Songs Played at Funerals:
The Most Popular Memorial Music for Every Service Moment
Songs played at funerals typically include 3-5 musical selections chosen for specific moments during the service, from the processional entry to the final recessional, each serving a distinct emotional and ceremonial purpose. Understanding when and why certain songs are played helps you create a meaningful musical tribute that honors your loved one while providing comfort to mourners.
Understanding Funeral Music by Service Moment
The songs played at a funeral follow a deliberate structure, with each musical selection serving a specific purpose in the ceremony. Knowing when different types of songs are played helps you create a cohesive and meaningful musical experience.
Processional
When: As casket or family enters
Duration: 3-4 minutes
Tone: Dignified, reverent, sets solemn atmosphere
Reflection
When: During eulogies, communion, meditation
Duration: 2-3 songs, 3-5 minutes each
Tone: Peaceful, contemplative, emotional
Recessional
When: As service concludes, people exit
Duration: 3-4 minutes
Tone: Hopeful, uplifting, comforting
Most Frequently Played Funeral Songs
These songs appear at funerals more than any others, chosen for their universal appeal, emotional depth, and ability to provide comfort across different beliefs and traditions.
Amazing Grace
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 →Taps
Traditional Military
The iconic bugle call played at military funerals, symbolizing final rest and peace.
A deeply reverent tribute that honors military service and sacrifice.
Listen on YouTube →Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Mahalia Jackson
Written by Thomas Dorsey after losing his wife and infant son, this deeply personal hymn has become the quintessential gospel funeral song.
Its heartfelt plea for divine guidance through life\\
Listen on YouTube →When the Saints Go Marching In
Louis Armstrong
The quintessential New Orleans jazz funeral song, starting somber then exploding into joyful celebration during the second line.
Embodies New Orleans jazz funeral tradition - mourning the loss while celebrating the soul\\
Listen on YouTube →Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
Epic rock ballad building from gentle acoustic opening to soaring electric climax, considered one of the greatest rock songs ever.
The journey from quiet to powerful mirrors life\\
Listen on YouTube →In My Life
The Beatles
The Beatles\\
Perfectly balances honoring the past while acknowledging loss -
Listen on YouTube →Hallelujah
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 →Time to Say Goodbye
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 →How Great Thou Art
Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God
Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith
Listen on YouTube →Somewhere Over the Rainbow
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 →Processional Songs
Processional music sets the tone as the casket or family enters the service. These songs are typically slow, dignified, and reverent, giving mourners time to settle into the ceremony.
Amazing Grace
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.
Taps
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.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
by Mahalia Jackson
Written by Thomas Dorsey after losing his wife and infant son, this deeply personal hymn has become the quintessential gospel funeral song.
Why it's meaningful: Its heartfelt plea for divine guidance through life\\
Best moment: Perfect for processional or during reflection moments.
When the Saints Go Marching In
by 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\\
Best moment: Recessional or second line celebration, especially for New Orleans funerals.
Time to Say Goodbye
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.
How Great Thou Art
by Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith
Best moment: Powerful as a congregational hymn or solo performance.
God Bless the U.S.A.
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.
Requiem
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart\\
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.
Adagio for Strings
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.
I\\
by Albert Brumley
This song uses the metaphor of a bird freed from prison to describe the soul\\
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.
It Is Well With My Soul
by Horatio Spafford
Written as Spafford\\
Why it's meaningful: Despite devastating loss, Spafford declared
Best moment: Powerful testimony of faith during the darkest moments.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
by The Carter Family
Classic American folk hymn about family reunion in heaven, with the Carter Family\\
Why it's meaningful: The promise of reuniting in an unbroken circle offers hope that families separated by death will be together again.
Best moment: Perfect for family patriarchs/matriarchs or emphasizing heavenly reunion.
Reflection & Meditation Songs
These songs accompany quiet moments of reflection, eulogies, photo slideshows, or communion. They create space for personal remembrance and emotional processing.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
by Mahalia Jackson
Written by Thomas Dorsey after losing his wife and infant son, this deeply personal hymn has become the quintessential gospel funeral song.
Why it's meaningful: Its heartfelt plea for divine guidance through life\\
Best moment: Perfect for processional or during reflection moments.
When the Saints Go Marching In
by 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\\
Best moment: Recessional or second line celebration, especially for New Orleans funerals.
Hallelujah
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.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
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.
Adagio for Strings
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.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
by Simon and Garfunkel
A promise of support and comfort through life\\
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.
The Prayer
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.
Going Up Yonder
by 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.
Soon and Very Soon
by 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\\
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
It Is Well With My Soul
by Horatio Spafford
Written as Spafford\\
Why it's meaningful: Despite devastating loss, Spafford declared
Best moment: Powerful testimony of faith during the darkest moments.
Knockin\\
by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan\\
Why it's meaningful: The tired resignation in the lyrics honors those ready to rest after life\\
Best moment: For honoring lives of struggle or those ready to lay down burdens.
A Change Is Gonna Come
by Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke\\
Why it's meaningful: Written shortly before Cooke\\
Best moment: Powerful for activists, civil rights advocates, or those who persevered through injustice.
