23 Black Funeral Songs
Contents
13. “I Pray We‘ll Be Ready” by Chicago Mass Choir
Song Year: 2005
This song is more about being ready when death comes. The lyrics tell everyone to get ready or be ready when that last day comes, and it's too late. The song is popular among black churches and is a wonderful song for a black funeral.
14. “In My New Home” by Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s
Song Year: 2007
This song is perfect for a singer who has passed on, especially a singer that lived for God. They sang songs for God in churches all over, and now that they've passed, they are singing in their new home.
15. “Angels Will Be Singing” by Edwin Hawkins
Song Year: 1984
The Hawkins singers were popular during the 1970s and 1980s among the African-American community. This song is by Edwin Hawkins, who wrote and choreographed this song with the Arts Seminar Mass Choir.
It's comforting to know that the angels are singing now that your loved one has passed. This song is encouraging and uplifting, telling you there's no reason to let grief overwhelm you. Your loved one is home and enjoying themselves.
16. “The Battle Is Not Yours” by Yolanda Adams
Song Year: 1993
A perfect song for those who have lost loved ones because the battle is not yours; it's the Lord's. Hand over all your pain to Him. Everything is in His hand, and He will work it. He will give you strength during your darkest hours. Just trust Him. Keep your head up, and things will get better. Let the memories of your loved one comfort you.
17. “I Can’t Feel At Home” by New Jerusalem Baptist Church
Song Year: 1996
This song's upbeat tempo will uplift and encourage you during your darkest moments. It helps you look forward to the future and helps you look to where your loved ones have passed on to – where we will one day meet them again.
The song speaks of all the disappointments of this life. We don’t feel at home and long to go to our real home one day. Play this song and watch the attendees stand to their feet, sing, and clap along. It’s a joyful song that will make you forget you’re at a funeral.
18. “God Is” by James Cleveland
Song Year: 1968
James Cleveland is a staple among the African-American gospel community. He wrote many songs that most people can relate to – songs that have significant meanings about one's spiritual life and outlook.
These songs are treasure troves and are favorites among many people. This song is inspiring and uplifting. It has a slower tempo, but it is soul-stirring. This song will have you in deep meditation regarding your spiritual life and connection to God.
The song is also one of the more popular black funeral songs. It will strengthen you by helping you focus on the joy and strength of your life instead of the sad moments that funerals can bring.
19. “View That Holy City” by Rizen
Song Year: 2004
This song will lift your spirit – and everybody else's at a funeral. It's an uptempo, hand-clapping, and foot-stomping tune that will wipe away the tears and turn those frowns upside down. You'll feel like you're at a real celebration of life service instead of a funeral.
20. “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” by Mahalia Jackson
Song Year: 1905
This is one of the great hymns of all time, sung by one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, Mahalia Jackson. Mahalia Jackson's voice is unmatched. Her singing will stir your soul and lift your spirit. The lyrics are about God's protection over our lives.
We may think sparrows are insignificant, but God has his eye on them, and if He has his protective eye on them, how much more does He watch over us and care for us, especially during a time of sorrow?
21. “The Lord Is My Shepherd” by Cissy Houston
Song Year: 1996
The mother of Whitney Houston sings a favorite Psalm in the Bible many cherish during times of difficulties and the death of loved ones. What can encourage, uplift, and inspire you while going through the darkest and toughest times of your life than this meaningful Psalm?
The Lord is my Shepherd and gives us comfort and strength to get through the dark valleys. The song is wonderfully made, and Cissy Houston's voice is powerful. The choir behind her does an outstanding job.
22. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Albertine Walker and the Caravans
Song Year: 2006
Albertine Walker sings this song with such power and soul. This song is definitely one of the best funeral songs ever made. The lyrics tell us that there is no reason the loss of a loved one should cause us to hold our heads down or even become depressed.
Our hope is in the One who holds tomorrow – God. Not only does He hold the future, but He holds the present, and He'll get us through our darkest days one step at a time.
23. “I’m Going Away” by Walter Hawkins
Song Year: 1987
Another member from the Hawkins performs an uplifting song that's a sure favorite at any black funeral. Like most songs on this list and most black funeral songs, this one encourages us to keep looking up and away because we're going away one day to a better place where our loved ones have passed away.
The tempo is upbeat but has a good vibe that will bring a smile to your face and good memories of your loved one that's no longer around.
Best Black Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Funerals are a way to memorialize our loved ones, cherish their memories with others, and formally celebrate their life. A funeral involves a lot of patience and preparation – from choosing the funeral directors to picking out the type of casket that fits your loved one to the music played.