27 Beatles Funeral Songs

Saying goodbye to a loved one at a funeral is among the most challenging and heartbreaking things to face. But, often, what can't be told in a loved one's eulogy can be said through song.

During their reign at the top of the music charts, The Beatles wrote and sang some of the most iconic songs ever.  While the group's saccharinely sweet love tunes in their early discography may not work at a funeral, some of their later tunes can strike the right tone.

Here are the best Beatles funeral songs.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1970

“Let It Be” was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon/McCartney. It was initially inspired by a dream McCartney had of his mother, Mary, who passed away in 1956. As such, it’s a soothing song put together in a way that makes it fitting for a funeral.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1965

Another song dealing with a change in life circumstance, “Yesterday,” would fit during any moment of a funeral. Released on the “Help!” album, Yesterday became a classic song.

It was the first ballad to top the US charts and has since become an iconic part of popular music. This melancholy tune deals with heartbreak and loss, and though the lyrics are touching, even the instrumental version is sufficient to express what we’re feeling in difficult moments.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1970

This song’s title alone suggests finality and an ending to a chapter in life. It was the last song recorded by the band for “Let It Be.” It’s a reflection of uncertainty and the struggles of life.

“The Long and Winding Road” is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally charged songs in the Beatles' catalog. Nevertheless, the song has been a source of inspiration for many, and its message of hope and perseverance continues to resonate.

“She's Leaving Home” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1967

There are many ways “She's Leaving Home” could be taken, especially if this song is a favorite for someone who has passed away. The song tells the story of a young woman leaving home to pursue her own life.

The song was written by Paul McCartney and was inspired by a newspaper article about a teenage girl who ran away from home. Still, this tune could easily be an allegory for a woman heading “home” after a long illness or sudden death.

“In My Life” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1965

Released in 1965 on the album “Rubber Soul,” the song reflects the past and present and is considered one of the most personal songs John Lennon ever wrote. The song is often seen as a reflection of Lennon's life, with references to people, places, and events from his childhood. This is the type of song easily played at a funeral.

“Free as a Bird” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1995

“Free as a Bird” was written by John Lennon in 1977. However, Lennon was tragically shot three years later. The remaining band members released a studio version of the song as a part of The Beatles Anthology documentary and album trilogy in 1995.

The lyrics speak of loss and shared history with someone. The eerie feeling of freedom can also be perceived as something positive, as we can think of a loved one now being free to fly like a bird.

“Hey Jude” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1968

“Hey Jude” can be either a sad song or something that brings positive feelings to the surface. Still, it's a song not out of place in a funeral setting. The song was written to encourage Julian Lennon, John Lennon's son, during his parents' divorce. Notably, it was the longest single that The Beatles had ever released, clocking in at over seven minutes.

“Blackbird” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1968

Another Paul McCartney standard – especially if you have been to any of his concerts in the past 20 years – “Blackbird” is a simple tune about a bird with a broken wing. However, the bird's story is the perfect allegory for a funeral situation. The lyrics continuously bring up the bird learning to fly once again, which is ideal for someone who has passed to that next level of living.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1969

“Here Comes the Sun” is one of George Harrison's most memorable songs for the band. Released with Abbey Road, this tune puts a positive spin on life and would do well in a funeral setting. While death is final, life after death goes on for the loved ones. This song is a reminder that the sun always rises – even during dark times.

“I'll Follow the Sun” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1964

An early hit for the Liverpool band in 1964, “I'll Follow the Sun” is a more optimistic song. Written by Paul McCartney, it is one of the earliest compositions he wrote for the band. The upbeat tempo of the song, combined with its catchy chorus, has made it a favorite among Beatles fans.

The lyrics allude to a sense of optimism and remind us that no matter what life throws, we can always find light in the darkness and keep moving forward.