Songs are often used at funeral services as a creative way of paying tribute to deceased loved ones. However, it can be difficult for caregivers and family members who are grieving to find the right music to play at the service. Below you will find several suggestions and tips to help you find music that resonates with your family and memorializes your late loved one.
How to Choose Music for a Funeral
Music is a powerful creative outlet that can evoke memories and a wealth of emotions. The goal is to select music that will help mourners reflect on the decedent, grieve their passing, and celebrate their life. When choosing songs to play at a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, there are a few different factors that can help guide your decision.
Opt for songs that were your loved one’s favorites, that reflect their character, or that held special significance in their life. Consider preparing short introductions so that all funeralgoers can understand the meaning behind these songs. Family members and close friends can be a good source of ideas, special requests and inspiration for music to be played at a service.
Before adding any music to your playlist for the funeral, listen to each song completely and read over the lyrics. Understanding the context of the songs will ensure they are wholly appropriate for the event. If you are having trouble making selections, instrumental funeral songs are a classic, safe choice.
Below is a curated list of traditional, religious, and contemporary songs that can give a funeral or memorial ceremony a special touch.
Popular Funeral Songs
“Wind Beneath My Wings,” Bette Midler
Heartwarming Lyrics:
Did you ever know that you’re my hero?You’re everything I wish I could be.I could fly higher than an eagle,For you are the wind beneath my wings.
“Hero,” Mariah Carey and Various Artists
Heartwarming Lyrics:And then a hero comes alongWith the strength to carry onAnd you cast your fears asideAnd you know you can surviveSo when you feel like hope is goneLook inside you and be strongAnd you’ll finally see the truthThat a hero lies in you
“Angel,” Sarah McLachlan
Heartwarming Lyrics:In the arms of the angelFly away from hereFrom this dark, cold hotel roomAnd the endlessness that you fearYou are pulled from the wreckageOf your silent reverieYou’re in the arms of the angelMay you find some comfort here
“Dance with My Father,” Luther Vandross
Heartwarming Lyrics:If I could steal one final glanceOne final stepOne final dance with himI’d play a song that would never ever endCause I’d love, love, love toDance with my father again
“The Long and Winding Road,” The Beatles
Heartwarming Lyrics:The long and winding roadThat leads to your doorWill never disappearI’ve seen that road beforeIt always leads me here,Lead me to your door
Traditional Funereal Songs and Funeral Music
“Passing Through,” Ronan Keating
Touching Lyrics:Now I love her and I miss herShe’s the one who gave me loveShe’s the one who made the boy and the manBut her strength burns within meLike the day she made me standPut some courage in your dreamingCarve your footprints in the sand
“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” Andrew Lloyd Weber
Touching Lyrics:Wishing you were somehow here againKnowing we must say goodbyeTry to forgive, teach me to liveGive me the strength to try
“On Eagle’s Wings,” Michael Crawford
Touching Lyrics:And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,Bear you on the breath of dawn,Make you to shine like the sun,And hold you in the palm of His Hand.The snare of the fowler will never capture you,And famine will bring you no fear;Under His Wings your refuge,His faithfulness your shield.
Contemporary Funeral Songs and Funeral Music
“Go Rest High On That Mountain,” Vince Gill
Poignant Lyrics:Oh, how we cried the day you left usWe gathered round your grave to grieveI wish I could see the angels’ facesWhen they hear your sweet voice sing
“One Sweet Day,” Mariah Carey
Poignant Lyrics:And I know you’re shining down on me from heavenLike so many friends we’ve lost along the wayAnd I know eventually we’ll be togetherOne sweet day
“You’re Missing,” Bruce Springsteen
Poignant Lyrics:Pictures on the nightstand, TV’s on in the denYour house is waiting, your house is waitingFor you to walk in, for you to walk inBut you’re missing, when I shut out the lightsYou’re missing, when I close my eyesYou’re missing, when I see the sun riseYou’re missing
Religious Funeral Songs and Funeral Music
“Back in His Arms Again,” Mark Schultz
Inspiring Lyrics:I believe that He never let you goI believe that He’s wanting you to knowI believe that He’ll lead you ’tilYou’re back in His arms again
“Even the Darkness is Light to Him,” Michael Card
Inspiring Lyrics:The Father above does not slumber or sleepHe wakefully watches our waysThen there’s no reason for you to weepFor the Father above neither slumbers nor sleeps
“Angels,” Mary McLaughlin
Inspiring Lyrics:For angels must walk before they can flyAnd angels must learn to laugh and to cryThe angels are here, they’re among you and IWe’re all learning to be angels
