Music plays a powerful role in how we remember someone we’ve lost. It can bring comfort, spark memories, and express feelings that are often hard to put into words. Whether you're planning a funeral for someone else or thinking ahead about your own farewell, choosing the right music can feel deeply personal and sometimes a little overwhelming.
You might know exactly what song fits, or you might be starting with a blank page. Either way, we’re here to help with advice, ideas, and a list of songs that many families have found meaningful.
For extra support in planning the perfect send-off, you can also use our free planner, A Fine Farewell, designed to help you create a personalised and memorable celebration of life.
A long tradition of funeral music
Music has always been part of how people say goodbye. From ancient civilisations to modern ceremonies, songs and melodies have helped mourners reflect, connect, and honour a life lived. Traditionally, hymns were the go-to. Being gentle and sombre, they gave people space to grieve together.
Today, there’s far more choice. Some people still find great comfort in hymns, while others prefer something more modern, uplifting, or personal. It all depends on the tone you want to set and the person you’re remembering.
When do you play music at a funeral?
At a traditional funeral service, music is often played at three key points:
- As people arrive
- During a moment of reflection (this is sometimes when the coffin is taken away, known as the committal)
- As guests leave
These moments help guide the tone of the ceremony, offering a gentle introduction, a time for private reflection, and a respectful farewell.
If you’re arranging a more personalised send-off, such as a celebration of life or a farewell following a pure cremation, you can shape the music however you like. You might choose a single powerful track or build a full playlist to reflect your loved one’s character, favourite artists, or the message you want to share.
How to choose a funeral song
If your loved one left clear wishes about the music they wanted, that can be a great comfort. But if they didn’t, it’s completely normal to feel unsure.
Stephanie Langford, Manager of Pure Cremation’s Charlton Park Crematorium, has this suggestion:
"Music is a wonderful way to bring a personal touch to a funeral. When selecting music, there are no right or wrong choices. It’s important to select a piece that has meaning, honours the life of the departed, and ensures that their memory is kept alive in the years that follow."
For something more personal, you might find inspiration in our articles on funeral songs for Mum or funeral songs for Dad — full of thoughtful suggestions to help you honour their memory.
There’s no single ‘right’ choice. Try to focus on what felt meaningful to your loved one. Perhaps a favourite band, a song they sang along to, lyrics that echo who they were or how they lived. And remember: a song doesn’t have to be solemn to be respectful. It just needs to feel right for your loved one and those remembering them.
Finding the right funeral song
There’s no single way to choose a funeral song, but these tips might help you find something that feels right:
1. Think about their favourite artists
Start with a favourite band or singer. Many artists have slower or acoustic versions of songs. Cover versions can also offer a softer or more personal take on a well-known track.
2. Listen closely to the lyrics
Some songs sound fitting at first but may include lyrics that don’t feel quite right for a funeral or celebration of life. Take a moment to read the words — it’s a simple way to make sure the song reflects the tone you want.
3. Reflect on their passions
Was there a football team they loved? A film they watched over and over? Songs linked to a hobby, a club, or a favourite musical can be powerful choices like You’ll Never Walk Alone for Liverpool supporters.
4. Check their streaming history
If you have access to their Spotify, Apple Music, or another audio streaming service, it might offer clues. Favourite songs or frequently played tracks can be a touching way to keep their personality at the heart of the service.
5. Consider live music
Live music can bring something truly special to a ceremony. An acoustic performance or instrumental version of a meaningful song can be deeply moving. Just be sure to check with the venue about what’s possible.
Most popular funeral songs
Choosing music for a farewell can be difficult, but seeing what others have chosen can help spark ideas. We’ve gathered a list of the most popular funeral songs, with input from families, our own crematorium teams, and music charts.
These songs span genres and decades, and together they’ve had more than 3 billion plays on Spotify, proof of how powerfully they connect with people. Many of the songs include lyrics that beautifully capture love, loss, and remembrance.
Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman: Over 170 million plays on Spotify
My Way by Frank Sinatra: Over 500 million plays on Spotify
Smile by Nat King Cole: Over 110 million plays on Spotify
Fields Of Gold by Sting: Over 300 million plays on Spotify
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran: Over 740 million plays on Spotify
We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn: Over 78 million plays on Spotify
Angels by Robbie Williams: Over 560 million plays on Spotify
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers: Over 100 million plays on Spotify
Dancing In The Sky by Dani and Lizzy: Over 78 million plays on Spotify
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong: Over 600 million plays on Spotify
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole: Over 158 million plays on Spotify
Popular musical, TV and movie themes
Music from films and television can hold a special place in our hearts, which is why many people choose these themes for their funerals or celebration of life. Whether it’s My Heart Will Go On from Titanic or The Circle of Life from The Lion King, these iconic songs often carry deep personal meaning and can bring comfort through shared memories and emotions.
The list below includes Oscar and Grammy winners, UK number-one singles, and beloved cultural touchstones that continue to resonate across generations.
Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe and Wise from the Morecambe and Wise show, one of the most-watched TV programs of all time in the UK
Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life by Monty Python from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, over 50 million plays on Spotify and a number 1 single in Ireland
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Judy Garland from The Wizard of Oz (1939 version) won an Academy Award for Best Song
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston from The Bodyguard, won two Grammy awards and spent 10 weeks at the UK number 1
My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion from Titanic won the Best Original Song Oscar, one of 11 awards the film received
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler from Beaches won two Grammy awards and sold over 1 million records worldwide
Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John from The Lion King won an Academy Award for Best Original Song
You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins from Tarzan won an Academy Award for Best Original Song
Popular hymns and orchestral funeral music
Traditional hymns and classical pieces remain a comforting choice for many families. Often chosen for their themes of love, loss and hope, these timeless pieces feature regularly in Songs of Praise’s most popular funeral music. Many have been sung for over a century, which means they’ll likely be familiar to guests, offering a chance for shared reflection or even participation.
Danny Boy is based on the traditional Irish tune "Londonderry Air," and the lyrics were written by Englishman Frederic Weatherly in 1913
The Four Seasons by Vivaldi was written in 1723 and is a group of four violin concertos, each representing a different season of the year.
Abide With Me was written by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, and has been sung at the FA Cup Final as a tradition since 1927.
Jerusalem was composed by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916, and the lyrics are from a poem by William Blake, "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time."
All Things Bright And Beautiful was written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848 and praises the wonders of nature and God's creation.
Morning Has Broken was written by Eleanor Farjeon in 1931 and became widely known when Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) recorded it in 1971.
The Old Rugged Cross, written in 1912, this hymn has been recorded by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and is often sung during Good Friday services.
Amazing Grace was written by John Newton, an Anglican priest. It is known for its themes of redemption and forgiveness.
Ave Maria is a combination of a composition by Franz Schubert and the traditional Roman Catholic Latin prayer Ave Maria.
The Lord’s My Shepherd is a paraphrase of Psalm 23, one of the most famous psalms in the Bible, which expresses trust in God's guidance and protection, and is set to the tune Crimond, a Scottish melody attributed to Jessie Seymour Irvine in the 19th century
Popular funeral songs from the 60s
The 1960s were a time of great change, and the music from that era often spoke of peace, unity and love. These timeless themes continue to resonate today, making songs from the 60s a meaningful choice for a celebration of life. Whether gentle or powerful, they can help express the values and spirit of someone special.
Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds
UK Chart Position: No. 26 in December 1965
Spotify Plays: Over 100 million
Stand by Me by Ben E. King
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 1 during its 1987 re-release
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion
The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 9
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion
That's Someone You Never Forget by Elvis Presley
UK Chart Position: Number 1 (not released as a single, as part of the album Pot Luck)
Spotify Plays: Over 1 million
Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye by Leonard Cohen
UK Chart Position: Number 13 (not released as a single, as part of the album Songs of Leonard Cohen)
Spotify Plays: 32 million
Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1 in the UK in 1990 following its inclusion in the movie Ghost
Spotify Plays: Over 800 million
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 3 in 1969
Spotify Plays: Over 200 million
Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles
UK Chart Position: Number 1 (not released as a single, as part of the album Abbey Road)
Spotify Plays: Over 1.3 billion
I Say A Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 4 in the UK in 1968
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million
Green Green Grass Of Home by Tom Jones
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 1 on December 3, 1966, and held that position for seven weeks, becoming the Christmas Number 1 single of that year
Spotify Plays: Over 80 million
Popular funeral songs from the 70s
The 1970s gave us an incredible mix of musical styles — from the rise of disco and punk to the powerful sounds of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. With so much variety, you’ll find plenty of options to reflect your loved one’s personality and passions. Whether they loved classic rock, soulful ballads or something more upbeat, there’s likely a song from this era that will feel just right.
Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
UK Chart Position: never released as a single in the UK, it reached position 37 after the digital release in 2007
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion
Let It Be by The Beatles
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1970
Spotify Plays: Over 700 million
Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in 1976
Spotify Plays: Over 700 million
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1971
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion
Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
Spotify Plays: Over 114 million
Candle In The Wind by Elton John
UK Chart Position: The original charted at Number 5 in 1988, the re-release at Number 1 in 1997
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million
You're My Best Friend by Queen
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 7 in 1976
Spotify Plays: Over 24 million
You've Got a Friend by Carole King
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 4 in 1971
Spotify Plays: Over 130 million
You Can Close Your Eyes by James Taylor
UK Chart Position: Reached Number 4 in 1971
Spotify Plays: Over 26 million
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
UK Chart Position: never released as a single in the UK, it reached number 1 as part of the album of the same name in 1975
Spotify Plays: More than 545 million
Popular funeral songs from the 80s
The 1980s brought bold new sounds, especially in electronic music, while still holding on to heartfelt themes of love, hope and reflection. Whether you’re drawn to power ballads, pop classics or something more personal, this decade offers a wide range of music to help you celebrate a life in a way that feels meaningful and familiar.
Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
Spotify plays: Over 780 million
UK Chart Position: Number 7 in 1985
Goodbye My Friend by Linda Ronstadt
Spotify Plays: Over 2 million
Records Sold: Did not chart in the UK
Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac
Spotify Plays: Over 59 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 4 on the UK Singles Chart
Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House
Spotify Plays: Over 480 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 27 on the UK Singles Chart
The Living Years by Mike + The Mechanics
Spotify Plays: Around 75 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart
Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen
Spotify Plays: Over 150 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 24 on the UK Singles Chart
Patience by Guns N’ Roses
Spotify Plays: Over 600 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 10
(I've Had) The Time of My Life by Jennifer Warnes
Spotify Plays: Over 500 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 6 in the UK
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Spotify plays: Over 600 million
UK Chart Position: Various versions charted, including Jeff Buckley’s cover, which reached Number 2
The Best by Tina Turner
Spotify Plays: Over 550 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 5 in the UK
Popular funeral songs from the 90s
Music in the 1990s was shaped by a wide range of influences, from the raw honesty of grunge and alternative rock to the energy of Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur. While the decade brought bold new sounds, it also gave us songs filled with reflection, longing and love, making them a fitting choice for remembering someone special.
Angel by Sarah McLachlan
Spotify Plays: Over 450 million
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes
Spotify Plays: Over 600 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 7
Live Forever by Oasis
Spotify Plays: Over 300 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 10
One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Spotify Plays: Over 320 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 6
As I Lay Me Down by Sophie B. Hawkins
Spotify Plays: Over 30 million
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
Talking With My Angels by Melissa Etheridge
Spotify Plays: Around 1 million
UK Chart Position: Did not chart in the UK
Flying Without Wings by Westlife
Spotify Plays: Over 340 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1
No Matter What by Boyzone
Spotify Plays: Over 180 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1
Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve
Spotify Plays: Over 850 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 2
You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at Number 1
Popular funeral songs from the 2000s
The 2000s brought a range of musical styles, from the rise of hip-hop with artists like Eminem to the energy of pop-punk bands such as Green Day. This decade also saw big changes in how we listened to music, with digital downloads becoming the norm. Despite these shifts, many heartfelt and emotional songs emerged, offering meaningful choices to honour a loved one’s life.
Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World
Spotify Plays: Over 250 million
UK Chart Position: Did not chart
Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park
Spotify Plays: Over 500 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 46
Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
Spotify Plays: Over 200 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 21
My Immortal by Evanescence
Spotify Plays: Over 1 billion
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 7
Footprints In The Sand by Leona Lewis
Records Sold: Over 500,000 copies in the UK
Spotify Plays: Over 100 million
Only Time by Enya
Spotify Plays: Over 450 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 32
There you'll be by Faith Hill
Spotify Plays: Over 200 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 3
Do You Realise?? by TheFlaming Lips
Spotify Plays: Over 100 million
UK Chart Position: Did not chart
Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt
Spotify Plays: Over 400 million
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 9
Make You Feel My Love by Adele
Spotify Plays: Over 1.5 billion
UK Chart Position: Peaked at No. 4
Popular song lyrics
The words of a song can be just as meaningful as the music itself. Many funeral songs are chosen for their heartfelt lyrics about grief, loss and healing, offering comfort and connection during a difficult time. Paying attention to the message behind the music can help you find a song that truly reflects your feelings and memories.
Artist: Elton John
Lyrics: Elton John and Bernie Taupin
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Lyrics: Benjamin Levin, Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back, we'll say Hallelujah
You're home
Lyrics: Henry Francis Lyte and Will Henry Monk
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Artists: Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
Lyrics: Lucio Quarantotto
I'll go with you
On ships across seas
Artist: Eric Clapton
Lyrics: Eric Clapton and Will Jennings
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
Artist: Robbie Williams
Lyrics: Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers
She offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I'm right or wrong
Artist: Judy Garland
Lyrics: Edgar Yipsel Harburg
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Lyrics: Paul Anka
I've lived a life that's full
I travelled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Artist: Vera Lynn
Lyrics: Ross Parker and Hugh Charles
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day
Artist: Dani and Lizzy
Lyrics: Regi Penxten, Filip Lieven Karel Vandueren and Jessy De Smet
Is it peaceful? Is it free like they say?
Does the sun shine bright forever?
Have your fears and your pain gone away?
Most popular funeral songs by genre
If you or your loved one had a favourite music genre, exploring songs within that style can help you find the perfect fit for a celebration of life. We’ve gathered a selection of popular funeral songs across a variety of genres to inspire and guide you.
Jazz
A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing by Billy Strayhorn
I'll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat by Charles Mingus
In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
Rock
Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Guns N’ Roses
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Pop
Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
Fix You by Coldplay
Angels by Robbie Williams
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
See You Again by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
Country
Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill
I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
Holes in the Floor of Heaven by Steve Wariner
Drink a Beer by Luke Bryan
Who You’d Be Today by Kenny Chesney
Dance
Adagio for Strings by Tiësto
Silhouettes by Avicii
We Are All We Need by Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston
Strobe by Deadmau5
Faded by ZHU
Have a sing-along
One beautiful way to bring joy and connection to a celebration of life is to invite guests to sing along with a favourite song or playlist. Remember, not everyone may know the words or be familiar with the music, so it can help to share the songs in advance. Sending a song ahead of time gives guests a chance to listen and become comfortable. You might also give out printed lyrics at the service, or display them on a screen if that’s possible, making it easier for everyone to join in.
Your service, your way
Personalising a celebration of life beyond just the music can make the day even more meaningful and memorable. We’ve supported many families who chose unique and heartfelt ways to honour their loved ones, such as:
- A Desert Island Discs-themed tribute, playing the radio show during the service. It was the man who’d passed away’s favourite radio program, and the family didn’t want the occasion to be sad.
- A family who dressed as Star Wars characters and played the music from the film during the service.
- A funeral service where The Time Warp from the Rocky Horror Picture Show was played, and the staff and Funeral Director wore costumes from the film and danced with the family.
- One family, who gathered every year for a big picnic organised by their grandmother, chose to honour her memory with one final picnic at her service. The chairs were set aside and the family sat together on blankets, just as she loved, sharing stories, laughter and food in her memory.
Whatever your vision for a service or celebration of life, we’re here to help with advice and support. For more ideas, take a look at our guide to holding a celebration of life, or explore our funeral plan if you’re thinking about planning ahead.
