Angels Funeral Songs
About Angels Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Funeral songs about angels provide profound comfort through imagery of heavenly beings welcoming loved ones, watching over the living, and offering protection in the afterlife—transforming grief into spiritual reassurance that the departed are safe and at peace. These angelic songs range from contemporary pop ballads like Robbie Williams' "Angels" (expressing belief that loved ones continue watching over us) and Sarah McLachlan's tender "In the Arms of an Angel" (offering release from earthly suffering) to sacred Latin hymns such as "Panis Angelicus" (bread of angels) and the ancient Gregorian chant "In Paradisum" (asking angels to lead the soul to paradise). Country and Celtic traditions contribute emotionally powerful songs like Alabama's "Angels Among Us" (celebrating guardian angels) and Donna Taggart's "Jealous of the Angels" (honestly expressing envy toward heaven for taking our loved ones). Songs specifically meaningful for child funerals include Billy Joel's "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)" and Martina McBride's "Concrete Angel," both offering gentle, protective imagery. Angel songs work beautifully during sacred moments like the final commendation (when the body is blessed before burial), during meditation or reflection, or as recessional music, creating a sense of transcendent beauty and divine care. Whether you choose modern interpretations or ancient liturgical music, angel songs unite mourners in the comforting belief that loved ones are welcomed, protected, and transformed into eternal guardians watching over those they left behind.
Top Angels Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
In the Arms of an Angel
Sarah McLachlan
The imagery of being carried to peace by angels provides profound comfort. One of the most emotionally powerful funeral songs.
In the Arms of an Angel
Sarah McLachlan
Provides solace with its message of finding peace after struggle.
Jealous of the Angels
Donna Taggart
Honestly expresses the envy we feel toward heaven for taking our loved ones.
Concrete Angel
Martina McBride
Addresses difficult losses and celebrates the end of suffering.
Angels Among Us
Alabama
Provides comfort in believing your son is now an angel watching over you, transforming devastating loss into ongoing spiritual presence.
Tips for Choosing Angels Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Tip 1. Choose angel songs that match your beliefs - Secular angel songs like Robbie Williams' "Angels" speak to spiritual protection without religious specifics, while Latin hymns like "Panis Angelicus" offer Catholic liturgical beauty.
Tip 2. Consider the comfort of angel imagery - Songs about angels watching over us or welcoming loved ones provide solace that the departed are cared for and at peace in the afterlife.
Tip 3. Balance sadness with hope - "Jealous of the Angels" honestly expresses grief at losing someone to heaven, while "Angels Among Us" celebrates the belief that loved ones become guardian angels.
Tip 4. Use angel songs for children's services - Songs like "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)" and "Concrete Angel" are especially meaningful for child funerals, offering gentle, protective imagery.
Tip 5. Pair angel songs with sacred moments - Latin angel hymns like "In Paradisum" (asking angels to lead the departed to paradise) are traditionally sung during final commendation.
Tip 6. Consider modern vs. traditional angel music - Contemporary choices like "In the Arms of an Angel" (Sarah McLachlan) and classic hymns like "Panis Angelicus" each offer different emotional textures.
Tip 7. Coordinate with religious requirements - Catholic and other liturgical services may have specific approved angel songs for use during Mass—confirm with clergy before finalizing selections.
Complete List of Angels Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
In the Arms of an Angel
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan's haunting ballad about finding peace and rest in the arms of an angel after suffering.
Why it's meaningful: The imagery of being carried to peace by angels provides profound comfort. One of the most emotionally powerful funeral songs.
Best moment: Reflection or tribute moment. Requires tissues — use deliberately.
In the Arms of an Angel
Sarah McLachlan
A tender song offering comfort and release from suffering.
Why it's meaningful: Provides solace with its message of finding peace after struggle.
Best moment: Deeply moving during times of quiet reflection.
Jealous of the Angels
Donna Taggart
An Irish singer's poignant ballad about being jealous of heaven for taking someone too soon.
Why it's meaningful: Honestly expresses the envy we feel toward heaven for taking our loved ones.
Best moment: Particularly moving with its Celtic arrangement and heartfelt delivery.
Angels Among Us
Alabama
A country classic about angels walking among us and watching over us from heaven, offering comfort that loved ones become our guardian angels.
Why it's meaningful: Provides comfort in believing your son is now an angel watching over you, transforming devastating loss into ongoing spiritual presence.
Best moment: Uplifting choice for celebrating the belief that your son is still with you.
