30 Most Bone-Chilling Country Songs About Death, Ranked (2024)

Country music is all about getting honest and real, and singing about death is just about as raw and real as it gets.

Though the song are often very sad, they also provide catharsis for grieving fans who need an outlet to process their own emotions. Plus, sadness isn't as ubiquitous as you might think, in a list of songs about death.

In fact, our No. 1 pick is full of hope, peace and the joy that comes along with shedding earthly sorrow and suffering.

On this list, you'll find some of the best-loved songs in the country genre, period. Many of them are among the most award-winning country songs that have ever been released. There's just something about country music that people can turn to time and time again, whenever they need help making sense of their pain and grief.

Alongside those country classics, you'll find a few deep cuts and hidden gems from the worlds of alt-country and folk. We've searched high and low to bring you the best songs that deal with every aspect of death. Whether you're running from it, making peace with it, have lost someone to it or are staring down the barrel of a loved one's passing — this list has something for everyone.

Top 30 Country Songs About Death, Ranked

Anyone who's grieving a loved one — or confronting their own mortality — can take comfort in these 30 great country songs about death and dying.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

30 Most Bone-Chilling Country Songs About Death, Ranked (2024)

FAQs

30 Most Bone-Chilling Country Songs About Death, Ranked? ›

“I Will Always Love You” or “Wings of a Dove” by Dolly Parton. Dolly is a country legend, and these two songs are some of her most iconic. “I Will Always Love You” is a beautiful ballad about continuing to love someone even after they're gone.

What is a good song for someone who passed away country? ›

“I Will Always Love You” or “Wings of a Dove” by Dolly Parton. Dolly is a country legend, and these two songs are some of her most iconic. “I Will Always Love You” is a beautiful ballad about continuing to love someone even after they're gone.

What is the #1 country song ever? ›

Largely regarded as the absolute best country song of all time, "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash was not only Cash's first No. 1 hit on the Billboard chart, but it set records when it stayed high on the chart for nearly 43 weeks.

What is the sad country song about dead brother? ›

"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by Glen Campbell is one of the many good country funeral songs for brother. Blake Shelton's "Over You" is another of the great (yet melancholic) songs about losing a brother.

What is the saddest country music video? ›

Country Music's 10 Saddest Music Videos
  1. "Whiskey Lullaby" Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss.
  2. "Hurt" Johnny Cash. ...
  3. "Walk a Little Straighter" Billy Currington. ...
  4. "Tell Me I Was Dreaming" Travis Tritt. ...
  5. "Concrete Angel" Martina McBride. ...
  6. "What Hurts the Most" Rascal Flatts. ...
  7. "Just a Dream" Carrie Underwood. ...
  8. "Stay" Sugarland. ...
Feb 16, 2022

What is a good song for someone who passed away? ›

Paul McCartney - Here Today. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On. Faith Hill - You're Still Here. Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day.

What is the most played country song at a funeral? ›

Top 12 Country Songs for a Celebration of Life Service
  • I Hope You Dance (Lee Ann Womack) ...
  • If I Had Only Known (Reba McEntire) ...
  • There'll be You (Faith Hill) ...
  • Just a Closer Walk With Thee (Patsy Cline) ...
  • Angels Among Us (Alabama) ...
  • Go Rest High on That Mountain (Vince Gill) ...
  • The Dance (Garth Brooks) ...
  • Daddy's Hands (Holly Dunn)
Jan 26, 2018

Who is the #1 Country singer of all time? ›

George Strait, often hailed as the "King of Country," is a pillar of traditional country music. Rising to prominence in the early 80s, Strait's smooth voice and timeless hits have earned him a legendary status. Songs like "Amarillo by Morning" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas" showcase his classic sound.

What's the biggest selling country song of all time? ›

A look at the 10 top-selling country songs of all time!
  • 8. “ ...
  • 7. “ ...
  • 6. “ Live Like You Were Dying,” Tim McGraw.
  • 5. “ Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Alan Jackson.
  • 4. “ Concrete Angel,” Martina McBride.
  • 3. “ Choices,” George Jones.
  • 2. “ Friends in Low Places,” Garth Brooks.
  • 1. “ I Walk the Line,” Johnny Cash.
Feb 6, 2020

What is the most played country song? ›

The Top 100 Most-Played Country Songs of the Last 50 Years
  • " Live Like You Were Dying", Tim McGraw.
  • " I Love this Bar", Toby Keith.
  • " Amazed", Lonestar.
  • " The Good Stuff", Kenny Chesney.
  • " It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett.
  • " Somebody Like You", Keith Urban.
  • " ...
  • "
Jan 18, 2024

What is the sad song played at funerals? ›

Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python's 'Life of Brian') Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. You'll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers.

What country song is about his dad that died? ›

Reba McEntire, "The Greatest Man I Never Knew"

The song depicts a daughter grieving over the death of a father who worked hard and sacrificed for his family, but never told expressed his love for his family — specifically his daughter — through words.

What is a song about death called? ›

What is another word for death song?
requiemlament
dirgeelegy
threnodymonody
chanthymn
canticleeulogy
12 more rows

What is the saddest country song ever written? ›

The 50 Saddest Country Songs of All Time, Ranked
  • No. ...
  • No. ...
  • No. ...
  • No. 5: John Prine, "Summer's End" ...
  • No. 4: George Jones, "The Grand Tour" ...
  • No. 3: Hank Williams, "I'm So Lonely I Could Cry" ...
  • Willie Nelson, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" Brandon Bell, Getty Images. ...
  • No. 1: Vince Gill, "Go Rest High on That Mountain"
Mar 14, 2023

What is the saddest song in human history? ›

What's the saddest song of all time?
  • REM – Everybody Hurts.
  • Sinead O'Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U.
  • Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven.
  • Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You.
  • The Beatles – Yesterday.
  • Adele – Someone Like You.
  • Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On.
  • Roy Orbison – Crying.
Mar 8, 2022

What is voted as the saddest song of all time? ›

  • #1 “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. ...
  • #2 “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. ...
  • #3 “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan. ...
  • #4 “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. ...
  • #5 “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley. ...
  • #6 “Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime” by The Korgis. ...
  • #7 “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel.
Feb 1, 2023

What is a happy song for remembering a loved one? ›

One of the most timeless classics for celebrating life is the eternally happy song, “What a Wonderful World.” Armstrong's soulful and warm voice captures the essence of appreciating life's beauty, even amid grief. This song has become a beloved anthem for celebrating the life of a loved one who has passed.

What is a good goodbye song for a funeral? ›

Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python's 'Life of Brian') Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. You'll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers.

What is the #1 song for funerals? ›

The most requested song for a traditional funeral service is “Amazing Grace,” a Christian folk hymn written by English poet John Newton. Many find the message of forgiveness and redemption a beautiful tribute to the mercy of God.

What is the most comforting song? ›

Song Sommelier
  • Stay With Me Till Dawn. Judie Tzuke. 03:53.
  • Waterfalls - Remastered 2011. Paul McCartney. ...
  • One Day I'll Fly Away. Randy Crawford. ...
  • Telephone Line. Electric Light Orchestra. ...
  • Will You? Hazel O'Connor. ...
  • Broken Stones. Paul Weller. ...
  • Love Is Stronger Than Pride. Sade. ...
  • Streets of Philadelphia - Single Edit. Bruce Springsteen.

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