56 Timeless Funeral Songs: A Musical Tribute to Cherished Memories

Funeral Songs

Music is a language beyond words and is powerful. Friends and families share music to make certain occasions memorable. Likewise, playing songs at a funeral helps you pay tribute to your loved one who has departed. Funeral songs are a tradition to pay homage to the departed soul.

However, hundreds of songs are for selection, making it challenging for families to select. Moreover, music will personalize the service. 

Likewise, the music list may contain songs from modern, classic, or popular genres. However, it is a subjective choice, as you can select any song or personal favorite of the deceased.

We have compiled a list of funeral songs from all genres to make your choice easy. So, read along to shortlist and select the best funeral songs.

We have categorized songs into different types.

• Popular Funeral Songs

Although you have complete control over song selection, playing the popular ones makes an impression. Several songs are attributed to funerals, so you can select these to make the occasion relevant. 

Since a funeral is a sad time, specific lyrics are perfect for this type of gathering. Hence, such lyrics make popular funeral songs.

Here are a few popular funeral songs.

• My Way – Frank Sinatra
• Angels – Robbie Williams
• The Best – Tina Turner
• You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry the Pacemakers
• Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
• Time To Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli 

• Classical Funeral Songs

Nothing beats the rhymes of classical music for funerals. These funeral songs can set the stage for an emotional and moving service. Generally, classical music is light and dramatic, which will reflect upon the lives of your loved ones.

Some of the most famous classical funeral songs are included in the following list.

• Adagio – Albononi
• The Four Seasons – Vivaldi
• Canon in D – Paachelbel
• Air on a G String – Bach
• Pie Jesu – Faure
• Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar

• Modern Funeral Songs

Many families avoid using modern music; however, you must choose a song dear to the deceased; if he is fond of modern songs, there is no harm in selecting the one for him. In short, music must reflect on his likings. 

Here is a list of famous modern songs that reflect funeral-related emotional meaning. 

• Halo – Beyonce
• Lay Me Down – Sam Smith
• I’ll be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
• Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
• Wonderful – Oasis 
• Someone Like You – Adele 
• When September Ends – Green Days 

• Funeral Songs For Mums

The most emotional songs are set for the funeral of a mum. Since they are light for any household, playing the best funeral songs at their service is mandatory. Therefore, making a playlist that reflects a mother’s love is vital to make the service memorable.

Here are the best funeral songs for mums.

• In the Arms of an Angel – Sarah McLachlan
• Unforgettable – Nat King Cole 
• I’ll Always Love My Mamma – The Intruders
• You’re my Best Friend – Queen 
• Supermarket Flower – Ed Sheeran
• Mama – Il Divo
• In My Life – The Beatles 
• Momma, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne 

• Funeral Songs For Dad

One of the best music choices for your dad’s service is playing his favorite songs. However, if you cannot decipher, you can pick any of the funeral songs mentioned below that are perfect for a dad.

So, here is a list of the best funeral songs for Dad.

• Song for Dad – Keith Urban
• Thank You for Being Dad – Jon Barker
• My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton
• Hero – Mariah Carey
• Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton
• Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
• Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own – U2 
• The Living Years – Mike & The Mechanics

• Funeral Songs for Nan

Nan is the second mother; hence, we get as emotional as any other relationship. Therefore, playing her favorite rhyme is the best way to pay her tribute. However, if you want to add music to your taste, you can select any of the following songs for the nun to play as funeral songs.

• Nan’s Song – Robbie Williams
• Grandma’s Song – Gail Davies
• Grandma’s Hands – Bill Withers
• Amazing Grace – John Newton
• Grandma’s Feather Bed – John Denver
• Smile – Nat King Cole

• Funeral Songs for Granddad

Every man’s first love is his grandfather; hence, making his service memorable is essential. Therefore, selecting a playlist of funeral songs that are engaging and emotional will leave your guests offering their services.

Here is a list of funeral songs for your granddad.

• Fix You – Coldplay
• Grandpa – Justin Moore
• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
• Heaven Was Needing a Hero – Jo Dee Messina 

• Uplifting Funeral Songs

Many people consider funerals to be sad. However, you can use this gathering to make people celebrate the life of your loved one. Hence, uplifting songs are becoming popular as more people play them at funerals. The concept is to celebrate deceased life instead of mourning over it.

Therefore, here is a list of popular uplifting funeral songs.

• Three Little Birds – Bob Marley and the Wailers
• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
• The Time of My Life – Jennifer Warners
• See You Again – Wiz Khalifa
• Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Tips on Funeral Songs

Almost any piece is playable at the funeral; however, you need to take special care while selecting a song for the funeral. 

Here are a few tips and points to remember before finalizing a funeral.

• You can use a hymn or a CD
• Choose from a digital library
• Contact the local Dignity Funeral Director
• Consult your family with finalizing the music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most played funeral song?

My Way by Frank Sinatra is one of the most famous funeral songs; you will hear it at every other funeral service. Likewise, Angels by Robbie Williams is another must-have song for funeral services.

Is Hallelujah a good funeral song?

Since there are no restrictions on the nature of the song, Hallelujah is a good option, considering its poetic lyrics and soft melody.

What is the oldest funeral song?

Although many consider Hurrian Hymn No. 6 one of the oldest funeral songs, a Greek tune from the first century is known as “Seikilos Epitaph. 

What is modern-day funeral song?

Over the Rainbow by Eva Cassidy is one of the most famous modern-day funeral songs. It has beautiful lyrics, music, and composition.

Parting Thoughts

Finding the befitting song for your loved ones who have departed this world is challenging. Many people, full of sadness, forget to play the best funeral songs.

Hence, we compiled a list of the most popular funeral songs that are modern, classy, and uplifting. However, one of the best songs to play at a funeral service is the one the deceased loved the most; the best way of offering your respect is to play a song that is always on his mind. It helps people grab the essence of the personality of the departed soul.

However, you can make your playlist and play it throughout the service. You can play an upbeat song, which may seem odd but can celebrate the deceased’s life. Numerous funeral services will tune up your mood.

We hope we have made your funeral song choice easier. Please leave feedback in the comments section. Adios!