Popular Funeral Songs To Remember Loved Ones
Choosing funeral songs can be an emotional time. Getting that music right for the walk-in and departure, as well as any special songs to be played during the ceremony all matter a lot. Memorials songs are often hotly debated in the pub – you might wonder what song will be your funeral song – but when it comes down to it, often wishes aren’t left. We see incredible Collection Pots set up to honour a loved one’s memory, and often a funeral song is referenced. Perhaps it was a fitting lyric or tune. Or from a time that evoked memories of the person now departed.
We have gathered some of the best funeral songs and top 10 funeral songs to help guide you at this difficult time, but our main advice is to go with what you know, what brings them to mind, or what would have made them smile.
Here’s our round-up to make it super simple for you.
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The UK’s Top 10 Funeral Songs:
There are many opinions as to the best songs for funerals, but the Co-op ran a full survey and discovered the top 10 best funeral songs. The business has been compiling the charts for over 20 years, meaning this is a pretty comprehensive list.
1. Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
It’s a searing classic, and it speaks to something we all have to face, saying goodbye. The beautiful operatic tones make this feel traditional and respectful, appropriate for any setting.
2. My Way by Frank Sinatra
The lyrics are all about doing life in your own unique way. Many of us know someone who has done things differently, who never compromised on their beliefs or who chartered a new path for themselves in their life. This could be the perfect song.
3. Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s poignant tribute to a departed loved one captures the essence of nostalgia and reminiscence. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody provide solace to those left behind.
4. Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
5. We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn
A war time song that never date, ‘we’ll meet again’ speaks to the unknown, that you will meet them again, and while the when and where aren’t clear, there is confidence that it will happen.
6. Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Eva Cassidy
Eva Cassidy’s rendition of this classic captures a sense of longing and hope for a better place. Its gentle melody and lyrics evoke the idea of finding peace and contentment beyond life’s struggles.
7. You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and The Peacemakers
This might be a great one if it suits their favourite football team – or because of the great lyrics. Symbolizing solidarity and support, this song offers encouragement to those enduring difficult times. It reminds mourners that they are not alone in their journey.
8. All Things Bright and Beautiful – Hymn
This traditional hymn reflects on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, providing a sense of serenity and acceptance in the midst of loss.
9. Abide With Me – Hymn
“Abide With Me” is a hymn of solace and spiritual comfort. Its lyrics express a plea for divine presence and guidance during times of darkness.
10. Dancing In The Sky by Dani and Lizzy
“Dancing In The Sky” offers a delicate and comforting perspective on the afterlife. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of tranquility and hope for a joyful reunion beyond the earthly realm.
Popular Funeral Songs 2023
For 2023, there are plenty of pop songs that are chosen, but the classics in the genre (Robbie Williams) still holds up as a classic. Westlife are to be spotted in many funeral song compilations – and with good reason. You Raise Me Up and Flying Without Wings perfectly capture the sentiments many feel.
- Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
- Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
- Angels by Robbie Williams
- Simply The Best by Tina Turner
- You Raise Me Up by Westlife
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Flying Without Wings by Westlife
- Angel by Sarah McLachlan
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Popular Alternative Funeral Songs and Their Lyrics
Not everyone is into the same music. If the deceased was more into punk and mental than Westlife or Abba, then you may be stumped at how to honour that for them. To help, we took a look at Reddit to see what popular funeral songs were listed there to pick up not only non-UK variants but also people with a wide range of ages and tastes.
- These Days by Foo Fighters
“I’m a new day rising,
I’m a brand new sky to hang the stars upon tonight.”
- Hear you me by Jimmy Eat World
“What would you think of me now?
So lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that
Now I’ll never have a chance
May angels lead you in
Hear you me, my friends
On sleepless roads, the sleepless go
May angels lead you in”
- Stars by Grace Potter
“But the stars in the sky,
Look like home, take me home.”
- If I Close My Eyes Forever by Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne
“If I close my eyes forever,
Will it all remain unchanged?”
- See You on the Other Side by Ozzy Osbourne
“I’m dying, I’m crying,
To know just what you are.”
- Portrait by Kansas
“And now the picture’s fading,
The shades are all drawn,
And the love that I feel,
Is the love that I wore.”
- No Hard Feelings by The Avett Brothers
“And when my body won’t hold me anymore,
And it finally lets me free,
Where will I go?”
