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

“Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon

Song Year: 1980

“Beautiful Boy” is the 4th track, composed and recorded by John Lennon, off his final album, Double Fantasy Stripped Down. The song is a dedication to Lennon’s son, Sean, whom he fathered with fellow musician Yoko Ono.

The tune starts with John reassuring his kid of what’s presumed to be a nightmare and progresses to John passionately articulating his love for Sean and the happiness Sean has brought him. Let your baby know how much they’re loved by playing this song at their funeral.

“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle

Song Year: 1997

“Butterfly Kisses” is a song co-written by Randy Thomas and Bob Carlisle from Carlisle’s 3rd album, Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace). The track is a 16th birthday dedication to Carlisle’s daughter, Brooke.

“Butterfly Kisses” became a major radio jam in the U.S., even topping the Hot 100 Airplay charts. Lyrically, the tune also embodies gratitude for memories shared, which is an excellent theme for a baby’s funeral.

“Precious Child” by Karen Taylor-Good

Song Year: 2001

“Precious Child” is composed and recorded by American singer-songwriter Karen Taylor-Good. While Karen has written tunes for numerous Country music artists, she penned this tune for her sister Bonnie, who lost her young son to murder.

Karen first performed this song during the candle-lighting ceremony of Bonnie’s son. Ever since the track has become a common selection for parents seeking a lovely tune to play at their kid’s memorial or funeral.

“Beam Me Up” by Pink

Song Year: 2012

“Beam Me Up” is the 9th single on Pink’s 6th album, Truth About Love. Pink revealed that she composed this hearty acoustic ballad for a close friend who lost a baby at an early age.

Pink claims this tune was the hardest to write for her album as it was quite emotional. While she finds it hard to perform on tours, this song is popular in baby funerals for its reassurance and heart-wrenching lyrics.

“Hug Him Once for Me” by Erica McClure

Song Year: 2010

Erica composed “Hug Him Once For Me” after the passing of her baby boy, Braden. Erica had put her baby to sleep, only for him not to wake up.

The song is a melancholy cry by a mother to the heavens to embrace her son on her behalf. It’s one of those songs that will leave everybody in tears at a baby’s funeral.

“Bright Eyes” by Art Garfunkel

Song Year: 1979

“Bright Eyes” is an Indie-Rock tune co-written by Mike Batt and recorded by Art Garfunkel. It was recorded for the British animated film Watership Down. The song enjoyed substantial commercial success, topping the U.K. Singles Chart for six weeks.

Upon listening to the track, you may not outrightly think it’s about losing a loved one. However, it has a deep meaning once you pay close attention to the lyrics and can augur well with a baby funeral.

“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2005

“Who You’d Be Today” is a Country tune co-written by Bill Luther and Aimee Mayo but performed by Kenny Chesney. Kenny released it as the first single from his 10th studio album, The Road and the Radio.

Lyrically, the track is about an individual who passed away at a young age. The singer talks about how much they have missed the deceased and wonders what their life would be like if they were still living.

“When the River Meets the Sea” by John Denver & The Muppets

Song Year: 1979

“When the River Meets the Sea” is a tune originally composed by singer-songwriter Paul Williams for an animated T.V. film. However, The Muppets and John Denver later performed the track for their album, A Christmas Together.

While many might assume this tune was composed for a Christmas tale, the lyrics don’t embody a holiday theme. Instead, the song is about death, and the transition to the afterlife, making it a great funeral song for a baby. 

“Carry” by Tori Amos

Song Year: 2011

“Carry” is the debut track by Tori Amos from her 12th solo album, Night of Hunters. The record centers around a heartbroken woman searching for the cause of her relationship’s end.

Lyrically, this song is about accepting that individuals can leave your life but remain alive in your memories. Its theme of sadness and acceptance makes it a great baby funeral song.

“Sail to the Moon” by Radiohead

Song Year: 2003

“Sail to the Moon” is an acoustic tune by the U.K. rock band Radiohead. The song featured as the 3rd track on their 6th studio album, Hail to the Thief.

Numerous accounts claim that the song was composed as a dedication to Thom Yorke’s son. However, the sad tone in the singer’s voice is befitting for a baby’s funeral.