When planning a memorial or funeral service for yourself or a loved one, considering what they loved is part of the process. If your family member loved line dancing, country living, and western and country music, you may need some songs straight off the CMA charts! After all, a funeral or memorial is a celebration of a life lived! What better way to remember your loved one than through the music that stirred their soul? Let’s look at the top 10 country funeral songs you can play to feel all the feels and remember their life well.
“The River” or “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
When it comes to country funeral songs, Garth has two that work beautifully in any setting. Garth Brooks is a country icon, so many attending a funeral will know these two songs.
“The River” is about living life to the fullest and making the most of every moment. It’s about continuing on and pushing forward in this life until you finish living. If you’re loved one was all about pushing through and living life to the fullest no matter the circ*mstances; this song is a tribute to them!
“The Dance” is a more nostalgic country song about looking back on a life well-lived. If we knew what would happen in our life, we would miss the excitement and joy of living it. So the singer is glad not to see how the future would unfold.
Either way, these two songs are sure to bring tears and comfort to those grieving.
A few lyrics from “The Dance”
“For a moment, all the world was right. How could I have known that you’d ever say goodbye?
And now I’m glad I didn’t know the way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance.I could have missed the pain.
But I’d have had to miss the dance”
A few lyrics from “The River”
“And I will sail my vessel‘Til the river runs dry.Like a bird upon the wind these waters are my sky.I’ll never reach my destination if I never try, so, I will sail my vessel ’til the river runs dry”
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
This country song is about living life with no regrets. It’s a message we can all take to heart, especially when faced with the death of a loved one. The lyrics encourage us not to take life for granted and to make the most of every moment.
A few lyrics from “I Hope You Dance”
“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance. Never settle for the path of least resistance.
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Don’t let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter. When you come close to sellin’ out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance.“
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
This song is about a person who has finished their work on earth and is happy to go to heaven and rest peacefully. The lyrics are incredibly touching and personal, and the song is sure to resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one.
A few lyrics from “Go Rest High on That Mountain”
“Oh how we cried the day you left us.We gathered round your grave to grieve.Wish I could see the angel’s faces when they hear your sweet voice sing.”
“When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley
This song is about a person who has died and is looking down on those they left behind. It’s a reassuring song about how we will all be reunited one day. The lyrics are sure to comfort anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
A few lyrics from “When I Get Where I’m Going”
“Yeah, when I get where I’m going, there’ll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years, and I’ll leave my heart wide open.
I will love and have no fear.Yeah, when I get where I’m going, don’t cry for me down here.”
“I Saw God Today” by George Strait
This country song is about someone who has had a tough day but finds comfort in the small things. It’s a reminder that we may find spiritual help in unexpected ways, even in our darkest hours. The lyrics may bring hope to anyone struggling with losing a loved one.
A few lyrics from “I Saw God Today”
“Just walked down the street to the coffee shop, had to take a break.
I’ve been by her side for 18 hours straight.
Saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk pushing up through the concrete like it was planted right there for me to see.
The flashing lights, the honking horns, all seem to fade away In the shadow of the hospital.
At 5:08,I saw God today”
“I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice
This song remembers a Dad who has died. His son sings of how his Dad’s old truck reminds him of his Dad’s life. It’s a touching song about how we keep our loved ones alive in our memories. The lyrics will resonate with anyone who has lost a parent or child.
A few lyrics from “I Drive Your Truck”
“I drive your truck.I roll every window down and I burn up every back road in this town
I find a field, I tear it up ‘till all the pain’s a cloud of dust.
Yes, sometimes, I drive your truck.I leave that radio playin’ the same ole country station where you left it.
Yeah, man, I crank it up.”
“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. “Wings of a Dove” is a more upbeat song about heaven and how those we’ve lost watch over us from above.
A few lyrics from “I Will Always Love You”
“If I should stay I would only be in your way
So I’ll go but I know I’ll think of you ev’ry step of the way
And I will always love you
I will always love you”
“Angels Among Us” by Alabama
This song is about how we are never alone, even when we feel like it. It speaks of angels among us guiding us with the “light of love.” The lyrics are sure to comfort anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
A few lyrics from “Angels Among Us”
“Oh, I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love”
Find More Ideas
These are only a few of the many country funeral songs that can help you remember and honor your loved one.
You can find many more on YouTube by typing “country funeral songs” into the search box. There are many memorial and funeral playlists featuring dozens of songs. So, crank up the tunes, let the memories flow, and celebrate the life of your loved one!
Choose the songs that resonate with you and your family for any memorial or funeral services. Feel good about remembering your loved one in the style they loved too!
We Can Help
At Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory, we help you create beautiful and memorable events to celebrate your life or your loved one’s life. We offer various services to meet your needs, including traditional funerals, green funerals, cremation, and memorial services.
We strive to respect and honor the traditions and beliefs you may hold, whether Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Bahai, or other faiths. We also serve many who call themselves atheists, agnostics, etc. Whatever your belief system, we are here to help you find comforting ways to grieve with your loved ones and friends.
Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more about how we can help you plan your celebration of life.
