Saying goodbye is never easy. But for many people, music is one of the most powerful ways to express love, honour a life well-lived, and find comfort during grief. While some funerals are quiet and reflective, others take on a more celebratory tone, filled with joyful memories, laughter, and even toe-tapping tunes that bring a smile through the tears.
We also have a free guide with even more inspiration and ideas on how to create the perfect send-off.
In this article, we give you a carefully chosen selection of uplifting funeral songs. Whether you're planning a ceremony that reflects faith, personality, or a unique sense of humour, we hope these suggestions help you find the right notes to remember someone special.
Why choose uplifting music for a funeral?
Funerals can be moments of great sadness, but they can also be rich in gratitude and love. Choosing uplifting music for a funeral is one way to reflect the light your loved one brought into the world and to capture the essence of who they were, not just how they died.
Some families want a service that feels more like a celebration of life than a solemn goodbye. Uplifting songs can:
- Provide comfort and reassurance
- Reflect the personality or beliefs of the person who has died
- Set a hopeful tone for those attending
Grief and joy can sometimes sit side by side, and the right song can bring both to the surface in a way that feels true and meaningful.
Uplifting funeral hymns
For those holding a religious service or wanting to include hymns that offer comfort and hope, here are some beautiful and widely recognised options. These hymns speak of peace, faith, and the promise of something beyond this life.
Traditional and familiar hymns:
- Abide With Me – A hymn of trust and comfort.
- How Great Thou Art – A powerful expression of awe and praise.
- Morning Has Broken – Celebrates the beauty of each new day.
- The Lord’s My Shepherd – Offers reassurance of guidance and care.
More modern or lesser-known options:
- Shine Jesus Shine – A more upbeat, modern hymn of light and renewal.
- Here I Am, Lord – Reflects service, love, and the presence of God.
- On Eagle’s Wings – A gentle, soaring hymn often chosen for comfort.
Happy and uplifting songs for a funeral
If you're looking for music that brings warmth or even joy, these songs span genres and generations. They’re not necessarily about loss. Instead, they’re about love, memories, and the beauty of life.
Popular choices include:
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong’s timeless celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – A hopeful, dreamy classic.
- You’ve Got a Friend – Carole King’s tribute to loyalty and love.
- Bring Me Sunshine – Cheerful and nostalgic, Morecambe & Wise’s tune is often chosen for its upbeat mood.
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler’s touching thank-you song for someone who offered strength and reassurance.
- You Are the Sunshine of My Life – A soulful reminder by Stevie Wonder of the joy someone brought.
- I’ll Be There – Uplifting and comforting, this Jackson 5 classic speaks to the lasting bonds of love.
- Lean on Me – A soulful anthem by Bill Withers of support and community.
- Simply the Best – Tina Turner’s tribute to someone unforgettable, often chosen for its bold, loving message.
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston’s iconic tune can be a joyful celebration of connection and energy.
- Lovely – Soft but hopeful, this song by Billie Eilish and Khalid can be especially poignant for younger mourners.
Funeral songs are especially meaningful when they reflect the person’s taste in music or a special memory you shared together. Sometimes, these slightly unexpected choices can offer a moment of lightness — a musical reminder of all the good times shared.
Modern tracks with heartfelt lyrics:
- A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay’s shimmering tribute to someone who lit up your life.
- Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran’s moving reflection on losing a loved one, written in memory of his grandmother.
- See You Again – By Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, this is a powerful farewell rooted in friendship and remembrance.
- Photograph – Another tender Ed Sheeran ballad, perfect for capturing lasting love and memories.
These contemporary songs can feel incredibly personal, especially for younger generations or those who connected with modern music.
Uplifting exit music
The final piece of music at a funeral — often called the recessional or exit music — leaves a lasting impression. Choosing uplifting funeral exit music can help guests leave with a sense of peace or even a small smile.
Classical uplifting songs for a memorial service:
- Clair de Lune – Reflective, gentle, and beautiful.
- Canon in D – A popular choice for its graceful, timeless sound.
- Nimrod from the Enigma Variations – Emotional and deeply moving.
More upbeat options:
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen’s energetic celebration of life. This tune is a good choice for someone with a big personality.
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Light-hearted and cheeky. This Monty Python song is not for everyone, but meaningful to some.
- Mr Blue Sky – A joyful, nostalgic favourite.
Exit music can be personal, playful, or deeply poignant — there are no rules, only what feels right for you and your family.
Songs for a celebration of life
Celebrations of life often allow more freedom and creativity than traditional funerals. With no time constraints or formal structure, you can focus on what made the person unique.
Joyful songs that reflect personality or passion:
- Here Comes the Sun – A gentle reminder from the Beatles of better days ahead.
- Dancing Queen – An ABBA classic, perfect for someone who loved the dance floor.
- My Way – Bold and reflective, this Frank Sinatra tune is for someone who lived life on their terms.
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley’s reassurance that “every little thing is gonna be alright.”
- Lovely Day – A bright and optimistic tune by Bill Withers that lifts the spirit.
These happy songs are especially fitting when the mood is one of gratitude, reflection, and even light-hearted storytelling.
Songs that celebrate hobbies and humour
Sometimes the most fitting musical tribute is something a little unexpected — a nod to the quirks, passions, or sense of humour that made your loved one truly one of a kind.
Examples include:
- Theme from Match of the Day – For a lifelong football fan.
- The Chain – Iconic for F1 enthusiasts.
- Sweet Caroline – A sing-along favourite that brings people together.
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – This football anthem and message of solidarity is especially loved by Liverpool FC fans.
When chosen with care, even unconventional songs can offer comfort and spark fond memories — a reminder that funerals don’t have to follow a script.
How to choose the right funeral song
Choosing the right music can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also a meaningful way to honour someone’s life.
Here are a few things to consider:
- What music did they love? Their playlists, records, or favourite artists can be a great starting point.
- Do any lyrics reflect their values or life story? Listen closely — the right song often reveals itself in the words.
- What atmosphere do you want to create? Peaceful, hopeful, joyful, nostalgic — or a mix?
There’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ funeral song. There’s only what feels right for your loved one and those gathered to remember them. Trust your instincts.
Choosing uplifting funeral music is a great way to remember the joy someone brought into the world and to honour their life with warmth, hope, and love. Whether you choose a hymn of praise, a pop anthem, or a classical masterpiece, let the music speak from the heart. Because when words fall short, music often says everything we need it to.
And if you’re planning a funeral and feeling unsure where to begin, our free AI-powered service A Fine Farewell will give you helpful prompts and inspiration. It’s designed to guide you through the decisions that shape a meaningful send-off.
