31 Baby Funeral Songs, For A Child That’s Passed Away

There’s nothing as tragic and heartbreaking to a family as the death of a child. A moving burial song for a baby can help parents and mourners convey profound feelings in a way that words cannot express.

Here are baby funeral songs that best embody the emotion surrounding the death of a child.

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

Song Year: 1992

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton borrows inspiration from unbearably tragic events. The track is a homage to the enduring power of love and grief for the death of Clapton’s 4-year-old son, Conor.

Conor passed away after accidentally falling from the window of a New York apartment building. Clapton, who was away when the tragedy struck, had to complete the identification at the mortuary, which was a very low moment for him.

“Small Bump” by Ed Sheeran

Song Year: 2011

Ed Sheeran’s “Small Bump” is the 5th single of his debut album. The track is about Sheeran’s close pal and his experience with a pregnancy ending suddenly with a miscarriage at five months.

Ed describes the hopes, emotions, and disappointments that follow a miscarriage. The track peaked at #25 in the U.K. Singles Chart. If you’ve experienced a similar experience, you’ll find the lyrics of this tune quite relatable.

“Baby Mine” by Alison Krauss

Song Year: 1996

“Baby Mine” is a track from the 1941 Disney animated film, Dumbo. Bett Noyes recorded the original version, but Alison Krauss’ Country version provides a more modern take on the tune.

Lyrically, the song embodies the theme of separation and undying love between a mother and her kid. Krauss’ reassuring and broken voice will have you shedding a tear during your baby’s funeral. 

“Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

Song Year: 1997

“Arms of an Angel” is the 4th and final track off Sarah McLachlan’s 4th studio album, Surfacing. The lyrics borrow inspiration from the death of one of Sarah’s close friends and fellow musician who passed away from a drug overdose.

However, you can interpret this tune to symbolize your baby’s existence in the afterlife. The lyrics reassure parents and mourners who find solace in knowing their kids are in a better place.

“Hello, Goodbye” by Michael W. Smith

Song Year: 1998

“Hello, Goodbye” is the 12th tune from Michael W. Smith’s album, Live the Life. It’s a hearty ballad about the longing to see your child in the afterlife.

Smith recorded this tune for his friends who had lost their newborn child. It’s a tune of grief and acceptance, perfect for playing during your child’s memorial.

“Gone Too Soon” by Daughtry

Song Year: 2011

“Gone Too Soon” is the 8th single from Daughtry’s 3rd studio album, Break the Spell. Lyrically, the track is about the realization that you could be sharing your loved one’s birthday had they not passed away.

Coincidentally, Daughtry discovered that his brother’s wife had experienced a miscarriage before. A baby’s untimely passing is filled with unfathomable grief that no words can heal, but you’ll find some consolation in listening to Daughtry’s soothing vocals.

“I Want You Here” by Plumb

Song Year: 2013

“I Want You Here” is the 5th track from Plumb’s 6th studio album, Need You Now. The intro to this tune, and its subsequent lyrics, are quite moving.

The singer is specifically addressing parents who lose their children. Listen to this tune during your child’s funerals for its hearty lyrics and deep vocals.

“Goodnight My Angel” by Billy Joel

Song Year: 1993

“Goodnight My Angel” is the 7th track off Billy Joel’s album, River of Dreams. Joel composed the tune during the period he was experiencing marital issues with his then-wife, Christie Brinkley.

Joel wanted his daughter to know he’ll always be there for her despite separating from her mother. It’s a soft ballad with a soothing melody that’ll allow mourners to deeply grieve the loss of a child.

“I Will Carry You (Audrey’s Song)” by Selah

Song Year: 2009

In 2008, Selah’s frontman, Todd, and his wife, Angie Smith, discovered via ultrasound that their 4th daughter would not survive because of health complications. Despite the doctor’s advice to terminate the pregnancy, the couple decided to carry the pregnancy to term.

This experience unfolded into a miracle, where they briefly spent time with their daughter upon her delivery before her passing. This song tells the heart-wrenching story of a parent losing their kid.

“Bluebonnets” by Aaron Watson

Song Year: 2015

“Blue Bonnets” is an acoustic ballad by Aaron Watson from his 2015 studio album, The Underdog. Even if you don’t know the backstory initially, the lyrics are powerful and deeply moving.

The song is a dedication to Watson’s daughter, Julia, who died soon after her birth. The song has a touch of sorrow but also a hopeful view. Watson tells us to embrace the moments we share with our loved ones.

“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

Song Year: 1988

“Forever Young” is the 4th track of Rod Stewart’s 15th album, Out of Order. The tune peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian music charts.

Stewart composed the tune with his fellow band members, Kevin Savigar and Jim Cregan. Stewart claimed that “Forever Young” reminded him of his kids and how he missed their childhood years while on tour. The hearty lyrics can also resonate with somebody who’s lost a baby as it embodies the theme of clinging to memories.