- Gone Away by The Offspring
“It feels like the end,
We’re not coming back around.”
- If I Die Young by The Band Perry
“If I die young, bury me in satin,
Lay me down on a bed of roses,
Sink me in the river at dawn,
Send me away with the words of a love song.”
Should a Funeral Song be Funny?
In a 2019 survey, 27% of people if people said they would want the music to make guests laugh.
Here are some ideas for humorous funeral songs sourced from Twitter. Some of these may be considered a little too insensitive if not announced – so read on for advice on how and when to play these.
Some examples with lyrics:
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python
“Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true.”
- Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
“And another one gone, and another one gone,
Another one bites the dust”
- Disco Inferno by The Trampps
“Burn baby burn, disco inferno”
- Highway to Hell – AC/DC
“I’m on the highway to hell”
- I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
“Oh, no, not I, I will survive.”
- Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead by The Wizard of Oz Soundtrack
“Ding dong! The witch is dead,
Which old witch? The wicked witch!”
- Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees
“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother,
You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.”
- Celebration by Kool & The Gang
“Celebrate good times, come on!
It’s a celebration!”
- “It’s The End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M.
- Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult
“All our times have come,
Here but now they’re gone,
Seasons don’t fear the reaper,
Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain.”
- Happy by Pharrell Williams
- Time Warp by The Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack
- Match of the Day theme tune
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle
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The Ultimate Master List of Funeral Songs
We scanned the top 10 funeral songs, forums and social media and have compiled a huge master list for you to look at. Some are funny, some are sincere – and if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this may be a great start.
- Last of the Summer Wine theme tune
- Canon in D by Pachelbel
- Only The Good Die Young by Billy Joel
- My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
- Soul Limbo by Booker T. & The MG’s
- You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and The Pacemakers
- Angels by Robbie Williams
- Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
- Nimrod by Edward Elgar
- Hurt by Johnny Cash
- My Way by Frank Sinatra
- No Matter What by Boyzone
- Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day
- If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks
- I’ll Be Missing You by Sean Combs, Faith Evans & 112
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
- Lay Me Down by Sam Smith
- I’ll Fly Away by Gillian Welch Alison Kraus
- Diamonds by Rihanna
- How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding
- Flying Without Wings by Westlife
- See You Again by Wiz Khalifa
- You Raise Me Up by Westlife
- I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
- Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz
- Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
- Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
- Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
- Angels by Robbie Williams
- Simply The Best by Tina Turner
- You Raise Me Up by Westlife
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Flying Without Wings by Westlife
- Angel by Sarah McLachlan
- These Days by Foo Fighters
- Stars by Grace Potter
- I’ll Stay With You by Beth Hart
- If I Close My Eyes Forever by Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne
- See You on the Other Side by Ozzy Osbourne
- Portrait by Kansas
- My Way by Frank Sinatra
- It Was a Very Good Year by Frank Sinatra
- Blessed Relief by Frank Zappa
- No Hard Feelings by The Avett Brothers
- Gone Away by The Offspring
- Mahler’s Second Symphony by Gustav Mahler
- If I Die Young by The Band Perry
- Candle in the Wind by Elton John
- Remember Me by Miguel and Natalia Lafourcade
- Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
How to Choose Memorial Songs
If you are planning a funeral for a loved one, it can be hard to choose a memorial song that feels appropriate. While they may have joked about wanting a humorous song, at a time you feel so sad, it can be hard to honour that wish.
While the decision is a personal choice, and you must try to respect the wishes of the deceased, it can be a nice idea to combine songs.
Perhaps a thoughtful song that reflects how much they meant to you and so many others, a song that summarises their life, such as ‘My Way’ – and then at a point in the burial or cremation, perhaps a point to reflect and pause, such as ‘It’s time, to say goodbye.’ After this cathartic moment, the congregation may wish to hear (when explained) a more upbeat song.
This allows everyone the chance to process their emotions and release them, while ending on a more upbeat or positive note.
Raising Funds for a Funeral
If you’re planning the funeral for a loved one or a family member, gather those beautiful memories in one place with a Collection Pot. They are free to set up and an ideal option if you’d also like to collect funds for the family or a charitable cause instead of relying on cash donations at a church or crematorium.
Take a look and set yours up today.