Memorial Video Songs
The best songs for a memorial video are “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. A memorial video transforms photographs into a story — the right song gives that story its emotional arc, from gentle opening through the peak of memories to a hopeful close.
Best Songs for Memorial Video
Best songs for memorial video include “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, and “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran. The best memorial video songs match photo transition timing while building emotional intensity.
“See You Again” — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Written for Fast & Furious 7, the verse-chorus structure creates natural emotional peaks. The piano intro (first 30 seconds) works perfectly over childhood photos before the full arrangement kicks in.
“What a Wonderful World” — Louis Armstrong
At 2:21, it's the ideal single-song slideshow length. The warmth matches life celebration perfectly — baby photos through golden years feel natural under Armstrong's voice.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” — Bette Midler
The slow build from verse to chorus mirrors a life's journey. The "Did you ever know that you're my hero?" chorus hits when mid-life family photos appear.
“Photograph” — Ed Sheeran
The title alone makes it thematically perfect. "Loving can hurt / Loving can heal" captures the dual nature of looking at photos of someone gone.
We keep this love in a photograph.
“Tears in Heaven” — Eric Clapton
The gentle acoustic guitar and 4:33 runtime give breathing room for a longer slideshow. The emotional restraint prevents the video from becoming overwhelming.
Songs for Memorial Slideshow
Songs for a memorial slideshow need to serve a different purpose than songs played live at a funeral. A memorial slideshow song must match photo timing — typically 3-4 seconds per image at 60-80 BPM. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is the most used memorial slideshow song because its 2:21 runtime fits 35-45 photos perfectly. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole at 3:28 extends to 50-65 photos.
For longer memorial slideshows, “Wind Beneath My Wings” (4:53) or “Tears in Heaven” (4:33) accommodate 70-90 photos. Songs for memorial slideshows work best when the emotional arc matches the chronological arc of photos — gentle opening over childhood, building through milestones, emotional peak at family moments, and a hopeful resolution over final images. Avoid songs with sudden tempo changes that disrupt the viewing rhythm.
Memorial Video Songs by Moment
Memorial video songs work best when matched to specific moments in the video. The opening needs gentleness, the middle needs emotional build, and the closing needs resolution. Matching songs to video moments creates a narrative arc that transforms a photo collection into a story.
“Canon in D” — Pachelbel
Opening — the familiar progression builds gradually, drawing viewers in without overwhelming. Perfect over baby photos and childhood images.
“Supermarket Flowers” — Ed Sheeran
Middle section — the domestic details in the lyrics ("half-empty cups of tea") match family photos. The emotional build reaches its peak naturally.
A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Closing — the ukulele version creates gentle hope. Pairs naturally with final photos and creates a sense of peaceful farewell as the video ends.
Instrumental Songs for Funeral Slideshow
Instrumental songs for a funeral slideshow let the photographs speak without lyrical competition. “Clair de Lune” by Debussy (5:00) creates reflective beauty. “Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi (5:57) provides an emotional piano journey that builds and resolves. “River Flows in You” by Yiruma (3:30) is accessible and widely recognised.
Instrumental funeral slideshow songs are especially effective when the video includes on-screen text — dates, quotes, or captions — because lyrics can compete with written words. “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar carries Americana warmth (familiar from Ken Burns documentaries). “The Lark Ascending” by Vaughan Williams works for longer slideshows at 14 minutes. For more options, see our instrumental funeral songs and classical funeral songs guides.
Top 10 Memorial Video Songs
The most-chosen songs for memorial videos and funeral slideshows, ranked by popularity.
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.
Louis Armstrong
The quintessential New Orleans jazz funeral song, starting somber then exploding into joyful celebration during the second line.
Why it's meaningful: Embodies New Orleans jazz funeral tradition - mourning the loss while celebrating the soul's journey to heaven.
Best moment: Recessional or second line celebration, especially for New Orleans funerals.
Led Zeppelin
Epic rock ballad building from gentle acoustic opening to soaring electric climax, considered one of the greatest rock songs ever.
