100+ Songs for Funerals That Will Move You

Choosing songs for a funeral can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to creatively influence the mood of the memorial. You can choose an uplifting funeral song to raise everyone's spirits during this difficult time, or you can select a song that speaks about eternal love. There are thousands of options out there, but these are some of the most moving and profound songs for funerals.

Uplifting Funeral Songs

Although a funeral is a time to mourn the loss of someone special, it can also be a celebration of that person's life. The following songs celebrate a life well lived:

• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

• "Over the Rainbow" by Eva Cassidy

• "We'll Meet Again" by Vera Lynn

• "Canon in D" by Pachelbel

• "Sunshine on My Shoulders" by John Denver

• "Soul Limbo" by Booker T. and the MGs

• "Circle of Life" from The Lion King

• "Beautiful Day" by U2

• "The Show Must Go On" by Queen

• "Flying Without Wings" by Westlife

• "Come Sail Away" by Styx

• "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry and the Pacemakers

• "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds

• "Thank You For The Music" by ABBA

• "The Best" by Tina Turner

• "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens

• "Days" by The Kinks

• "Heaven" by Duke Ellington

• "Oh When the Saints Go Marching In" by Louis Armstrong

• "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds

• "Everywhere" by Michelle Branch

• "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes

• "American Pie" by Don McLean

• "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

• "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum

Funeral Songs About Eternal Love

Love doesn't have to end when life does. These songs celebrate the eternal nature of love:

• "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers
• "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban
• "No Matter What" by Boyzone
• "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion
• "Slipped Away" by Avril Lavigne
• "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie
• "I'll Be Seeing You" by Billie Holiday
• "Pictures of You" by The Cure
• "Live and Die" by The Avett Brothers
• "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
• "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan

Poetic Songs for Funerals

Poetic songs are perfect when you need a funeral song people will relate to. These songs are meaningful and special:

• "Keep Me in Your Heart" by Warren Zevon

• "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John

• "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith

• "Angels" by Robbie Williams

• "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

• "You Can Close Your Eyes" by James Taylor

• "Yesterday" by The Beatles

• "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk

• "When September Ends" by Green Day

• "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor

• "Satisfied Mind" by Jeff Buckley

• "Ocean Breathes Salty" by Modest Mouse

• "Long Live The Queen" by Frank Turner

• "Videotape" by Radiohead

• "Fields of Gold" by Sting

Funeral Songs for the Memorial Slideshow

It's customary to play funeral songs or music during a memorial slideshow. As the pictures flash by, the song helps tie those moments together for people who are watching.

• "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole

• "Bright Eyes" by Simon and Garfunkel

• "My Way" by Frank Sinatra

• "Diamonds" by Rihanna

• "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy

• "Time of Your Life" by Green Day

• "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" by Eric Idle

• "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa

• "I've Had the Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

• "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

• "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper

• "Let It Be" by The Beatles

• "Remember Me" by Miguel

• "Wherever You Will Go" by The Calling

• "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd

• "I'll Remember" by Madonna

• "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World

Songs to Play at a Parent or Grandparent's Funeral

If you've lost a grandparent or parent, the right song can be comforting. These songs may help:

• "Beloved" by Mumford & Sons

• "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler

• "Song for Dad" by Keith Urban

• "Hero" by Mariah Carey

• "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran

• "Like a River" by Carly Simon

• "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross

• "Airplanes" by Local Natives

Songs to Play for a Partner

Losing a spouse or partner can be devastating. Sometimes, the right song can help express your feelings of love and loss:

• "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill

• "In the Arms of an Angel" by Sarah McLachlan

• "She Is Gone" by Willie Nelson

• "Heroes" by David Bowie

• "Goodbye, My Lover" by James Blunt

• "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston

• "The Way We Were" by Barbara Streisand

• "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor

Songs to Play at the Funeral of a Child

Nothing compares to losing a child. These child and baby funeral songs can help express what words cannot:

• "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton

• "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel

• "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon

• "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart

• "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding

Religious Funeral Songs and Hymns

Religious and Christian funeral songs can be comforting during a time of loss. Consider one of these options:

• "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley

• "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" by Wallace Willis

• "Awesome God" by Rich Mullins

• "My Redeemer Lives" by Nicole C. Mullen

• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" by Lauryn Hill

• "It Is Not Death to Die" by Bob Kauflin

• "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" by Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson

• "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood

• "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert

• "Amazing Grace"

• "In the Sweet By and By"

• "Abide with Me"

• "Rock of Ages"

Take Some Time to Listen

Whether you like rock and roll or country funeral songs, there is a song that's appropriate for any funeral. Take some time to listen to the options and decide which one is right for you.