Angel
Sarah McLachlan
A song about finding peace and comfort after suffering, famously associated with animal welfare campaigns.
Why it's meaningful: Inseparable from the ASPCA campaigns that used it. The imagery of finding peace resonates deeply with pet loss.
Best moment: Pet memorial. The association with animal welfare is immediate and powerful.
Angels
Robbie Williams
A modern anthem about protection and love from beyond.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the belief that loved ones continue watching over us.
Best moment: Uplifting choice for celebrating life rather than mourning death.
Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)
Billy Joel
Billy Joel wrote this tender lullaby after his daughter asked what happens when we die, offering comfort that loved ones are never truly far away.
Why it's meaningful: Wherever you may go, no matter where you are, I never will be far away - these lyrics capture the eternal presence parents hope to maintain.
Best moment: Touching choice for honoring the eternal parent-child bond.
Hear You Me
Jimmy Eat World
Written in memory of two sisters who housed struggling musicians, this alternative rock ballad asks angels to watch over those we've lost.
Why it's meaningful: For sons who loved alternative/rock music, this song honors unsung heroes while offering hope of angelic welcome into the next life.
Best moment: Perfect for sons who connected with alternative rock or modern memorial services.
Precious Memories
Jim Reeves
Jim Reeves' smooth 'velvet' voice delivers a Nashville Sound gospel standard about the 'unseen angels' of memory. Transforms grief into a treasure hunt for good memories.
Why it's meaningful: Non-threatening, masculine, and deeply soothing. Validates the act of looking back and cherishing the past rather than fixating on loss.
Best moment: Candle lighting or reflection. Huge following in UK, Ireland, and the US South for funerals.
Calling All Angels
Train
A plea for angelic help and guidance through difficult times, with a driving melody that builds hope.
Why it's meaningful: The desperate call for angels to come resonates with the feeling of needing supernatural comfort after loss.
Best moment: During the service or reflection. The building intensity matches the urgency of grief.
Angel Band
The Stanley Brothers
A traditional gospel song about angels coming to carry the soul home, recorded by the Stanley Brothers.
Why it's meaningful: The direct imagery of an angel band coming to escort the soul provides comfort rooted in deep Appalachian faith tradition.
Best moment: During the service. Especially powerful at rural or traditional Southern funerals.
Send Me an Angel
Real Life
An 80s synth-pop classic about longing for guidance and comfort from above.
Why it's meaningful: The plea to be sent an angel transforms at a funeral into belief that the deceased has become that angel.
Best moment: For 80s music lovers. Celebration of life or reception.
Panis Angelicus
César Franck
A sacred Latin hymn about the bread of angels becoming bread for mankind.
Why it's meaningful: This sacred piece connects earthly departure with heavenly communion.
Best moment: Traditionally sung during communion or as a meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Funeral Songs About Angels funeral songs appropriate for memorial services?
Funeral Songs About Angels funeral songs are chosen for memorial services because they resonate emotionally with mourners. These songs often feature themes of remembrance, comfort, and hope that help people process grief while honoring the deceased's life and legacy.
Can I play Funeral Songs About Angels songs during the entire funeral service?
Yes, you can use Funeral Songs About Angels songs throughout the service including processional, during the service, and recessional. However, you may want to mix them with other styles to create emotional variety and keep the atmosphere appropriate for different parts of the memorial.
Which Funeral Songs About Angels songs are most popular for funerals?
The most popular Funeral Songs About Angels funeral songs tend to be those with meaningful lyrics about loss, love, or spiritual peace. Songs that are emotionally resonant, not too fast-paced, and familiar to the congregation work best. Check our curated list above for top recommendations.
Are there any Funeral Songs About Angels songs I should avoid at a funeral?
Avoid songs with overly upbeat tempos that seem inappropriate for mourning, or lyrics that might be offensive or divisive. Consider the deceased's preferences and the family's cultural or religious background when selecting songs.
Can we have live Funeral Songs About Angels musicians at the funeral?
Yes, live musicians are often very meaningful at funerals. Many venues and funeral homes welcome live performers. You may need to coordinate with the funeral home or place of worship, and consider acoustic arrangements rather than amplified versions for a more intimate atmosphere.
How do I choose between popular and lesser-known Funeral Songs About Angels funeral songs?
Both approaches work well. Popular songs help mourners connect emotionally since they may already know them, while lesser-known pieces can feel more personal and unique. Consider mixing both to create a meaningful tribute that feels authentic to who the deceased was.