How to choose songs and music for a loved one's funeral

Songs are often used at funeral services as a creative way of paying tribute to deceased loved ones. However, it can be difficult for caregivers and family members who are grieving to find the right music to play at the service. Below you will find several suggestions and tips to help you find music that resonates with your family and memorializes your late loved one. 

How to Choose Music for a Funeral

Music is a powerful creative outlet that can evoke memories and a wealth of emotions. The goal is to select music that will help mourners reflect on the decedent, grieve their passing, and celebrate their life. When choosing songs to play at a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life, there are a few different factors that can help guide your decision. 

Opt for songs that were your loved one’s favorites, that reflect their character, or that held special significance in their life. Consider preparing short introductions so that all funeralgoers can understand the meaning behind these songs. Family members and close friends can be a good source of ideas, special requests and inspiration for music to be played at a service. 

Before adding any music to your playlist for the funeral, listen to each song completely and read over the lyrics. Understanding the context of the songs will ensure they are wholly appropriate for the event. If you are having trouble making selections, instrumental funeral songs are a classic, safe choice. 

Below is a curated list of traditional, religious, and contemporary songs that can give a funeral or memorial ceremony a special touch.

Popular Funeral Songs

“Wind Beneath My Wings,” Bette Midler 

Heartwarming Lyrics:

Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.

“Hero,” Mariah Carey and Various Artists

Heartwarming Lyrics:
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

“Angel,” Sarah McLachlan 

Heartwarming Lyrics:
In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

“Dance with My Father,” Luther Vandross 

Heartwarming Lyrics:
If I could steal one final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I’d play a song that would never ever end
Cause I’d love, love, love to
Dance with my father again

“The Long and Winding Road,” The Beatles

Heartwarming Lyrics:
The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I’ve seen that road before
It always leads me here,
Lead me to your door

Traditional Funereal Songs and Funeral Music

“Passing Through,” Ronan Keating

Touching Lyrics:
Now I love her and I miss her
She’s the one who gave me love
She’s the one who made the boy and the man
But her strength burns within me
Like the day she made me stand
Put some courage in your dreaming
Carve your footprints in the sand

“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” Andrew Lloyd Weber

Touching Lyrics:
Wishing you were somehow here again
Knowing we must say goodbye
Try to forgive, teach me to live
Give me the strength to try

“On Eagle’s Wings,” Michael Crawford

Touching Lyrics:
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His Wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

Contemporary Funeral Songs and Funeral Music

“Go Rest High On That Mountain,” Vince Gill

Poignant Lyrics:
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels’ faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

“One Sweet Day,” Mariah Carey

Poignant Lyrics:
And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven
Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way
And I know eventually we’ll be together
One sweet day

“You’re Missing,” Bruce Springsteen

Poignant Lyrics:
Pictures on the nightstand, TV’s on in the den
Your house is waiting, your house is waiting
For you to walk in, for you to walk in
But you’re missing, when I shut out the lights
You’re missing, when I close my eyes
You’re missing, when I see the sun rise
You’re missing

Religious Funeral Songs and Funeral Music

“Back in His Arms Again,” Mark Schultz

Inspiring Lyrics:
I believe that He never let you go
I believe that He’s wanting you to know
I believe that He’ll lead you ’til
You’re back in His arms again

“Even the Darkness is Light to Him,” Michael Card

Inspiring Lyrics:
The Father above does not slumber or sleep
He wakefully watches our ways
Then there’s no reason for you to weep
For the Father above neither slumbers nor sleeps

“Angels,” Mary McLaughlin

Inspiring Lyrics:
For angels must walk before they can fly
And angels must learn to laugh and to cry
The angels are here, they’re among you and I
We’re all learning to be angels

— Jamie Lim