41 Best Funeral Songs For A Brother

“Missing You” by Aaliyah featuring Jay-Z

Song Year: 2003

Arguably rap's greatest artist, Jay-Z remixed Aaliyah's 1999 track, “Missing You.” The songstress was Jay's close friend, who died in a plane crash in the Bahamas in 1999. Hov uses this opportunity to reflect on their friendship while paying homage to his close friend.

“When I Get Where I'm Going” by Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton

Song Year: 2005

“When I Get Where I'm Going” features a terrific collaboration between two country music legends. The duo takes a typical country music songwriting approach, linking time and distance.

The song is a universal metaphor for departing and returning to our origins. Thus, playing the song at a brother's funeral is an excellent choice.

“If I Could Be Where You Are” by Enya

Song Year: 2005

Enya's lovely voice wonders where her loved ones have gone and whether there is any way to bring them back. The death of a sibling is deeply felt, and the anguish seems like part of you has been ripped away.  Enya addresses these questions about death that we can't answer.

“Knockin' on Heaven's Door” by Guns ‘N' Roses

Song Year: 1991

This song was originally penned as a soundtrack of a 1973 film, “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.” Years later, Guns' N' Roses gave the track a touch of rock with guitar leads throughout the song, making it as iconic as the original version. The piece demonstrates that it's okay to accept the demise of your brother and let go.

“If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away” by Justin Moore

Song Year: 2011

“If heaven Wasn't Far Away” is another spiritual country tune in our funeral songs for a brother compilation that is not overly religious.

It's rich lyrically and has a pleasant melody that will comfort you. The song addresses how you could visit your departed brother if Heaven were like any other accessible destination.

“Good Die Young” by D12

Song Year: 2004

This song is a homage to Karnail “Bugz” Pitts, a D12 member who was tragically shot and run over by a vehicle. Given Bugz's promising career, his death adversely impacted the Detroit supergroup members left behind. The song is a fitting send-off for your little brother.

“Angels Among Us” by Alabama

Song Year: 1993

This song is an emotional gospel tune by Alabama, a music group that took the gospel music scene by storm in the '80s and '90s. “Angels Among Us” is a well-recommended spiritual tune to grace your brother's funeral. Even those who aren't religious will find the powerful track uplifting.

“Slipped Away” by Avril Lavigne

Song Year: 2004

Avril penned this melancholy tune to pay homage to her departed grandfather. The two were close, so she found it overwhelming to handle the loss. This tune is ideal for a funeral for a brother as it addresses the pain of living with the loss of a close loved one.

“Miss U” by Notorious B.I.G.

Song Year: 1997

Notorious B.I.G is one of the most celebrated rap legends, and a few greats released tracks in his honor. However, the Big Poppa also had a song commemorating his deceased loved ones. In “Miss You,” the rapper relieves his childhood, paying homage to his buddies in his neighborhood that lost their lives.

“Down the River” by Chris Knight

Song Year: 2001

This immersing tune tells the tale of the narrator and his elder brother's fishing experience at the river. The narrator loses his brother to a shot by a local bully with whom his brother had fought. “Down The River” is about the memories and the void left by a departed brother.