These funeral songs are the most requested and meaningful choices for memorial services in 2025. From traditional funeral hymns to contemporary funeral music, these songs played at funerals provide comfort and celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Whether you need songs about death or songs about missing someone, these selections help families honor their loved ones.
These are the most beloved funeral songs chosen by families across the country. Each song offers unique comfort and meaning, whether you're looking for traditional funeral music, contemporary songs played at funerals, or spiritual hymns for your memorial service.
by Traditional
A timeless hymn of redemption and hope that has comforted mourners for centuries.
Why it's meaningful: This beloved hymn speaks of salvation and the journey from loss to grace, offering profound comfort to those grieving.
Best moment: Often played during the processional or as a closing hymn.
by Eric Clapton
A tender, heartfelt melody born from personal grief, written in memory of Clapton's young son.
Why it's meaningful: Touches on loss, sorrow, and the hope of eventual reunion in a deeply personal way.
Best moment: Perfect for reflection during the service or viewing.
by Traditional Military
The iconic bugle call played at military funerals, symbolizing final rest and peace.
Why it's meaningful: A deeply reverent tribute that honors military service and sacrifice.
Best moment: Traditionally played during the flag folding ceremony or final farewell.
by Josh Groban
An uplifting anthem about finding strength through support and faith.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates how loved ones lift us up and continue to inspire even after death.
Best moment: Powerful during eulogies or as a tribute to someone who was a source of strength.
by Leonard Cohen
A haunting meditation on love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.
Why it's meaningful: Cohen's masterpiece captures the bittersweet nature of life and love, resonating deeply at farewell moments.
Best moment: Perfect for reflection during the service or viewing.
by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A powerful duet about parting that combines classical grandeur with emotional depth.
Why it's meaningful: The soaring vocals and orchestral arrangement create a moment of beautiful farewell.
Best moment: Often chosen for the final farewell or committal.
by Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God's creation and promise of eternal life.
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith's comfort in grief.
Best moment: Powerful as a congregational hymn or solo performance.
by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
A gentle ukulele version that transforms the classic into a peaceful farewell.
Why it's meaningful: The Hawaiian rendition brings a sense of peace and the promise of a better place.
Best moment: Creates a serene atmosphere during reflection or exit.
by Ed Sheeran
A deeply emotional tribute written for Ed's late grandmother, capturing tender moments of saying goodbye.
Why it's meaningful: The lyrics about clearing out belongings serve as a metaphor for coming to terms with loss.
Best moment: Touching during personal tributes or reflection time.
by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
A modern anthem about the pain of separation and hope for eventual reunion.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the universal experience of missing someone while celebrating the bond that death cannot break.
Best moment: Powerful during video tributes or as a closing song.
by Lee Greenwood
A patriotic anthem expressing love for America and gratitude for those who serve.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the values and freedoms that veterans fought to protect.
Best moment: Inspiring as a processional or during military honors.
by The Righteous Brothers
A timeless ballad about enduring love and longing that spans generations.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the eternal nature of true love, even beyond death.
Best moment: Beautiful for services celebrating long marriages.
by Simon & Garfunkel
An anthem of support and comfort during life's most difficult moments.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates those who served as bridges for others during troubled times.
Best moment: Powerful tribute for caregivers and supportive loved ones.
by Traditional Irish
An Irish ballad of farewell that has become a funeral standard worldwide.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses the pain of parting and hope for reunion.
Best moment: Especially meaningful for those of Irish heritage.
by Vince Gill
A country gospel song about finding eternal rest and peace in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Written after personal loss, it speaks authentically to grief and faith.
Best moment: Powerful for country music fans and faith-based services.
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart's final masterpiece, a profound meditation on death and eternal rest.
Why it's meaningful: Combines the majesty of classical music with the solemnity of the Catholic mass for the dead.
Best moment: Appropriate for formal Catholic services or classical music lovers.
by Samuel Barber
One of the most emotionally powerful pieces in classical music.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses grief with such depth that it has become synonymous with mourning and remembrance.
Best moment: Creates a profound atmosphere during the most solemn moments of the service.
by Simon and Garfunkel
A promise of support and comfort through life's storms.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates those who were sources of strength and refuge for others.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring someone who was always there for others.
by Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
A beautiful duet prayer for guidance and protection in multiple languages.
Why it's meaningful: Combines English and Italian to create a universal prayer for peace and guidance.
Best moment: Creates a transcendent moment during the service.
by Bette Midler
A tribute to someone who was a source of strength and inspiration.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the quiet heroes in our lives who lifted us up without seeking recognition.
Best moment: Beautiful during eulogies or photo tributes.
Consider their preferences: Think about the music your loved one enjoyed during their lifetime.
Match the tone: Choose songs that reflect whether you want a celebration of life or a more traditional service.
Consider your audience: Select music that will resonate with and comfort the attendees.
Mix genres thoughtfully: Combine traditional funeral songs and hymns with contemporary funeral music for broader appeal.
Time your service: Most funeral services include 3-5 songs played at funerals, totaling 15-20 minutes of music.
Consider religious preferences: Include Catholic funeral songs, Protestant hymns, or secular music based on faith traditions.
Most funeral services include 3-5 funeral songs: one for the processional, 1-2 during the service or reflection time, and one for the recessional. The total funeral music typically lasts 15-20 minutes throughout the service.
The most requested funeral songs include “Amazing Grace,” “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli, “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, and “How Great Thou Art.” These songs played at funerals consistently provide comfort across different denominations.
Funeral music can be religious or secular. While many choose traditional hymns, Catholic funeral songs, or spiritual music, secular songs that were meaningful to the deceased are equally appropriate. The key is choosing funeral songs that honor the person's life and bring comfort to mourners.
Absolutely. Modern songs that capture your loved one's spirit or your relationship with them can be deeply meaningful and appropriate for contemporary services.
Most funeral songs are 3-5 minutes long. Consider shorter versions or excerpts for processionals and recessionals to maintain the service flow. The total funeral music should complement, not overwhelm, the service structure.
Popular Catholic funeral songs include “Ave Maria,” “Be Not Afraid,” “On Eagle's Wings,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Amazing Grace.” Traditional Latin hymns like “Pie Jesu” and “In Paradisum” are also meaningful choices for Catholic funeral services.