Memorial service songs set the tone for celebrating a loved one's life, offering comfort through music that reflects their personality, values, and the joy they brought to others. Unlike traditional funeral songs, memorial service music tends to be more uplifting and personalized, creating a meaningful tribute that honors their unique spirit.
Memorial services offer a unique opportunity to celebrate life through music. Taking place after burial or cremation, these gatherings focus on honoring memories, sharing stories, and finding comfort in community—making the music selection more personal and often more uplifting than traditional funeral services.
These songs are chosen most frequently for memorial services because they beautifully balance honoring grief while celebrating a life well-lived.
Traditional
A timeless hymn of redemption and hope that has comforted mourners for centuries.
This beloved hymn speaks of salvation and the journey from loss to grace, offering profound comfort to those grieving.
Listen on YouTube →Eric Clapton
A tender, heartfelt melody born from personal grief, written in memory of Clapton's young son.
Touches on loss, sorrow, and the hope of eventual reunion in a deeply personal way.
Listen on YouTube →Josh Groban
An uplifting anthem about finding strength through support and faith.
Celebrates how loved ones lift us up and continue to inspire even after death.
Listen on YouTube →Leonard Cohen
A haunting meditation on love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.
Cohen's masterpiece captures the bittersweet nature of life and love, resonating deeply at farewell moments.
Listen on YouTube →Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A powerful duet about parting that combines classical grandeur with emotional depth.
The soaring vocals and orchestral arrangement create a moment of beautiful farewell.
Listen on YouTube →Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God's creation and promise of eternal life.
Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith's comfort in grief.
Listen on YouTube →Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
A gentle ukulele version that transforms the classic into a peaceful farewell.
The Hawaiian rendition brings a sense of peace and the promise of a better place.
Listen on YouTube →Ed Sheeran
A deeply emotional tribute written for Ed's late grandmother, capturing tender moments of saying goodbye.
The lyrics about clearing out belongings serve as a metaphor for coming to terms with loss.
Listen on YouTube →Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
A modern anthem about the pain of separation and hope for eventual reunion.
Speaks to the universal experience of missing someone while celebrating the bond that death cannot break.
Listen on YouTube →Lee Greenwood
A patriotic anthem expressing love for America and gratitude for those who serve.
Celebrates the values and freedoms that veterans fought to protect.
Listen on YouTube →These songs focus on celebrating life, joy, and the positive impact your loved one had on the world. Perfect for creating a hopeful, uplifting atmosphere.
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 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.
by Josh Groban
An uplifting tribute to someone who was a source of strength.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates how the deceased lifted others to be more than they thought possible.
Best moment: Powerful during tributes or as a recessional.
by Bill Withers
A gospel-influenced song about mutual support and community in times of need.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds mourners they don't have to grieve alone and that support is always available.
Best moment: Uplifting for community-focused or church services.
by The Hollies
A testament to unconditional love and support between brothers and friends.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the bonds of brotherhood and friendship that death cannot break.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring sibling relationships or close friendships.
by NEEDTOBREATHE feat. Gavin DeGraw
A powerful anthem about brotherhood and standing together through trials.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the loyalty and support between brothers.
Best moment: Uplifting tribute to brotherly bonds.
by David Bowie
An anthem about ordinary people becoming heroes for those they love.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the heroism found in everyday acts of love and courage.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring someone who was a personal hero.
by 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.
Elegant instrumental and classical vocal pieces that bring dignity and beauty to memorial services.
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 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 Johann Pachelbel
A baroque masterpiece that brings serenity and grace to solemn occasions.
Why it's meaningful: The flowing harmonies provide a sense of continuity and eternal beauty in times of loss.
Best moment: Often used as processional or background music during viewing.
by Andrew Lloyd Webber
A gentle Latin prayer asking for eternal rest, from Webber's Requiem.
Why it's meaningful: The pure soprano voice and Latin text create an atmosphere of sacred beauty.
Best moment: Particularly moving when sung by a young voice.
by Franz Schubert
A classical prayer to Mary that transcends religious boundaries with its beauty.
Why it's meaningful: The melody alone can move hearts, offering comfort through pure beauty.
Best moment: Creates a sacred atmosphere during the service.
by Claude Debussy
A gentle piano piece that evokes moonlight and peaceful reflection.
Why it's meaningful: Creates an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and beauty that transcends words.
Best moment: Perfect for moments of silent reflection or as guests arrive.
by César Franck
A sacred Latin hymn about the bread of angels becoming bread for mankind.
Why it's meaningful: Combines theological depth with musical beauty in the Catholic tradition.
Best moment: Traditional choice for Catholic funeral masses.
Contemporary songs that resonate with today's mourners, featuring current artists and relatable lyrics about loss and remembrance.
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 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 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 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.
by Garth Brooks
A country ballad about cherishing life's moments despite knowing they must end.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that the pain of loss is worth it for the joy of having loved.
Best moment: Touching choice for celebrating a life well-lived.
by 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.
Start with songs your loved one enjoyed. Their favorite artists, genres, or specific songs that held meaning in their life create authentic, personal tributes that attendees will recognize and appreciate.
