Top 10 Most Popular Funeral Songs of 2025
12 min read · Updated December 2025
Top 10 Most Popular Funeral Songs of 2025
The most meaningful and frequently chosen songs for funeral and memorial services this year, from timeless classics to contemporary favorites.
Why These Songs Resonate
Each year, certain songs emerge as the most chosen pieces for funeral and memorial services. These songs connect with mourners through their powerful lyrics, emotional melodies, and ability to capture the essence of love, loss, and remembrance.
Based on data from funeral homes, memorial services, and online searches, we've compiled the top 10 most popular funeral songs of 2025. Whether you're planning a traditional service or a celebration of life, these songs offer comfort and meaning.
Amazing Grace
Traditional Hymn
The timeless hymn remains the most popular funeral song across all demographics. Its message of redemption and eternal peace provides profound comfort.
Why chosen: Universal recognition, spiritual comfort, beautiful melody that works for both religious and secular services
Best for: All services, religious and secular alike
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
This gentle ukulele version continues to be a favorite for memorial services. The hopeful lyrics and peaceful melody create a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection.
Why chosen: Evokes hope and peace, universally beloved, works beautifully as background music during gatherings
Best for: Celebration of life services, reflective moments
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
Whether using Cohen's original or Jeff Buckley's haunting cover, this song's spiritual depth and emotional power make it a modern classic for memorial services.
Why chosen: Deeply moving lyrics, spiritual without being denominational, multiple beautiful versions available
Best for: Modern services seeking spiritual depth
Time to Say Goodbye
Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
This operatic masterpiece provides a dignified and elegant farewell. Its soaring vocals and orchestral arrangement create a truly memorable moment.
Why chosen: Elegant and sophisticated, perfect for formal services, captures the bittersweet nature of goodbye
Best for: Formal services, recessional moments
What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong
Armstrong's optimistic celebration of life reminds mourners to appreciate the beauty their loved one brought into the world. Perfect for celebration of life services.
Why chosen: Uplifting and hopeful, celebrates life rather than dwelling on loss, universally recognized
Best for: Celebration of life services
Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
A powerful tribute to someone who provided quiet support and unconditional love. Particularly popular for mothers, wives, and caregivers.
Why chosen: Honors unsung heroes, emotionally powerful, perfect for expressing gratitude
Best for: Honoring mothers and caregivers
You Raise Me Up
Josh Groban
This inspirational ballad speaks to how loved ones lift us up and give us strength. Its message of enduring love transcends death.
Why chosen: Inspirational message, beautiful vocals, speaks to lasting impact of loved ones
Best for: Services honoring lasting influence and support
The Dance
Garth Brooks
Brooks' country ballad reflects on how the pain of loss is worth the joy of having loved. Especially popular in Southern and Midwestern services.
Why chosen: Captures the bittersweet nature of love and loss, relatable lyrics, country music appeal
Best for: Country music lovers, reflecting on love and loss
Tears in Heaven
Eric Clapton
Written after the tragic loss of Clapton's young son, this song resonates deeply with anyone who has lost someone too soon. Particularly meaningful for child and young adult services.
Why chosen: Authentic grief, hope for reunion, especially meaningful for premature loss
Best for: Services for children and young adults
My Way
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra's defiant celebration of living life on one's own terms remains a favorite for those who lived boldly. Perfect for honoring independent spirits.
Why chosen: Celebrates individuality, bold and confident, honors life lived authentically
Best for: Independent spirits, recessional music
Looking for More?
Check out our updated Top 10 Funeral Songs of 2026 for this year's most popular choices.