Top 15 Funeral Songs for a Meaningful Tribute
- david cortez
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Choosing the Right Funeral Songs Can Be Overwhelming
Let these time-tested options guide your way.
Music has the power to speak when words fall short. Whether you're planning a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, or creating a Memorial Portrait, the right song can set the emotional tone, bringing comfort and reflection to everyone present.
These 15 funeral songs have stood the test of time that range from spiritual hymns to modern ballads and can be used during a service, in a photo slideshow, or as part of a digital memorial.
Top 15 Funeral Song List
1. “Amazing Grace” – Traditional
A staple of funeral services, this hymn captures themes of redemption and peace. Its familiarity often brings a moment of collective calm.
2. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley
This soulful rendition adds emotional weight to any service. A favorite for memorial slideshows and candle-lighting ceremonies.
3. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
This gentle ukulele medley is a celebration of hope and beauty. Often chosen for outdoor services or lighter celebrations of life.
4. “Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton
Written after the loss of Clapton’s son, this track touches on grief in a deeply personal and universally relatable way.
5. “Supermarket Flowers” – Ed Sheeran
A heartfelt ballad about the passing of a mother or grandmother. Its raw emotion makes it one of the most touching modern funeral songs.
6. “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
A popular choice for memorials of younger individuals or friends, especially when paired with video footage.
7. “You Raise Me Up” – Josh Groban
An uplifting tribute to the person who always offered support. Powerful when used in a slideshow of life achievements.
8. “Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partirò)” – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
Grand, operatic, and cinematic. This song leaves a lasting impression during formal funeral processions or final moments.
9. “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan
Soft, graceful, and meditative. Ideal for moments of quiet reflection or a candle ceremony.
10. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
A power ballad that expresses lasting love and heartfelt goodbye. Popular for spouses or close companions.
11. “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler
For the person who always lifted others up. This timeless track honors caregivers, parents, and quiet heroes.
12. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel
A song of comfort and support, often chosen for spiritual or non-religious funeral services alike.
13. “Dancing in the Sky” – Dani and Lizzy
A newer favorite among funeral songs that imagines the afterlife with tenderness. Works especially well in a Memorial Portrait video.
14. “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
Elegant and nostalgic. This duet is often used in memorial receptions or slideshows reflecting on a long, meaningful life.
15. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” – Vince Gill
Blends country roots with spiritual closure. A comforting track for traditional or rural memorial services.
How to Choose the Right Memorial Songs
When choosing songs for a funeral or memorial, think about the story you want to tell. Was there a favorite song they always played in the car? A track that always got them on their feet? Let the music reflect who they were and how they lived.
Many of these songs pair beautifully with a Memorial Portrait which is a private digital tribute where you can upload photos, tell their story, and include meaningful music to bring it all to life.
Create a Memorial That Sounds Like Them
At A Life Portrait, you can add any of these songs directly to your tribute movie. Whether you're honoring a parent, sibling, partner, or friend, the right music makes the memories even more vivid.
Learn more about a Memorial Portrait and see how simple it is to create a lasting tribute that helps you focus on healing.
Podcast About Choosing Meaningful Funeral Songs
Sources and Inspiration for This List of Funeral Songs
This list was thoughtfully curated based on data and insights from the following trusted sources:
Co-op Funeralcare’s Most Popular Funeral Songs (UK) – One of the UK’s largest funeral providers, known for their annual funeral music charts.
Legacy.com: Most Requested Funeral Songs – A leading U.S. site for memorials and funeral advice.
Spotify’s Funeral Songs Playlist – Real user-generated playlists that reflect current memorial music trends.
Dignity Memorial Blog – One of North America’s largest providers of funeral services.
We used these sources to ensure the list includes timeless choices, emotional resonance, and a wide range of tones suitable for many types of services.
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