Happy funeral music can be found in any genre. These are songs whose melody and lyrics lift spirits, spark happy memories, give love, thanks, and reassurance, or speak to the life of the deceased. Whether the songs are slow, sentimental, humorous, or even irreverent, happy funeral songs are a good way to say goodbye.
Happy Pop Songs for Funerals
The lyrics and melody of pop songs are well known, and the pop genre has become a top choice for happy funeral songs.
I've Had the Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
I've Had the Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is a positive affirmation of a life lived to the fullest.
I'm Gonna Live Until I Die by Frank Sinatra
The lyrics of I'm Going to Live Until I Die, the 1955 pop hit by Frank Sinatra are well known and fitting for a courageous man who lived life to the fullest.
My Way by Elvis Presley
My Way, sung by Elvis Presley, is the ultimate tribute to an individual who lived life to the fullest: "I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and every highway, and more, much more than this, I did it my way."
Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
Don't Worry Be Happy, sung by Bobby McFerrin, is an eternally happy song that's sure to bring some smiles or even a giggle or two to a funeral service.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
What a Wonderful World was first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released as a single in 1967. It has become a happy funeral song favorite because it inspires mourners to think past their grief and remember it's still a wonderful world.
You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
The 1973 hit, You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder, is a heartfelt expression of undying love.
Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe & Wise
Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe & Wise is a cheerfully innocent song about bringing joy to tomorrow.
Drops of Jupiter By Train
Drops of Jupiter By Train is a magical song for celebrating a loved one's journey to heaven.
Happy Rock Songs for Funerals
If your loved one was a rock music fan, selecting a song from the rock genre could be the ultimate tribute.
Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
The classic rock song, Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, was written in 1970 by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Stairway to Heaven has become a favorite song for modern funerals.
Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Free Birdby Lynyrd Skynyrd is rock classic that can speak of the soul's freedom to fly wherever it wants to go.
The Show Must Go On by Queen
The lyrics of Queen's The Show Must Go On, written near the end of Freddie Mercury's life, reflect his strength, courage, and determination in life.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day
The lyrics of Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day are a reminder to always cherish each and every moment you've spent with your friend or loved one.
Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
Norman Greenbaum's 1970 psychedelic rock song Spirit in the Sky has been an uplifting favorite at parties for years, but more recently it's become a favorite for funerals.
Happy Country Songs for Funerals
Country songs tell a story. Playing a happy country song at a funeral can evoke special memories, tell the story of a life, and help mourners move through their grieving process.
Sissy's Song by Alan Jackson
Sissy's Song was written by Alan Jackson for the funeral of a woman who worked for him. His words, "I know she's smiling, saying don't worry about me" can be uplifting to those who are mourning the loss of a special woman.
Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
Live Like You Were Dying from Tim McGraw's album You Raise Me Up is about McGraw's relationship with his father, who had passed away. This is a song is a wish and a challenge to live each day of your life as if it were your last.
There'll Be You by Faith Hill
There'll Be You, sung by Faith Hill, can spark deep feelings of gratitude to a person who has been a source of strength in your life and the words, "I'll keep a part of you with me" can be reassuring and comforting to mourners.
Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill
Go Rest High On That Mountain was written as a tribute to Vince Gill's brother, who passed away from a heart attack. This is an emotional and inspirational song that celebrates both life and death.
Believe by Brooks & Dunn
Believeby Brooks and Dunn is a beautiful song that tells the story of a man's belief that when he dies, he'd meet and once again be with loved ones who had gone on to heaven before him.
When I Get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley, Featuring Dolly Parton
Bittersweet and beautiful, When I get where I'm Going acknowledges the pain that is experienced when a loved one dies, but it also imagines the wonder and joy awaiting those who have left this earth and encourages mourners to rejoice that their loved one is in heaven.
Happy Gospel Songs for Funerals
These happy gospel songs can turn mourning a life into a funeral that celebrates life.
Bye and Bye by The Georgia Mass Choir
Bye and Bye, sung by The Georgia Mass Choir, will have mourners swaying, clapping, and tapping their feet.
I'll Fly Away by Johnny Cash
I'll Fly Away, sung by Johnny Cash, was written in 1929 by Albert Brumly. It has been a favorite funeral hymn for decades. This song embraces death as freedom and envisions a home with Jesus in the sky.
Gospel Ship by The Carter Family
Gospel Ship by The Carter Family is a country gospel song that speaks of shouting and singing for happiness when you say goodbye to the world.
When the Saints Go Marching In by Louis Armstrong
When The Saints Go Marching In is an upbeat gospel hymn, that's popular for all funerals and is often played at Jazz Funerals.
Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Eric Clapton
Swing Low Sweet Chariot, an old African-American hymn with an uplifting beat, has lyrics that speak of being carried home by a band of angels. It's the second track of Eric Clapton's 1975 album There's One in Every Crowd.
Just Over in the Gloryland by Ralph Stanley
The lyrics of Just Over in the Gloryland make this an uplifting foot stomping tune to play at a funeral.
Happy Funeral Songs for Children
These songs offer reassurance and moments of sweet reflection on the life of a sweet innocent child who left too soon. Their lyrics capture the happy feeling that the child will always be loved even though they are in now safe in heaven.
Forever Young by Rod Stewart
When a child dies, they stay young forever young in a loved one's memory. Forever Youngby Rod Stewart expresses what a parent or loved one feel when they lose a young child.
Sleep Tight by Celine Dion
Sleep Tight by Celine Dion gives reassurance that the angles will make sure the child is safe and warm.
Fly by Celine Dion
Fly by Celine Dion was written after she lost her niece. It's a sweet, precious, and hopeful song with lyrics that speak of a child's tender passage to heaven and their ability to fly upon the wind.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
This classic song from The Wizard of Oz reassures mourners that the child is happily playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Israel Kamakawiwo?ole's ukulele gives his acoustic version a simple, happy, and wistful touch.
Happy Funeral Songs for Mothers
The ache of missing a mother never goes away, but as these songs say your mother is such an important part of who you are that she'll be with you forever.
My Mother's Eyes by Frankie Valli
My Mother's Eyes by Frankie Valli ask mourners to remember the unselfish love they saw in their mother's eyes.
Heaven's Garden Sung by Kieran Brennan
The lyrics of Heaven's Gardenby Kieran Brennen inspire children to believe and have faith that their mother is serenely at peace in heaven's beautiful garden.
Mama by Il Divo (English Version)
Mama by IL Divo is not exactly a happy song, but it's a beautiful reminder the thank your mother for who you are, and for all the things you're not. This is a song of thanks for the love and sacrifice of a mother.
A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men is a gentle reminder of how important your mother was and will always be to you.
Happy Funeral Songs for Grandmothers
A grandmother can be as close to her grandchildren as their mother, yet has no parenting role. They are their grandchildren's friends, confidants, protectors, and wise helpers. When a grandmother is lost the happiest songs sing her praises.
Nan's Song by Robbie Williams
Nan's Song was written by Robbie Williams for his grandmother, who had passed away. Its lyrics, "There's a strange kind of light caressing me tonight," brings assurance that your grandmother will always be near.
My Angel by Kellie Pickler
The lyrics of My Angel by Kellie Pickler, "Never been another who loved me like you did," speak of the closeness many individuals have with their Grandmother. This is a song that will bring back happy memories of the love you shared with your grandmother.
Happy Funeral Songs for Fathers
Involved dads are affectionate and supportive. They promote inner growth and strength and instill their children with self-confidence. These funeral songs for dads give praise and give thanks to the man who was their anchor.
A Song for Dad by Keith Urban
The lyrics of Keith Urban's A Song for Dad are a wistful remembrance of his father and all he did for his family.
Hero by Mariah Carey
Fathers are the heroes of the family. There's no better way to pay tribute to a dad than with Hero by Mariah Carey.
Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn
Daddy's Handslyrics are sweet, simple, and they beautifully portray the love between a father and his child. This song can be the perfect tribute for a father or father figure.
Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
The lyrics of Dance With My Father tenderly relay the wonderful memories Luther had of his dad. This song is a beautiful way to honor a father at his funeral.
Celebration of Life Songs for Rowdy Friends and Family
The lyrics of these classic rock and country hits might not be appropriate at a somber funeral or memorial service, but they could be perfect for a full-on fun and happy celebration of life gathering for a man or woman who led a rowdy or irreverent life. The titles are self-explanatory.
- Keg on My Coffin by The Push Stars
- Highway to Hell by ACDC
- Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
- Dropkick Me Jesus by Bobby Bare
- Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die by Willie Nelson
- Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die) by Joe Diffie
- Mama Tried by Merle Haggard
- Crooked Halo by Annie Bosko
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
- Hold On by Wilson Phillips
- Get the Party Started by Pink
There Are Copyright Laws
Sad to say, but you must follow copyright laws when playing songs for a service held in a funeral home. So, before you make a final choice, talk with the home's funeral director. Of course, playing a recording at a less formal celebration of life gathering for a friend or family member is a different story.
