Top 100 best funeral songs of all time
Talking about funeral songs might sound heavy at first, but music has a powerful way of turning reflection into something warm, meaningful, and even uplifting. The right song can celebrate a life well lived, bring comfort to loved ones, and remind everyone of the beauty of connection.
This carefully curated list of the top 100 best funeral songs of all time focuses on clean, heartfelt music that honours memories with grace and positivity. Whether you are planning a service or simply exploring meaningful songs, you will find timeless classics, modern favourites, and deeply moving melodies here.
Each song has been chosen for its emotional resonance, lyrical beauty, and ability to bring people together in a moment of remembrance and love.
Top 100 best funeral songs of all time
- Amazing Grace Elvis Presley 1971
- My Way Frank Sinatra 1969
- Time To Say Goodbye Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman 1995
- Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Midler 1988
- Over The Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwoʻole 1993
- Tears In Heaven Eric Clapton 1992
- You Raise Me Up Josh Groban 2003
- Angels Robbie Williams 1997
- Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon and Garfunkel 1970
- What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong 1967
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow Judy Garland 1939
- Let It Be The Beatles 1970
- Hero Mariah Carey 1993
- See You Again Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth 2015
- Fix You Coldplay 2005
- Hallelujah Jeff Buckley 1994
- I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston 1992
- Unforgettable Nat King Cole 1951
- Stand By Me Ben E King 1961
- Fields Of Gold Sting 1993
- The Prayer Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli 1999
- Make You Feel My Love Adele 2008
- Supermarket Flowers Ed Sheeran 2017
- Dancing In The Sky Dani and Lizzy 2013
- Slipping Through My Fingers ABBA 1981
- Forever Young Rod Stewart 1988
- One Sweet Day Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men 1995
- Ave Maria Franz Schubert 1825
- Morning Has Broken Cat Stevens 1971
- I Can Only Imagine MercyMe 2001
- If Tomorrow Never Comes Garth Brooks 1989
- You Are Not Alone Michael Jackson 1995
- Because You Loved Me Celine Dion 1996
- A Thousand Years Christina Perri 2011
- Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd 1975
- I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack 2000
- Goodbye My Lover James Blunt 2005
- The Rose Bette Midler 1979
- With Or Without You U2 1987
- Somewhere Only We Know Keane 2004
- In The Arms Of An Angel Sarah McLachlan 1997
- I Will Remember You Sarah McLachlan 1995
- Yesterday The Beatles 1965
- Here Comes The Sun The Beatles 1969
- Lean On Me Bill Withers 1972
- You Will Be Found Ben Platt 2016
- Photograph Ed Sheeran 2014
- Say You Love Me Jessie Ware 2014
- Jealous Of The Angels Donna Taggart 2016
- Chasing Cars Snow Patrol 2006
- Firework Katy Perry 2010
- Count On Me Bruno Mars 2010
- You Light Up My Life Debby Boone 1977
- True Colors Cyndi Lauper 1986
- Circle Of Life Elton John 1994
- Home Michael Bublé 2005
- The Living Years Mike and The Mechanics 1988
- Ordinary World Duran Duran 1993
- Always Remember Us This Way Lady Gaga 2018
- I Lived OneRepublic 2014
- Beautiful Day U2 2000
- Wake Me Up When September Ends Green Day 2004
- See You On The Other Side Ozzy Osbourne 1995
- You Have Been Loved George Michael 1996
- Hold On To Memories Disturbed 2018
- Never Alone Jim Brickman 1999
- Bless The Broken Road Rascal Flatts 2004
- Hymn To Love Edith Piaf 1950
- Smile Nat King Cole 1954
- We Are The World USA For Africa 1985
- Rise Up Andra Day 2015
- Keep Me In Your Heart Warren Zevon 2003
- Go Rest High On That Mountain Vince Gill 1995
- I Miss You Miley Cyrus 2006
- You Are The Reason Calum Scott 2017
- Never Too Much Luther Vandross 1981
- Somebody To Love Queen 1976
- Don’t Stop Believin’ Journey 1981
- Forever And Always Shania Twain 2002
- Memories Maroon 5 2019
- I Choose You Sara Bareilles 2013
- One More Light Linkin Park 2017
- Rainbow Kacey Musgraves 2018
- Forever Young Alphaville 1984
- From A Distance Bette Midler 1990
- Because Of You Kelly Clarkson 2004
- I Won’t Give Up Jason Mraz 2012
- Better Place Rachel Platten 2017
- All Of Me John Legend 2013
- The Climb Miley Cyrus 2009
- Safe And Sound Taylor Swift 2012
- You Are Loved Josh Groban 2006
- Somewhere Out There Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram 1986
- I Believe I Can Fly R Kelly 1996
- You’ll Never Walk Alone Gerry and The Pacemakers 1963
- Take Me Home Country Roads John Denver 1971
- He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother The Hollies 1969
- What Matters Most Kenny Rankin 1982
- A Song For Mama Boyz II Men 1997
- Endless Love Diana Ross and Lionel Richie 1981
Why these songs resonate so deeply
The songs in this list are not just popular, they carry messages of hope, gratitude, remembrance, and connection. Music can gently guide emotions, helping people reflect while also feeling supported. Many of these tracks focus on love that lasts forever, memories that remain strong, and the beauty of shared experiences.
Funerals today are increasingly becoming celebrations of life rather than moments defined only by sadness. These songs help shape that tone, offering a sense of peace and even quiet joy.
How to choose the right funeral song
Choosing the perfect song is a personal decision. Think about the personality, values, and favourite music of the person being remembered. Did they love classic hits, modern ballads, or uplifting anthems?
You might also consider the mood you want to create. Some songs provide gentle reflection, while others celebrate life with warmth and optimism. A mix of both often creates a balanced and meaningful service.
It is also helpful to think about the audience. Songs that are widely recognised can bring people together, while more personal selections can add a unique and intimate touch.
Creating a meaningful playlist
A thoughtfully planned playlist can guide the emotional journey of a service. You might begin with a soft, welcoming song, move into reflective pieces during readings, and end with something uplifting that leaves everyone feeling connected and hopeful.
Music can also be used outside of the service itself, such as during gatherings, photo tributes, or quiet moments of remembrance.
The lasting power of music
Music has an incredible ability to stay with us long after a moment has passed. A song can instantly bring back memories, feelings, and even the presence of someone special. That is why choosing the right funeral song is so meaningful.
This list of the top 100 best funeral songs of all time is designed to help you find something that feels right, something that honours a life in a beautiful and lasting way.