Why it's meaningful: The journey from quiet to powerful mirrors life's progression and the soul's ascent to heaven.
Best moment: Powerful choice for brothers or classic rock lovers, especially the acoustic opening.
The Beatles
A tender reflection on places and people who shaped us, acknowledging that love endures even as life changes.
Why it's meaningful: Perfectly balances honoring the past while acknowledging loss.
Best moment: Universal choice for honoring anyone, celebrating their place in your life.
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.
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.
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.
Unchained Melody
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.
Adagio for Strings
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.
Going Up Yonder
Walter Hawkins
This uplifting anthem celebrates the promise of heaven and eternal life, transforming grief into hope.
Why it's meaningful: A staple in Black Protestant funeral traditions, it focuses on the glorious reunion awaiting believers in heaven during homegoing services.
Best moment: Powerful as a recessional or celebration of life moment.
All Memorial Video Songs
Soon and Very Soon
Andraé Crouch
This triumphant song anticipates the joy of seeing Jesus and being reunited with loved ones in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Based on Revelation 21:3-4, it speaks of no more crying or dying. Performed at Michael Jackson's memorial service.
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
I'll Fly Away
Albert Brumley
This song uses the metaphor of a bird freed from prison to describe the soul's joyous release into heaven.
Why it's meaningful: The most recorded gospel song of all time with over 1,000 versions, celebrating joyous liberation death brings to believers.
Best moment: Perfect for New Orleans jazz funerals and celebration of life services.
One Sweet Day
Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
A powerful duet about missing someone and looking forward to reunion, expressing all the things left unsaid.
Why it's meaningful: The soaring harmonies and emotional vocals create a cathartic release while offering hope of eventual reunion and expressing unspoken love.
Best moment: Emotional peak moment during service, allows congregants to fully feel their grief.
I Can Only Imagine
MercyMe
Written by lead singer Bart Millard about his father's death, imagining what it will be like to finally see Jesus face to face.
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song processes grief through the lens of eventual reunion in God's presence.
Best moment: Powerful for Christian services, building from quiet contemplation to triumphant hope.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men's acapella ballad about parting ways, made iconic by the movie Cooley High.
Why it's meaningful: The harmony-driven vocals capture the collective grief of saying goodbye, making it perfect for young people or tight-knit groups.
Best moment: Powerful for younger generations or honoring friendships and brotherhood.
Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Southern rock anthem about freedom and living without constraints, featuring one of rock's greatest guitar solos.
Why it's meaningful: For free spirits who refused to be caged, this song celebrates independence and the soul's liberation.
Best moment: Perfect for brothers or men who lived boldly and valued freedom.
Stand by Me
Ben E. King
Ben E. King's timeless soul classic about loyalty and devotion through life's darkest moments.
Why it's meaningful: The promise to stand by someone no matter what honors relationships built on unwavering loyalty and support.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring sisters, brothers, or anyone who stood by you.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Motown classic about unwavering devotion and the promise to be there no matter what obstacles arise.
Why it's meaningful: The promise that nothing can keep us apart offers hope that death itself cannot sever the bonds of love.
Best moment: Uplifting choice for celebrating unshakeable devotion and enduring connection.
Georgia on My Mind
Ray Charles
Ray Charles' iconic soul interpretation of the Hoagy Carmichael classic, full of longing for home.
Why it's meaningful: The longing for Georgia represents nostalgia for home and better times, honoring those who cherished their roots.
Best moment: Perfect for Georgia natives or honoring homesick souls.
End of the Road
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men's emotional R&B ballad about reaching the painful end of a relationship.
Why it's meaningful: The raw emotion in accepting that we've reached the end captures the finality of loss.
Best moment: Emotional choice for 90s music lovers or expressing the finality of loss.
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Al Green's silky soul classic about eternal commitment and standing by your love.
Why it's meaningful: The promise to stay together through good and bad times honors marriages that endured all seasons.
Best moment: Perfect for long-term marriages built on commitment and devotion.
Midnight Train to Georgia
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight's soulful story of devotion, following love back home no matter what.