Memorial services can range from solemn to celebratory. Choose music that reflects the atmosphere you want—whether that's peaceful reflection, joyful celebration, or a balance of both.
Structure your playlist to tell a story: start with welcoming songs, include reflective pieces during eulogies, and end with uplifting or hopeful music that sends guests off with comfort.
Think about where the service will be held and who will attend. A church might call for more traditional choices, while a celebration of life at a favorite location allows for more creative freedom.
Balance well-known memorial songs that provide comfort through familiarity with deeply personal choices that tell your loved one's unique story.
Listen carefully to lyrics before finalizing your selections. Some songs have beautiful melodies but lyrics that might not fit the occasion. Read through lyrics to ensure they convey the message you want.
Select specific songs for key moments: processional/opening, during photo slideshows, reflection time, eulogies, and recessional/closing. Each moment serves a different purpose.
If using recorded music, ensure you have high-quality recordings and test the venue's sound system beforehand. Poor audio can detract from meaningful moments.
Talk with family and close friends about your loved one's favorite music. Check if they left any requests. Browse memorial song lists for inspiration. Start a preliminary playlist with 10-15 possibilities.
Refine your list to 5-7 final songs. Assign each song to a specific moment in the service. Confirm venue audio capabilities. Decide between live musicians and recorded music.
Create final playlist in order. If using recordings, compile high-quality versions. Book musicians if desired. Test sound system with your playlist. Share song list with officiant and venue coordinator.
Memorial service songs tend to be more celebratory and uplifting, as memorial services typically occur after burial or cremation and focus on celebrating the person's life. Funeral songs are often more traditional and somber, played during services where the body is present. Memorial services offer more flexibility in music selection, often including the deceased's favorite songs, contemporary music, and uplifting themes.
Most memorial services include 4-6 songs: one for the opening, 1-2 during eulogies or photo slideshows, 1-2 during reflection time, and one for closing. Since memorial services are often less formal than traditional funerals, you have more flexibility to include additional meaningful songs.
Absolutely. Memorial services are highly personalized and commonly feature secular music. Popular choices include the deceased's favorite songs, contemporary pop, rock, country, or any music that reflects their personality and brings comfort to family and friends. The focus is on celebrating the individual's life rather than adhering to traditional religious formats.
Memorial services typically lean toward uplifting and celebratory music, though the choice is entirely personal. Many families blend both reflective and joyful songs to honor different aspects of their loved one's life. Uplifting songs celebrate their impact, while more emotional songs acknowledge the grief. Choose what feels authentic to your loved one's spirit.
Since memorial services are typically held 1-3 weeks after passing (not immediately like funerals), you have more time to thoughtfully select music. Start planning within the first week to allow time to create custom playlists, find quality recordings, or arrange for live musicians if desired.
Yes, custom playlists are very common for memorial services. You can use streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, or work with the venue to play specific recordings. Many families create playlists that reflect the deceased's musical journey through life, including songs from different decades or meaningful moments.
Live musicians add a beautiful, personal touch to memorial services. Consider hiring a soloist, guitarist, or string quartet to perform 1-2 key songs, while using recorded music for others. This balance provides meaningful moments without the higher cost of full live music throughout. Many memorial venues have recommendations for local musicians.
Popular memorial service songs include "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli, and "Amazing Grace." The trend is toward songs that celebrate life while acknowledging loss, with contemporary and classic options both being widely chosen.
Browse our full collection of 87 songs perfect for memorial services, organized by popularity and suitability.
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 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 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 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.
by Garth Brooks
A country ballad about cherishing life's moments despite knowing they must end.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that the pain of loss is worth it for the joy of having loved.
Best moment: Touching choice for celebrating a life well-lived.
by 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.
by Frank Sinatra
An anthem of living life on one's own terms without regrets.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates individuality and a life lived with conviction.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring someone with a strong, independent spirit.
by Louis Armstrong
A celebration of life's simple beauties and human connection.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us to appreciate the world our loved one cherished.
Best moment: Uplifting choice for celebrating a life of gratitude.
by Josh Groban
An uplifting tribute to someone who was a source of strength.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates how the deceased lifted others to be more than they thought possible.
Best moment: Powerful during tributes or as a recessional.
by Michael Joncas
A popular Catholic funeral hymn based on Psalm 91, about God's protection.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks of being carried on eagle's wings to eternal safety.
Best moment: Often chosen as a recessional or during the final commendation.
by Johnny Cash
Cash's haunting cover that reflects on a life of regrets, pain, and the approach of death.
Why it's meaningful: The raw emotion and reflection on mortality resonates deeply at end-of-life celebrations.
Best moment: Powerful for services honoring those who lived complex, full lives.
by Billy Ray Cyrus
A heartbreaking reminder of how much soldiers give up to serve on the front lines.
Why it's meaningful: Recognizes the bravery of those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Best moment: Appropriate for honoring fallen soldiers and veterans.
by Coldplay
A song about wanting to help heal someone's pain and guide them home.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the desire to comfort those in grief and the promise of eventual healing.
Best moment: Moving during services for those who were caregivers or healers.
by Matt Redman
A modern worship song about finding reasons to be grateful even in sorrow.
