Throughout life, music is an important part of every major milestone. We sing on someone’s birthday, we play music as a bride walks down the aisle, and we include music at funeral services. Music a powerful tool that can help us reflect over memories or express our emotions. While you may not want to be reminded of your loved one’s passing, funeral songs are an important part of the service. But what is the best music for a funeral? Do you ask the funeral director what some popular funeral songs are?
When you select songs for a funeral service, you need to do some brainstorming and planning first. Think about what songs you think your loved one would want included and ask yourself some questions.
- Do you want songs that speak about death and spending eternity in heaven?
- Do you want songs that remind you of certain qualities and characteristics your loved one had?
- Do you want songs that will allow you to reflect over fond memories with the deceased?
- Do you want songs that your loved one enjoyed listening to?
The important thing to remember when selecting funeral songs is that they help pay tribute to the life of the deceased. You want to select music that will help you honor them as friends and family members gather to say goodbye.
To help you with your selection, we’ve selected several popular funeral songs from different genres for you to consider.
FAQs
Wind Beneath My Wings has been one of the most popular funeral songs since its release. Originally intended to be a love song, it wasn't until the songs writers heard it performed as a ballad that they realized the song has a greater meaning.
What is the number one funeral song? ›
Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:
My Way – Frank Sinatra. Angels – Robbie Williams. The Best – Tina Turner. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler.
What is the most beautiful funeral song? ›
Traditional Funeral Songs and Funeral Music
- Amazing Grace – Traditional. ...
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. ...
- His Eye is on the Sparrow – Mahalia Jackson. ...
- My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion. ...
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Mahalia Jackson. ...
- You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban. ...
- I'll Fly Away – Albert E.
Here are some of the most recommended sad songs for grief: Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven. Sarah Mclachlan - In The Arms of an Angel. The Beatles - Let It Be.
What is a song of mourning as a memorial to a dead person? ›
A dirge is a song of mourning, performed as a memorial to someone who's died. As you might imagine, a dirge is usually quite sad. Another word with a similar meaning that you might know is “requiem.”
What is the famous remembrance song? ›
A staple of the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, I Vow To Thee, My Country is one of Britain's most popular hymns. It started life as a poem, written in 1908 and then revised during World War One by Sir Cecil Spring Rice, who was the British ambassador to the United States at the time.
What is the classic song always played at funerals? ›
1. Ave Maria. A short, quiet and focused piece, usually for a solo female voice. Particularly popular for Catholic funeral Masses, but universally loved even for non-religious funerals.
What is a reflection song at a funeral? ›
You can play music during the moment of reflection if you like. Often, people choose soft, peaceful music so it won't distract others from their thoughts. This could be instrumental music – like classical compositions – or gentle songs with meaningful lyrics.
What is a good song for a memorial video? ›
Whether or not the person who passed away was religious, spiritual songs are often a good choice for funerals or memorial videos:
- 'Amazing Grace' by John Newton.
- 'Hallelujah' by Jeff Buckley.
- 'I Can Only Imagine' by MercyMe.
- 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Groban.
- 'God Is Love' by Marvin Gaye.
One song particularly embodies what a “happy funeral song” sounds like to most people. This timeless gem is Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World,” a poignant and uplifting melody that transcends cultural boundaries.
"'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong and 'Time to Say Goodbye' by Andrea Bocelli are timeless choices, while 'Supermarket Flowers' by Ed Sheeran and 'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Bette Midler also hold a special place in people's hearts, as they beautifully capture the essence of love and loss.
What is the uplifting hymn for a funeral? ›
Happy and uplifting hymns for a funeral include:
All Things Bright and Beautiful. Morning Has Broken. Lord of the Dance. Shine Jesus Shine.
What song to dedicate to someone who passed away? ›
One of the most popular and timeless celebration of life songs for funerals is “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. This emotional ballad was released in 1995 and is a moving tribute to a lost loved one. It captures both the heartache of loss and the hope of reunion in the afterlife.
What is a song that represents family? ›
The 31 Best Songs About Family That'll Have You In Your Feels
- Sister Sledge - "We Are Family" ...
- Stevie Wonder - "Isn't She Lovely" ...
- Jonas Brothers - "Little Bird" ...
- Diddy - Dirty Money feat. ...
- Phil Collins - "You'll Be in My Heart" ...
- Taylor Swift. ...
- fun. ...
- Avicii - "Hey Brother"
25 songs about missing someone you love
- Miss You Like Crazy – Natalie Cole. ...
- Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O'Connor. ...
- Ain't No Sunshine – Bill Withers. ...
- I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself – The White Stripes. ...
- Someone Like You – Adele. ...
- I Can Dream About You – Hall & Oates. ...
- Yesterday – The Beatles.
Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
It's a searing classic, and it speaks to something we all have to face, saying goodbye.
What is a good entrance song for a funeral? ›
Music for Funerals Entrance. The entrance music sets the tone for the ceremony, evoking emotions of reverence and respect. Popular choices often include classical pieces like "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber or "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert.