Why it's meaningful: The journey back home represents the soul's return to where it belongs.
Best moment: For Georgia natives or honoring the journey home to rest.
You'll Never Walk Alone
From Carousel (1945)
Powerful anthem of hope and companionship through life's darkest storms.
Why it's meaningful: Reassures mourners they are not alone in their grief journey.
Best moment: Inspiring as a closing hymn or recessional.
Caledonia
Dougie MacLean
Scotland's unofficial national anthem — a song of homesickness where 'home' becomes a metaphor for the afterlife.
Why it's meaningful: For a Scot dying anywhere in the world, the lyric about being called home is the most powerful sentiment available. Death reframed as homecoming.
Best moment: Main tribute moment or recessional. The Dougie MacLean original is tender; the Paolo Nutini cover is soulful.
Even Though I'm Leaving
Luke Combs
A modern masterpiece of storytelling — child afraid of monsters, son leaving for the army, father dying. Three verses spanning a lifetime.
Why it's meaningful: Emphasizes the continuity of a father's protection even after death. The narrative arc mirrors the mourner's own life with their dad.
Best moment: Tribute moment for fathers, especially from the perspective of a son.
I Hope You Dance
Lee Ann Womack
A parent giving advice to a child — the 'dance' is a metaphor for engaging with life fully, taking risks, and never becoming bitter.
Why it's meaningful: Functions as a final blessing from the deceased to the living. Alleviates survivor's guilt by saying 'Go live.'
Best moment: Recessional or final moment. Redirects focus from the coffin to the future.
I Will Always Love You
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's original — a graceful farewell that acknowledges the bittersweet nature of parting while affirming eternal love.
Why it's meaningful: Themes of eternal love make it a funeral staple. The country original is more intimate than the Whitney Houston version.
Best moment: Spouse's funeral or mother's farewell. The stripped-back arrangement lets the words carry the weight.
Live Like You Were Dying
Tim McGraw
Inspired by McGraw's own father's cancer diagnosis. A man given a terminal diagnosis decides to live fully in his remaining time.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates seizing life rather than fearing death. Reframes the funeral as honouring someone who truly lived.
Best moment: Celebration of life services, especially for those who lived boldly or fought illness.
Take Me Home, Country Roads
John Denver
Folk-country anthem about returning to West Virginia. 'Home' becomes a metaphor for heaven, earth, or the memory of ancestors.
Why it's meaningful: A massive singalong that turns individual loss into collective belonging. The physical act of singing provides comfort.
Best moment: Recessional or celebration of life. Congregation singing creates palpable community support.
Spirit in the Sky
Norman Greenbaum
Psychedelic rock-gospel fusion with a gritty fuzz guitar riff. The most direct funeral instruction in rock history.
Why it's meaningful: Reframes death as preparation for the 'place that's the best.' The stomping beat forces a march-like exit, turning the recessional into a parade.
Best moment: Recessional. The definitive choice for the 'cool dad' or rock-and-roll enthusiast.
Funeral Slideshow Songs for Dad
Funeral slideshow songs for dad need to capture a lifetime of strength, protection, and quiet love. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler is the most popular choice for a dad's memorial video — its tribute to unsung heroism matches the photos of a father who showed up every day without asking for recognition. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra pairs naturally with a slideshow of a dad who lived on his own terms, from young adventurer to family patriarch.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton works when the loss is fresh and the slideshow leans into emotion. For country-loving dads, “The Dance” by Garth Brooks accompanies photos beautifully — “I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance” reframes every photo as evidence of a life worth celebrating. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa resonates especially with younger family members creating slideshows for their father. Match the song's emotional arc to the photo chronology: gentle opening over childhood, building through milestones, emotional peak at family moments.
For more options, browse our funeral songs for dad collection.
Funeral Slideshow Songs for Brother
Funeral slideshow songs for a brother should reflect the unique bond between siblings — part friendship, part rivalry, part irreplaceable. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth has become the most requested slideshow song for brothers, especially for younger men, because its origin as a tribute to a lost friend captures the peer-level bond siblings share. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers honours a brother who was always there when needed.
“Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits works for a slideshow of adventures shared, while “You've Got a Friend” by James Taylor or Carole King captures the permanence of the sibling bond. For a brother who loved rock music, “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd expresses the ache of absence without sentimentality. Include photos of childhood together, shared milestones, and candid moments — the song should feel like the soundtrack to your shared history. For younger brothers, modern songs from their own playlists often make the most personal impact.
Funeral Slideshow Songs for Grandmother
Funeral slideshow songs for grandmother should evoke the warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love that grandmothers embody. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is the most popular choice — its gentle celebration of life's beauty mirrors how grandmothers teach us to appreciate small joys. At just 2:21, it fits a concise slideshow of 35-45 photos perfectly. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole creates an atmosphere of tender nostalgia ideal for childhood memories with grandma.
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole (or the duet version with Natalie Cole) honours a grandmother whose presence defined family gatherings. “You Are My Sunshine” works especially well if she sang it to grandchildren — hearing the song over photos of her with them creates a visceral emotional connection. For grandmothers of faith, “Amazing Grace” provides familiar comfort, while “Ave Maria” by Schubert suits Catholic grandmothers. Match the song to who she was: a lively grandmother might deserve “Isn't She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, while a quieter soul might suit “Clair de Lune” by Debussy.
See our dedicated funeral songs for grandma guide for more choices.
Common Questions
What are the best songs for a memorial video?
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The best songs for a memorial video are "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler, "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran, and "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton. The best memorial video songs share three qualities: emotional resonance without being overwhelming, a tempo that matches photo transitions (typically 60-80 BPM for 3-4 seconds per photo), and lyrics that feel personal without being too specific to one relationship. "See You Again" works because its verse-chorus structure naturally creates emotional peaks that align with key photos.
How long should a memorial video slideshow be?
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A memorial video slideshow should be 3-5 minutes, which is the length of one or two songs. At 3-4 seconds per photo, a single 4-minute song accommodates 60-80 photos — enough to span a lifetime without testing attention spans. Funeral directors recommend keeping slideshows under 5 minutes for services and under 8 minutes for receptions. If you have more photos, show them on a loop at the reception rather than extending the service slideshow. Choose one song that carries the full emotional arc rather than cutting between multiple tracks, which can feel disjointed.
What songs work for the opening of a memorial video?
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Songs for the opening of a memorial video should be gentle and draw viewers in without overwhelming them. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong opens with warmth that matches baby photos and early life images. "Canon in D" by Pachelbel provides instrumental beauty that lets the photos speak. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole creates an immediate sense of tenderness. "Clair de Lune" by Debussy works for elegant, understated openings. The opening 15-20 seconds should match the emotional tone of childhood and early photos — save the emotional peaks for middle and closing sections.
Can you use copyrighted music in a memorial video?
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You can use copyrighted music in a memorial video shown at a funeral service — this falls under personal, private use and no licence is needed. However, if you plan to upload the video to YouTube, Facebook, or a memorial website, the platform may mute or block copyrighted audio. Options for online sharing: use the platform's built-in music library (YouTube has a free audio library), purchase a sync licence through services like Musicbed or Artlist ($15-30 per song), or use royalty-free alternatives. Many families create two versions — one with the original song for the service and one with a licensed alternative for online sharing.
What are good instrumental songs for a funeral slideshow?
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Good instrumental songs for a funeral slideshow include "Canon in D" by Pachelbel (5:30, gentle build), "Clair de Lune" by Debussy (5:00, reflective), "Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi (5:57, emotional piano), "River Flows in You" by Yiruma (3:30, accessible beauty), and "Ashokan Farewell" by Jay Ungar (3:22, Americana warmth). Instrumental songs work especially well for slideshows because lyrics can compete with on-screen text and captions. They also avoid the risk of lyrics contradicting the photos being shown. For a longer slideshow, "The Lark Ascending" by Vaughan Williams (14:00) or "Spiegel im Spiegel" by Arvo Pärt (10:00) provide sustained emotional support.