Why it's meaningful: Encourages thankfulness for a life lived while trusting in divine comfort.
Best moment: Uplifting during Christian services focused on celebration rather than mourning.
by Simon & Garfunkel
A profound meditation on isolation, communication, and the spaces between words.
Why it's meaningful: Captures the profound silence left by someone's absence.
Best moment: Powerful during quiet reflection or meditation periods.
by Bill Withers
A gospel-influenced song about mutual support and community in times of need.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds mourners they don't have to grieve alone and that support is always available.
Best moment: Uplifting for community-focused or church services.
by Traditional Hymn
A beloved hymn asking for divine presence through life's changes and at life's end.
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort through faith in God's constant presence.
Best moment: Traditional evening hymn often requested by the elderly.
by The Beatles
A song about awakening, freedom, and taking flight after darkness.
Why it's meaningful: Symbolizes the soul's liberation and journey to peace.
Best moment: Meaningful for those who overcame significant challenges.
by Tim McGraw
A soldier's final letter home, honoring military sacrifice.
Why it's meaningful: Pays tribute to fallen soldiers and the families they leave behind.
Best moment: Deeply moving for military funerals.
by Luther Vandross
A tender reflection on memories of dancing with a beloved father.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the special bond between fathers and children.
Best moment: Touching tribute for fathers who were loving and present.
by Johann Pachelbel
A baroque masterpiece that brings serenity and grace to solemn occasions.
Why it's meaningful: The flowing harmonies provide a sense of continuity and eternal beauty in times of loss.
Best moment: Often used as processional or background music during viewing.
by The Chicks
A parent's blessing and farewell to a child, filled with love and hope.
Why it's meaningful: Captures the unconditional love parents have for their children and the pain of letting go.
Best moment: Deeply moving for services honoring young lives.
by Ed Sheeran
A son's intimate tribute to his grandmother, told through everyday details.
Why it's meaningful: Shows how love lives on in the small, ordinary moments and memories we cherish.
Best moment: Especially meaningful for those who were caregivers to their loved ones.
by Coldplay
A song about wanting to go back to the beginning and fix what went wrong.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses the regret and longing that often accompanies loss.
Best moment: Resonates with those processing complicated relationships.
by Donna Taggart
An Irish singer's expression of missing someone who has gone to heaven.
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.
by Martina McBride
A powerful song about a child's suffering and ultimate peace.
Why it's meaningful: Addresses difficult losses and celebrates the end of suffering.
Best moment: Provides comfort when a child's death follows illness or hardship.
by The Hollies
A testament to unconditional love and support between brothers and friends.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the bonds of brotherhood and friendship that death cannot break.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring sibling relationships or close friendships.
by Sarah McLachlan
A promise to keep memories alive despite the pain of parting.
Why it's meaningful: Acknowledges both the joy of having known someone and the sorrow of goodbye.
Best moment: Beautiful as a personal tribute or during memory sharing.
by Andrew Lloyd Webber
A gentle Latin prayer asking for eternal rest, from Webber's Requiem.
Why it's meaningful: The pure soprano voice and Latin text create an atmosphere of sacred beauty.
Best moment: Particularly moving when sung by a young voice.
by Dire Straits
A rock ballad about brotherhood forged through hardship and conflict.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the bonds between brothers, whether by blood or by choice.
Best moment: Meaningful for military brothers or close male friendships.
by Martina McBride
A mother's reflection on seeing herself through her daughter's loving eyes.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the special bond between mothers and daughters.
Best moment: Beautiful when honoring a daughter's perspective of her parent.
by Boyz II Men
An R&B tribute to mothers and their unconditional love.
Why it's meaningful: Honors the sacrifices and endless love that mothers give.
Best moment: Perfect tribute from children to their mother.
by NEEDTOBREATHE feat. Gavin DeGraw
A powerful anthem about brotherhood and standing together through trials.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the loyalty and support between brothers.
Best moment: Uplifting tribute to brotherly bonds.
by David Bowie
An anthem about ordinary people becoming heroes for those they love.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the heroism found in everyday acts of love and courage.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring someone who was a personal hero.
by 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.
by Vince Gill
A country gospel song about finding eternal rest after life's struggles.
Why it's meaningful: Written after personal loss, it authentically captures grief and hope.
Best moment: Powerful choice for country music lovers with faith.
by Eric Clapton
A deeply personal song about loss and the hope of reunion.
Why it's meaningful: Written after tragic loss, it speaks to the universal experience of grief.
Best moment: Particularly meaningful for untimely losses.
Choosing memorial service songs is one of the most meaningful ways to honor your loved one's life and legacy. The music you select will stay with attendees long after the service ends, bringing comfort and keeping cherished memories alive.
Unlike traditional funeral services, memorial services give you the freedom to truly celebrate the person's unique spirit through their favorite music, meaningful lyrics, and songs that capture the joy they brought to the world. Whether you choose uplifting contemporary songs, timeless classics, or a personal mix of both, trust that the right music will find you.
Remember, there are no wrong choices when selecting memorial service songs—only opportunities to create a beautiful tribute that reflects a life well-lived and deeply loved.