Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t.
Music is part of our life, we grow up listening to music, singing and dancing along to songs, we play songs to mark milestone events in our lives, like the first dance at at a wedding.
When you are arranging a funeral you pick the music you’d like to play. Choosing the right music for a loved one’s funeral can truly personalise the ceremony. Play their favourite song, a song that sums up their personality or a tune that simply reminds you of them.
Below are the most popular funeral songs to help you decide, these range from classical to modern day songs.
Popular funeral song
The lyrics of these songs speak to the heart and reflect both sorrow and hope while offering comfort.
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- The Best – Tina Turner
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python’s “Life of Bryan”
- Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrew Bocelli
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- Let it Be – The Beatles
- Candle in the Wind – Elton John
Classical funeral songs
Classical music continues to be a popular choice for funerals, it can create an emotional and moving service. You may prefer light classical music over a dramatic piece, it depends on the type of funeral you want for your loved one.
- Canon in D – Paachelbel
- Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar
- The Four Seasons – Vivaldi
- Ave Maria – Schubert
- Pie Jesu – Faure
- Adagio – Albinoni
- Air on a G String -Bach
Modern funeral songs
The music you choose should reflect the way your loved one lived their life or a song that may have been special to them. Modern day songs are good as a lot of people will know them.
- Halo – Beyonce
- Wonderwall – Oasis
- Someone like you – Adele
- When September Ends – Green Day
- I’ll be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
- Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
- Lay Me Down – Sam Smith
Funeral songs for Mum
Music for your Mum can be a meaningful way to honour her, it can evoke cherished memories and provide comfort to you and your family.
- In the Arms of an Angel – Sarah McLachlan
- You’re My Best Friend – Queen
- Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
- Goodbye’s the Saddest Word – Celine Dion
- Mama – Il Divo
- Don’t Forget to Remember Me – Carrie Underwood
- I’ll Always Love My Mamma – The Intruders
- In My Life – The Beatles
- Momma, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne
- Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
Funeral songs for Dad
Selecting a song for your Dad’s funeral is a deeply personal choice that can beautifully honour his memory and provide comfort.
- You Raise Me up – Josh Groban
- Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
- The Living Years – Mike and The Mechanics
- My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton
- Sometmes You Can’t Make It On Your Ownn – U2
- Hero – Mariah Carey
- Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton
- Song for Dad – Keith Urbon
- Thank you for Being Dad – Jon Barker
Funeral songs for Grandma
When choosing music for your Grandma, think about picking her favourite song. Remember what’s important is what is special to you, your family and most of all your Grandma.
- Nan’s Song – Robbie Williams
- Grandma’s Song – Gail Davies
- Grandma’s Feather Bed – John Denver
- Smile – Nat King Cole
- Amazing Grace – John Newton
- Grandma’s Hands – Bill Withers
Funeral songs for Grandad
Think about your Grandad, was he your hero growing up? Did he have a wonderful life? You can pick a song that reflects the person he was and the life he lived.
- Heaven Was Needing a Hero – Jo Dee Messina
- Fix You – Coldplay
- Grandpa – Justin Moore
- What a Wonderful Life – Louis Armstrong
Uplifting funeral songs
Tradition has led many people to think a funeral should be a serious and sombre occasion. More recently people are opting for a funeral service that is a celebration of their loved one’s life, a celebration that brings a smile to their face when remembering time they spent together.
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley and the Wailers
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaun
- See You Again – Wiz Khalifa
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
Consider if you want the music to be provided live or from a digital record.
It’s important to check with your funeral arranger about copy rights, most crematoria have a full digital music library.
