songs for funerals, particularly for expressing deep sorrow and yearning.
-
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” beautifully portrays love as an eternal force, transcending time and mortality. Playing this song at a funeral serves as a powerful reminder to loved ones that the love shared will endure forever. Its message of everlasting love makes it a comforting and contemporary selection among songs for funerals, emphasizing enduring connections.
-
“Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga
From “A Star Is Born,” Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way” is a moving ballad about capturing and cherishing love for eternity. The song speaks to the desire to hold onto precious memories and the impact of love that remains long after someone is gone. Its themes of lasting love and cherished memories make it a poignant and modern addition to songs for funerals, focusing on remembrance and enduring affection.
-
“Fix You” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s “Fix You,” written in response to personal loss, eloquently expresses the wish to alleviate the pain of grief and loss. While acknowledging that loss cannot be “fixed,” the song offers comfort and hope through the image of “lights will guide you home.” This blend of acknowledging pain while offering solace makes “Fix You” a comforting and contemporary choice for songs for funerals, resonating with the complex emotions of grief and hope.
Uplifting & Hopeful Funeral Songs
-
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Eric Idle
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian offers a surprisingly uplifting and unconventional choice for funerals. In contrast to somber tones, this song provides a moment of lightheartedness and encourages a positive outlook even in the face of grief. For those wanting to celebrate a life with humor and a lighter touch, this silly yet comforting song can be a unique and memorable addition to songs for funerals.
-
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack (Reiterated for emphasis on uplifting nature)
“I Hope You Dance” is again relevant here for its inherently optimistic and life-affirming message. It’s a song that encourages living fully and finding joy even amidst sorrow, making it an uplifting choice among songs for funerals, particularly for celebrating a life well-lived and inspiring those left behind.
-
“We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn
Vera Lynn’s classic “We’ll Meet Again” is both a song of loss and profound hope. It carries a message of reassurance that goodbyes are not final and that reunions await. Playing this song at a funeral offers a comforting promise of continued connection and hope for the future, making it a timeless and uplifting selection among songs for funerals, especially for those seeking solace in the idea of reunion.
-
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” originally from the musical Carousel, provides immense comfort in the face of grief. The song reassures mourners that they are not alone in their sorrow and that the spirit of their loved one remains with them. This message of unwavering support and presence makes it a deeply comforting and uplifting addition to songs for funerals, offering strength and reassurance during difficult times.
Songs of Eternal Love & Remembrance
-
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s powerful ballad, “I Will Always Love You,” is arguably one of the most impactful songs about enduring love and loss ever created. It can be interpreted as a message from either the deceased or those left behind, emphasizing the eternal nature of love that transcends death. Its powerful expression of unwavering love makes it a deeply moving and resonant choice for songs for funerals, underscoring the lasting impact of love.
-
“I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” by Jesse L. Martin
From the musical Rent, “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” is a poignant expression of eternal love in the face of loss. Sung at Angel’s funeral in the musical, it tells a story of a love that death cannot extinguish. This narrative of enduring love makes it a uniquely touching and powerful selection among songs for funerals, particularly for celebrating a profound and lasting romantic bond.
Ultimately, the most meaningful songs for funerals are those that held special significance for the departed or resonate deeply with those planning the service. Personal favorites, songs that evoke cherished memories, or music that reflects the loved one’s personality are always the most fitting choices. Whether you opt for a lighthearted tune like “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” or a deeply moving ballad like “The Prayer,” selecting music that truly honors the individual is the most important aspect of choosing songs for funerals.
