Explore 39 funeral songs tagged as "modern". Each song has been carefully curated to help you create a meaningful memorial service.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
by Whitney Houston
A powerful declaration of eternal love despite parting.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses that love transcends physical separation.
Best moment: Deeply moving for spouses or life partners.
by Bob Dufford
A beloved Catholic hymn based on Isaiah 43, offering comfort and hope.
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that God is with us through death and into eternal life.
Best moment: Often sung during the entrance or as a closing hymn.
by Evanescence
A raw, emotional song about grief's lingering presence and the haunting nature of memories.
Why it's meaningful: Captures the feeling of someone's presence remaining even after they're gone.
Best moment: Appropriate for services honoring younger individuals or those who appreciated rock music.
by Kacey Musgraves
A gentle song offering hope that storms will pass and rainbows will come.
Why it's meaningful: Provides comfort with the promise that pain is temporary and joy will return.
Best moment: Comforting during services focused on celebrating life rather than mourning death.
by Gary Jules
A haunting cover that captures feelings of isolation and the surreal nature of grief.
Why it's meaningful: Resonates with those experiencing the disorienting early stages of loss.
Best moment: Appropriate for services honoring those who struggled with mental health.
by Sting
A nostalgic reflection on love and memories set in golden fields.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates beautiful memories and enduring love that transcends physical separation.
Best moment: Perfect for celebrating long, happy relationships.
by Cher
A powerful ballad about regret and wishing for more time with loved ones.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses the universal wish for more time and second chances.
Best moment: Resonates with those processing regrets and unfinished business.
by Billy Joel
A gentle goodnight song that takes on deeper meaning in farewell.
Why it's meaningful: Offers comfort with its soothing melody and message of peaceful rest.
Best moment: Tender choice for young children or as a final lullaby.
by Ed Sheeran
A heartbreaking song about pregnancy loss and unrealized dreams.
Why it's meaningful: Addresses the specific grief of losing a child before or shortly after birth.
Best moment: Provides validation for parents experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.
by Alphaville
A wish for eternal youth and endless possibilities.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses the hope that loved ones remain forever young in our hearts.
Best moment: Meaningful for young lives lost too soon.
by Avicii
An electronic anthem about brotherhood and unconditional support.
Why it's meaningful: Modern take on the eternal bond between brothers.
Best moment: Energetic tribute for younger generations.
by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
A modern tribute to friendship and the promise of reunion.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to younger generations about loss and remembrance.
Best moment: Resonates particularly with younger mourners.
by Ed Sheeran
A tender, personal tribute to a mother's love and loss.
Why it's meaningful: The intimate details make universal feelings deeply personal.
Best moment: Especially poignant for the loss of a mother.
by Suzanne Toolan
A Catholic hymn based on John 6, emphasizing eternal life through Christ.
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.
Best moment: Particularly meaningful during the offertory or communion.
by Juliana Hatfield
An indie rock song about the complex, deep bond between sisters.
Why it's meaningful: Acknowledges both the challenges and unbreakable connection between siblings.
Best moment: Resonates with those who had complicated but loving sister relationships.