Recessional & Closing Songs
Recessional songs accompany the conclusion of the service as people exit. These tend to be more hopeful and uplifting, providing comfort and a sense of peace as the ceremony ends.
Amazing Grace
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.
When the Saints Go Marching In
by 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\\
Best moment: Recessional or second line celebration, especially for New Orleans funerals.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
by Simon and Garfunkel
A promise of support and comfort through life\\
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.
The Prayer
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.
Going Up Yonder
by 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.
Soon and Very Soon
by 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\\
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
I\\
by Albert Brumley
This song uses the metaphor of a bird freed from prison to describe the soul\\
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
by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
A powerful duet about missing someone and looking forward to reunion -
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
by MercyMe
Written by lead singer Bart Millard about his father\\
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song processes grief through the lens of eventual reunion in God\\
Best moment: Powerful for Christian services, building from quiet contemplation to triumphant hope.
Free Bird
by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Southern rock anthem about freedom and living without constraints, featuring one of rock\\
Why it's meaningful: For free spirits who refused to be caged, this song celebrates independence and the soul\\
Best moment: Perfect for brothers or men who lived boldly and valued freedom.
A Change Is Gonna Come
by Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke\\
Why it's meaningful: Written shortly before Cooke\\
Best moment: Powerful for activists, civil rights advocates, or those who persevered through injustice.
Ain\\
by 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.
How to Choose Songs for Each Service Moment
Choosing Processional Songs
Consider:
- • Slow, walking tempo (60-80 BPM)
- • Duration of 3-4 minutes
- • Solemn, reverent tone
- • Familiar to provide comfort
- • Works with venue acoustics
Popular Choices:
- • Barber - "Adagio for Strings"
- • Pachelbel - "Canon in D"
- • "Abide with Me"
- • "Ave Maria"
- • Bach - "Air on the G String"
Choosing Reflection Songs
Consider:
- • Personal meaning to deceased
- • Lyrics that tell their story
- • Emotional but not overwhelming
- • Appropriate volume for speaking
- • Multiple songs with variety
Popular Choices:
- • "Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen
- • "Tears in Heaven" - Eric Clapton
- • "The Rose" - Bette Midler
- • "Time to Say Goodbye"
- • "Wind Beneath My Wings"
Choosing Recessional Songs
Consider:
- • More hopeful, uplifting theme
- • Provides sense of closure
- • Sends people off with comfort
- • Can be slightly more energetic
- • Memorable conclusion
Popular Choices:
- • "Amazing Grace"
- • "What a Wonderful World"
- • "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
- • "Going Home"
- • "I'll Fly Away"
Working with Funeral Directors on Music
Your funeral director is an invaluable resource for planning music. Here's how to work effectively with them:
Ask About:
- • Venue audio capabilities and equipment
- • Whether they provide music coordination
- • Recommended local musicians if needed
- • Timing for each song during service
- • Any restrictions on music types
- • Format needed for recordings (CD, USB, streaming)
Provide Them:
- • Final song list with artist names
- • Specific moments for each song
- • High-quality recordings on requested format
- • Contact info for any live musicians
- • Backup recordings in case of tech issues
- • Timing preferences for each piece
Common Questions
How many songs are typically played at funerals?
Most funeral services include 3-5 songs: one for the processional (entering), 1-2 during the service for reflection or communion, and one for the recessional (exiting). More contemporary services might include additional songs during photo slideshows or eulogies.
What are the most popular songs played at funerals?
The most frequently played funeral songs include "Amazing Grace," "Ave Maria," "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli, and "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. These songs balance comfort, hope, and universal appeal.
When during the funeral service should each song be played?
Processional songs are played as the casket or family enters (3-4 minutes). Reflection or communion songs play during quiet moments (2-3 songs, 3-5 minutes each). Recessional songs accompany the exit and often have hopeful themes (3-4 minutes). Additional songs may be used for photo slideshows or specific ceremony elements.
Should funeral songs be religious or secular?
This depends entirely on the deceased's beliefs and family preferences. Religious services typically include hymns and sacred music, while secular services might feature favorite songs regardless of content. Many families blend both religious and secular music to honor different aspects of their loved one's life.
Who chooses the songs played at funerals?
Usually, the deceased's closest family members (spouse, children, parents) select funeral music, sometimes following wishes the deceased expressed. Many people pre-plan their funerals and specify songs they want played. Funeral directors and clergy can also offer suggestions based on the type of service.
Can I use recorded music or do I need live musicians?
Both options work well. Recorded music is more common and easier to coordinate, especially for specific artist versions. Live musicians (organist, soloist, string quartet) add a personal touch but cost more and require coordination. Many services use a combination: live musicians for key moments and recordings for others.
What makes a good processional funeral song?
Good processional songs have a slow, dignified tempo suitable for walking, convey reverence and respect, last 3-4 minutes, and set an appropriate tone for the service. Popular choices include "Abide with Me," Pachelbel's "Canon in D," and Barber's "Adagio for Strings."
What makes a good recessional funeral song?
Effective recessional songs often have slightly more hopeful or uplifting themes than processionals, last 3-4 minutes to allow everyone to exit, provide a sense of conclusion and peace, and leave mourners with comfort. Popular choices include "Amazing Grace," "Going Home," and "What a Wonderful World."
Related Resources
Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.