101 Best Funeral Songs of All Time

This carefully curated list of the 101 best funeral songs was compiled to help families and loved ones select music that reflects their emotions, memories, and cultural preferences. The songs have been ranked based on their popularity at funerals, timeless appeal, and emotional resonance. Spanning a variety of genres, this collection includes hymns, contemporary hits, classical compositions, and heartfelt ballads. Each entry features an explanation of its significance and a link to the song on YouTube for easy listening (a new tab opens).

Download the best funeral music list for free

To access for future use or to print, we offer a Google Docs page that contains all 101 funeral songs that you can copy or use for printing. CLICK HERE.

The 101 Best Funeral Songs

Here is the 101 best funeral songs of all time.

1. Amazing Grace – Traditional Hymn (Gospel)
   A universally recognized hymn that embodies hope and redemption.
2. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton (Pop)
   Written from personal grief, it captures profound loss and healing.
3. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (Pop)
   A touching tribute to someone who provided strength and guidance.
4. Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman (Opera/Pop)
   A powerful and emotional farewell to loved ones.
5. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (Jazz)
   Celebrates the beauty of life, even amidst sadness.
6. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Folk/Pop)
   A hopeful and serene melody often chosen for its calming effect.
7. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (R&B/Pop)
   Expresses enduring love and heartfelt goodbyes.
8. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion (Pop)
   A poignant song about everlasting love and remembrance.
9. Ave Maria – Franz Schubert (Classical)
   A serene and spiritual piece, often used in religious services.
10. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen (Folk/Rock)
    A soulful song reflecting on love and loss.
11. You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban (Pop)
    An uplifting song about finding strength in others.
12. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers (Soul)
    A classic love song that resonates with themes of longing and remembrance.
13. I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans (Hip-Hop/Rap)
    A heartfelt tribute to a lost friend, expressing sorrow and remembrance.
14. Angels – Robbie Williams (Pop)
    Speaks to the comfort of believing in protective angels.
15. The Dance – Garth Brooks (Country)
    Reflects on cherished memories and the importance of life’s experiences.
16. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan (Rock)
    A contemplative song about mortality and the afterlife.
17. Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Folk/Pop)
    A medley that combines hope and appreciation for life’s beauty.
18. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (Folk)
    Offers comfort and support during difficult times.
19. Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill (Country)
    Honors those who have passed with its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody.
20. Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel (Classical)
    A peaceful instrumental piece suitable for reflective moments.
21. Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy (Folk)
    A gentle, acoustic reflection on love and memories.
22. In the Arms of the Angel – Sarah McLachlan (Pop)
    A serene and hauntingly beautiful track for mourning.
23. Imagine – John Lennon (Pop)
    Offers a vision of peace and unity, often used in non-religious ceremonies.
24. How Great Thou Art – Carrie Underwood  (Gospel)
    A hymn celebrating faith and the promise of the afterlife.
25. I Can Only Imagine – MercyMe (Contemporary Christian)
    Explores the awe of meeting a higher power in the afterlife.
26. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland (Pop)
27. A hopeful classic expressing dreams of peace and happiness.
28. Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum (Rock)
    Celebrates the transition to a peaceful afterlife.
29. Forever Young – Rod Stewart (Pop)
    A heartfelt wish for enduring strength and happiness.
30. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Folk/Rock)
    A reflective and emotional rendition of Leonard Cohen’s classic.
31. Let It Be – The Beatles (Rock)
    A comforting reminder to accept life’s challenges with grace.
32. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin (Rock)
    A metaphorical journey to the afterlife.
33. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Guns N’ Roses (Rock)
    A powerful cover of Bob Dylan’s meditation on mortality.
34. The Rose – Bette Midler (Pop)
    A poetic reflection on love and resilience.
35. The Parting Glass – Traditional (Folk)
    A traditional Irish farewell song filled with emotion.
36. Danny Boy – Traditional (Folk)
    A nostalgic and emotional Irish ballad.
37. Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens (Folk)
    A hopeful and gentle song celebrating new beginnings.
38. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac (Folk/Rock)
    Reflects on life, change, and letting go.
39. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers (Pop)
    A song of resilience and solidarity.
40. Blackbird – The Beatles (Rock)
    A hopeful and contemplative piece about perseverance. (See more Beatles)
41. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd (Rock)
    Expresses longing for someone who has passed away.
42. The Living Years – Mike + The Mechanics (Pop)
    A reflection on communication and reconciliation.
43. Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill (Country)
    A tribute to those who have moved on to the afterlife
44. The Old Rugged Cross – Traditional (Gospel)
    A hymn of faith and hope in eternal life.
45. Fix You – Coldplay (Alternative)
