The 1990s brought us a variety of deeply emotional songs that resonate with themes of love, loss, and reflection, making them ideal for funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life. Whether you’re looking for comfort, a way to honor a loved one, or a song that captures the journey of life, the music from this decade holds significant emotional power. In this post, we’ve selected 25 songs from the 1990s, each with its first verse and an explanation of why it’s a perfect choice for paying tribute to a loved one who has passed.
See also:
- Songs from the 1940s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1950s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1960s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1970s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1980s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1990s suitable for funeral (this post)
- Songs from the 2000s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 2010s suitable for funeral
1. “Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton (1992)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?”
Why it’s suitable:
Written after the tragic loss of Clapton’s son, this heartfelt song is a moving reflection on loss and the hope of reunion in the afterlife, making it a powerful choice for a funeral.
2. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion (1997)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Every night in my dreams,
I see you, I feel you.”
Why it’s suitable:
Famous for its role in Titanic, this emotional ballad speaks to eternal love and the enduring connection with a lost loved one, making it a fitting tribute.
3. “I Will Remember You” – Sarah McLachlan (1995)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I will remember you,
Will you remember me?”
Why it’s suitable:
This song poignantly reflects on memories and the impact a person leaves behind, offering a heartfelt and gentle way to honor someone’s life.
4. “One Sweet Day” – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men (1995)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Sorry, I never told you
All I wanted to say.”
Why it’s suitable:
A duet about grief and the hope of seeing a loved one again, “One Sweet Day” captures the feelings of loss and regret, while expressing a sense of comfort in reunion.
5. “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan (1997)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its serene and reflective tone, “Angel” offers peace and comfort to those who are grieving, making it a popular choice for funerals and memorials.
6. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day (1997)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road,
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.”
Why it’s suitable:
This reflective song is a bittersweet look at life’s pivotal moments, making it an appropriate choice for celebrating the impact and memories a loved one leaves behind.
7. “I’ll Be Missing You” – Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans & 112 (1997)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show,
I lace the track, you lock the flow.”
Why it’s suitable:
A tribute to rapper The Notorious B.I.G., this song speaks to the deep pain of loss while honoring the memory of a loved one, making it a moving funeral song.
8. “Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M. (1992)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone.”
Why it’s suitable:
This comforting song acknowledges the pain of grief but also reminds listeners that they are not alone, offering solace to those going through difficult times.
9. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor (1990)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“It’s been seven hours and fifteen days
Since you took your love away.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song captures the deep heartache of losing someone and the longing that comes with it, making it an emotional choice for a funeral or memorial.
10. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith (1998)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I could stay awake just to hear you breathing.”
Why it’s suitable:
A song about cherishing every moment, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a powerful expression of love and devotion, making it a fitting tribute to someone cherished.
11. “You Were Meant for Me” – Jewel (1995)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I hear the clock, it’s six a.m.,
I feel so far from where I’ve been.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its melancholic tone and reflective lyrics, this song captures the feeling of loss and the struggle to move on, making it a touching choice for a memorial.
12. “Fields of Gold” – Sting (1993)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“You’ll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley.”
Why it’s suitable:
This beautiful, reflective song speaks to memories and lasting love, offering a sense of peace and timelessness for those mourning a loss.
13. “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart (1998)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its message of well-wishing and eternal love, this song serves as a heartfelt tribute to someone whose memory will live on forever.
14. “Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I thought I saw a man brought to life,
He was warm, he came around like he was dignified.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song speaks to emotional turmoil and loss, making it a relatable choice for someone processing grief and reflecting on their relationship with a loved one.
15. “The Dance” – Garth Brooks (1990)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared beneath the stars above.”
Why it’s suitable:
“The Dance” reflects on the beauty of life’s moments, even when they end too soon, making it a bittersweet and meaningful tribute.
16. “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler (1990)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“It must have been cold there in my shadow,
To never have sunlight on your face.”
Why it’s suitable:
A classic song about gratitude and admiration, “Wind Beneath My Wings” is a beautiful way to honor someone who was a source of strength and support.
17. “Black” – Pearl Jam (1991)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Sheets of empty canvas, untouched sheets of clay.”
Why it’s suitable:
This emotional ballad about loss and love resonates deeply, capturing the intensity of grief and the memories that remain.
18. “The Freshmen” – The Verve Pipe (1996)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When I was young, I knew everything
And she a punk who rarely ever took advice.”
Why it’s suitable:
Reflecting on past mistakes and lost innocence, this song is a poignant way to explore themes of regret and mourning.
19. “To Where You Are” – Josh Groban (1999)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Who can say for certain
Maybe you’re still here.”
Why it’s suitable:
This gentle and soothing song offers comfort to those who feel a loved one’s presence even after they’ve passed, providing hope and peace in moments of grief.
20. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley (1994)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Well, I heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord.”
Why it’s suitable:
Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah” is haunting and beautiful, offering a reflective and spiritual atmosphere perfect for a funeral or memorial service.
21. “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion (1996)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“For all those times you stood by me,
For all the truth that you made me see.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song is a powerful expression of gratitude and love, making it a heartfelt tribute to someone who supported and cared deeply for others.
22. “Bittersweet Symphony” – The Verve (1997)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, this life.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its iconic melody and reflection on the complexity of life, this song offers a poignant backdrop for a funeral, acknowledging both the joys and sorrows of life.
23. “Let Her Cry” – Hootie & the Blowfish (1994)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“She sits alone by a lamppost,
Trying to find a thought that’s escaped her mind.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song captures the sadness and helplessness of witnessing someone in pain, offering an empathetic reflection on grief and emotional hardship.
24. “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” – Sting (1993)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“You could say I lost my faith in science and progress,
You could say I lost my belief in the holy church.”
Why it’s suitable:
A song about holding on to faith amidst life’s uncertainties, “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” offers hope and strength during times of loss.
25. “Closing Time” – Semisonic (1998)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Closing time, open all the doors and let you out into the world.”
Why it’s suitable:
Though often seen as an anthem for endings, “Closing Time” offers a reflective look at life’s transitions, making it a thoughtful choice for marking the final goodbye.
Closing Paragraph:
The 1990s gave us a collection of heartfelt songs that speak to love, loss, and the reflection on life’s journey. These 25 songs from the decade offer comforting messages and emotional depth, making them perfect for honoring a loved one at a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. Whether you’re seeking a way to remember someone with fondness, reflect on the impact they had, or find peace in their passing, these songs provide a meaningful and lasting tribute.
