Popular Songs for Funerals
We have created a list of the most popular funeral songs, from classic funeral music to meaningful contemporary songs.
https://assets.dignityfunerals.co.uk/media/4778/dignity-favicon-01.ico
Dignity Funerals
Funeral Music

Choosing the right music and songs for your loved one’s funeral will personalise the service and truly pay tribute to their life in a lasting way. We have created a list of the most popular funeral songs to help you decide what music to play at a funeral; from classical funeral music to modern day pop songs.

This guide covers:

Popular funeral songs

Classical funeral music

Modern funeral songs

Funeral music ideas

Funeral songs for mum

Funeral songs for dad

Funeral songs for nan

Funeral songs for grandad

Uplifting funeral songs

Things to consider when choosing funeral music

Popular funeral songs

When arranging a funeral, you have full control over what music you’d like to play. You may prefer uplifting and happy funeral songs, or maybe some classical funeral music.

As funerals become more tailored to reflect the life of the person who has sadly passed away, families are opting for modern songs to be played at the service.

Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:

My Way – Frank Sinatra

Angels – Robbie Williams

The Best – Tina Turner

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’)

Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli

You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers

Classical funeral music

Classical music remains a popular choice for funerals, setting the stage for an emotional and moving service. Many people opt for light classical music for funerals, whilst others may prefer a more dramatic piece which reflects the personality of their loved one.

Some of the most popular classical music for funerals include:

Canon in D – Paachelbel

Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar

The Four Seasons – Vivaldi

Ave Maria – Schubert

Pie Jesu – Fauré

Adagio – Albinoni

Air on a G String – Bach

Modern funeral songs

Your loved one’s funeral song can be anything of your choice, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a popular or classic song. The funeral music should reflect the way they lived their life or a song that may have been special to them. Here are a few modern funeral songs that you may want to consider.

Some of the most modern songs for funerals include:

Halo – Beyonce

Wonderwall – Oasis

Someone like you – Adele

When September Ends – Green Day

I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans

Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi

Lay Me Down – Sam Smith

Funeral music ideas

If you’re not sure which songs to play at a funeral service, take a look at the suggestions below. If you would prefer contemporary and uplifting funeral music or beautiful, classical music for a funeral, choose your favourite from our list.

Funeral songs for mum

When arranging a funeral for your mother, you will have the choice of the funeral songs or music that will be played during the service. Here’s a list of funeral songs, which are fitting when saying goodbye to a loving mother.

Popular songs for a mother’s funeral include:

In the Arms of an Angel - Sarah McLachlan

You’re My Best Friend - Queen

Supermarket flowers – Ed Sheeran

Goodbye’s the Saddest Word – Celine Dion

Mama – Il Divo

Don’t Forget to Remember Me – Carrie Underwood

I’ll Always Love My Mamma – The Intruders

In My Life – The Beatles

Momma, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

Funeral songs for dad

When organising a funeral for your father, there are several things you need to consider. One of those is the choice of funeral songs; it could be his favourite song, or something a bit more comforting. We have compiled a list of funeral songs that are appropriate for the funeral of a father.

Popular songs for a father’s funeral include:

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban

Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross

The Living years – Mike & The Mechanics

My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton

Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own – U2

Hero – Mariah Carey

Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton

Song for Dad – Keith Urban

Thank You for Being Dad – Jon Barker

Funeral songs for nan

When picking funeral music for your grandma’s funeral, you should consider picking their favourite song or the song that reminds you of them. The most important thing is that it’s special to you, her and the rest of the family. We’ve put together a list of funeral songs that are suitable for your nan’s funeral.

Popular songs for a grandma’s funeral include:

Nan’s Song – Robbie Williams

Grandma’s Song – Gail Davies

Grandma’s Feather Bed – John Denver

Smile – Nat King Cole

Amazing Grace – John Newton

Grandma’s Hands – Bill Withers

Funeral songs for grandad

When thinking about a funeral song for your grandad, you should think about his favourites or songs that remind you and friends and family of him. We have created a list of funeral songs to help you choose or to give you ideas.

Popular songs for a grandad's funeral include:

Heaven Was Needing a Hero – Jo Dee Messina

Fix You – Coldplay

Grandpa – Justin Moore

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Uplifting songs to play at a funeral

Many people have traditionally believed a funeral should be a serious and sombre occasion. Now, more and more people are breaking the mould by opting for a funeral service that is a celebration of their loved one's life. For those ceremonies, uplifting funeral songs can help bring comfort to family and friends, and may even raise a smile.

Examples of happy and uplifting songs to play at a funeral include:

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley and the Wailers

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum

See You Again – Wiz Khalifa

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye

Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Things to consider when choosing funeral music

Almost any piece of music can be played at the funeral as long as copyright restrictions do not apply. Commonly, people choose hymns for funerals or play a CD of a favourite song or piece of classical music.

Many crematoria have a full digital music library available to choose from. Please contact your local Dignity Funeral Director to discuss your wishes or preferences. It is also advisable to speak to whomever is leading the ceremony when you are creating a funeral order of service.

Our experts will give you all the support and advice you to make necessary funeral music arrangements. Whether it’s sourcing funeral music or assembling a choir, we will help you every step of the way.

If you've got a particular song or piece of music in mind that you'd like to discuss in more detail, please get in touch with your local Funeral Director today.