    A comforting song about healing and support.
46. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Chris Tomlin (Contemporary Christian)
    A modern twist on the classic hymn.
47. I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack (Country)
    A song of encouragement and hope.
48. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (Rock)
    An uplifting anthem of perseverance and optimism.
49. Somewhere – Barbra Streisand (Pop)
    A ballad about hope and unity.
50. Always on My Mind – Willie Nelson (Country)
    A tender expression of love and remembrance.
51. I’ll Fly Away – Alison Krauss (Gospel)
    A joyful hymn celebrating the journey to heaven.
52. Hurt – Johnny Cash (Country/Rock)
    A reflective and raw expression of pain and loss.
53. If Tomorrow Never Comes – Garth Brooks (Country)
    A heartfelt reminder to cherish loved ones.
54. Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy (Folk)
    A calming and beautiful rendition of a timeless classic.
55. Angels Among Us – Alabama (Country)
    A tribute to the kindness and guidance of unseen protectors.
56. Hallelujah – k.d. lang (Folk/Pop)
    A soulful and moving interpretation of the classic Leonard Cohen song.
57. I’ll See You Again – Westlife (Pop)
    A promise of reunion in the afterlife.
58. The Show Must Go On – Queen (Rock)
    A powerful anthem about resilience and moving forward.
59. Ave Maria – Luciano Pavarotti (Classical)
    A spiritual classic for solemn and reflective moments.
60. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion (Pop)
    A tribute to someone who profoundly impacted your life.
61. The Rainbow Connection – Kermit the Frog (Folk/Pop)
    A whimsical and hopeful song often used in celebrations of life.
62. Only Time – Enya (New Age)
    A calming and reflective piece that speaks to life’s mysteries.
63. To Where You Are – Josh Groban (Pop)
    A moving ballad about feeling connected to those who have passed.
64. You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone (Pop)
    A tender expression of love and gratitude.
65. Candle in the Wind – Elton John (Pop)
    A tribute to lives cut short but never forgotten.
66. Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts (Country)
    A reminder of how life’s challenges lead to profound connections.
67. Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens (Folk)
    A gentle and hopeful song celebrating new beginnings
68. I’ll Remember – Madonna (Pop)
    A touching tribute to cherished memories.
69. On Eagle’s Wings – Michael Joncas (Christian)
    A hymn offering comfort and faith.
70. Three Little Birds – Bob Marley (Reggae)
    A reassuring and optimistic anthem.
71. Lean on Me – Bill Withers (Soul)
    A comforting song about support and togetherness.
72. Heaven Was Needing a Hero – Jo Dee Messina (Country)
    A tribute to loved ones who are now in a better place.
73. You Are Not Alone – Michael Jackson (Pop)
    A song of comfort for those grieving.
74. Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross (R&B/Soul)
    A deeply emotional tribute to the memory of a father.
75. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth (Hip-Hop/Pop)
    A modern farewell anthem for those we’ve lost.
76. Memories – Maroon 5 (Pop)
    A song reflecting on treasured times with loved ones.
77. Let Her Go – Passenger (Indie/Folk)
    A gentle reflection on loss and appreciation.
78. Photograph – Ed Sheeran (Pop)
    A poignant reminder of keeping memories alive.
79. Heaven – Bryan Adams (Rock)
    A heartfelt ballad about eternal love.
80. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Aretha Franklin (Soul)
    A soulful and uplifting version of the classic Simon & Garfunkel song.
81. Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBA (Pop)
    A nostalgic reflection on fleeting moments.
82. When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley feat. Dolly Parton (Country)
    A hopeful and faith-filled song about the afterlife.
83. I’m Already There – Lonestar (Country)
    A song of comfort and connection across distances.
84. In the End – Linkin Park (Rock)
    A raw and emotional reflection on life and its struggles.
85. Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Classical)
    A soothing and reflective instrumental piece.
86. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (Pop)
    A light-hearted celebration of love and devotion.
87. Heroes – David Bowie (Rock)
    A tribute to perseverance and strength.
88. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (Rock)
    A dramatic and unique choice for honoring a bold personality.
89. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses (Rock)
    A passionate and heartfelt rock ballad.
90. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole (Jazz)
    A tender song celebrating a life well-lived.
91. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day (Rock)
    A reflective piece about life’s transitions.
92. My Way – Frank Sinatra (Pop)
    A tribute to living life authentically.
93. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (Pop)
    A reflective and celebratory anthem.
94. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver (Country)
    A nostalgic song about returning to peace.
95. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me – Elton John (Pop)
    A heartfelt plea for understanding and remembrance.
96. Yesterday – The Beatles (Pop)
    A timeless reflection on love and loss.
97. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (Pop)
    A tender ballad about eternal love.
98. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles (Pop)
    A hopeful and uplifting choice.
99. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn (Pop)
    A comforting promise of reunion.
100. One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men (R&B)
     A soulful tribute to loved ones lost.
101. Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (Pop)
     A modern and heartfelt duet.