25 Songs from the 1950s to Play at a Funeral

Music has always been an important part of paying tribute to loved ones, allowing us to express emotions that words alone sometimes cannot convey. The 1950s gave us some of the most enduring songs that capture themes of love, loss, and remembrance—ideal for funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life. In this post, we’ve selected 25 songs from the 1950s, each with its first verse and an explanation of why it’s well-suited for honoring a loved one who has passed away.

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In This Article

“Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole (1951)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Unforgettable, that’s what you are,
Unforgettable, though near or far.”

Why it’s suitable:
This classic love song expresses the idea that some people leave an indelible mark on our hearts, making it a beautiful tribute for a funeral or memorial service.

“Only You (And You Alone)” – The Platters (1955)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Only you can make all this world seem right,
Only you can make the darkness bright.”

Why it’s suitable:
The song’s lyrics speak to the irreplaceable impact of a loved one, making it a heartfelt tribute to someone deeply cherished.

“I’ll Be Seeing You” – Billie Holiday (1956)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places.”

Why it’s suitable:
This timeless song speaks to the way loved ones live on in our memories, making it a poignant choice for reflecting on someone’s lasting presence.

“Mona Lisa” – Nat King Cole (1950)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you,
You’re so like the lady with the mystic smile.”

Why it’s suitable:
A song of admiration and mystery, “Mona Lisa” can be used to honor someone’s unique beauty and grace.

“Earth Angel” – The Penguins (1954)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Earth angel, earth angel, will you be mine?
My darling dear, love you all the time.”

Why it’s suitable:
With its soft, emotional tone, this song beautifully expresses love and devotion, making it a tender choice for a funeral.

“Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” – Doris Day (1956)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When I was just a little girl,
I asked my mother, what will I be?”

Why it’s suitable:
This song’s themes of accepting life’s uncertainties offer a peaceful reflection on life’s journey, making it appropriate for a celebration of life.

“Love Me Tender” – Elvis Presley (1956)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Love me tender, love me sweet,
Never let me go.”

Why it’s suitable:
With its gentle, heartfelt lyrics about eternal love, this song is a moving tribute to a loved one who will never be forgotten.

“You Belong to Me” – Jo Stafford (1952)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“See the pyramids along the Nile,
Watch the sunrise from a tropic isle.”

Why it’s suitable:
This song speaks to the lasting connection between people, even when separated by time and distance, offering a sense of comfort and continuity.

“Memories Are Made of This” – Dean Martin (1955)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Sweet, sweet memories you gave-a me
You can’t beat the memories you gave-a me.”

Why it’s suitable:
This song is a joyful celebration of the memories that we carry with us, making it a positive and uplifting tribute at a funeral or memorial.

“The Great Pretender” – The Platters (1955)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Oh-oh, yes I’m the great pretender,
Pretending that I’m doing well.”

Why it’s suitable:
A song about masking pain, “The Great Pretender” can resonate with those who are struggling with loss but also reminds us of the strength we show in tough times.

“Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page (1950)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I was dancin’ with my darlin’
To the Tennessee Waltz.”

Why it’s suitable:
A song of lost love and bittersweet memories, “Tennessee Waltz” speaks to the sadness of parting but celebrates the beauty of what once was.

“Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin (1959)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Somewhere beyond the sea,
Somewhere waitin’ for me.”

Why it’s suitable:
With its dreamy, hopeful lyrics about being reunited one day, this song offers comfort to those who believe in meeting again after death.

“Smile” – Nat King Cole (1954)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Smile though your heart is aching,
Smile even though it’s breaking.”

Why it’s suitable:
This uplifting song encourages finding strength in difficult times, making it a comforting reminder to cherish the memories of a loved one.

“Goodnight, Irene” – The Weavers (1950)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Last Saturday night I got married,
Me and my wife settled down.”

Why it’s suitable:
This folk ballad, with its simple, touching lyrics, captures the feeling of saying goodbye, making it a sentimental choice for a memorial.

“Till I Waltz Again with You” – Teresa Brewer (1952)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Till I waltz again with you,
Let no other hold your charms.”

Why it’s suitable:
This song speaks to the hope of being reunited with a loved one, making it a fitting tribute for someone who believed in eternal love.

“Autumn Leaves” – Nat King Cole (1956)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“The falling leaves drift by the window,
The autumn leaves of red and gold.”

Why it’s suitable:
A melancholic song about the passage of time and the fading of seasons, “Autumn Leaves” is a reflective choice for a funeral.

“May You Always” – The McGuire Sisters (1958)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“May you always walk in sunshine,
Slumber warm when night winds blow.”

Why it’s suitable:
This song offers a heartfelt blessing of peace and happiness, making it a comforting and hopeful choice for celebrating a loved one’s life.

“Put Your Head on My Shoulder” – Paul Anka (1959)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Put your head on my shoulder,
Hold me in your arms, baby.”

Why it’s suitable:
This gentle love song offers a sense of comfort and support, reflecting the importance of being close to those we love, even in times of sadness.

“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” – Hank Williams (1952)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Hear that lonesome whippoorwill,
He sounds too blue to fly.”

Why it’s suitable:
With its melancholic tone and themes of loneliness and loss, this country classic is a moving tribute to someone who will be deeply missed.

“True Love” – Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Suntanned, windblown,
Honeymooners at last alone.”

Why it’s suitable:
This tender song about lasting devotion is a perfect way to honor the deep and abiding love between two people.

“Three Coins in the Fountain” – Frank Sinatra (1954)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Three coins in the fountain,
Each one seeking happiness.”

Why it’s suitable:
A song of dreams and wishes, “Three Coins in the Fountain” speaks to the hope for fulfillment and happiness, making it a reflective choice for a funeral.

“Memories Are Made of This” – Dean Martin (1955)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Sweet, sweet memories you gave-a me,
You can’t beat the memories you gave-a me.”

Why it’s suitable:
This upbeat song celebrates the joy of cherished memories, making it a positive and uplifting choice for a celebration of life.

“It’s All in the Game” – Tommy Edwards (1958)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Many a tear has to fall,
But it’s all in the game.”

Why it’s suitable:
With its message of acceptance and understanding of life’s ups and downs, this song offers a gentle perspective on love and loss.

“Angel Eyes” – Frank Sinatra (1958)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Try to think that love’s not around,
Still it’s uncomfortably near.”

Why it’s suitable:
A bittersweet song about love and loss, “Angel Eyes” is a fitting tribute to someone who will always be remembered.

“Love Letters in the Sand” – Pat Boone (1957)

Lyrics (1st Verse):
“On a day like today
We passed the time away.”

Why it’s suitable:
With its themes of fleeting love and memories, this song is a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the inevitability of parting.