37 Best Funeral Songs For A Grandma

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Song year: 1967

You have probably heard many recordings of the classic song “What a Wonderful World,” written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele. But this Louis Armstrong recording from 1967 captures the emotion of the lyrics perfectly, blending a sense of sadness with an emotion of hope and optimism. The rugged voice and soft music will help you mourn the loss of a grandma well.

“Amazing Grace” by Elvis Presley

Song year: 1974

There are many recordings of the popular gospel song “Amazing Grace,” but this Elvis Presley recording from 1974 brings a touching element of hope and light into the intense lyrics. The recording was not released until a 1994 compilation album. Musically, the background vocals of a choir help to bring the warmth and love that fits so perfectly for a grandma's funeral.

“Smile” by Nat King Cole

Song year: 1954

From the 1954 album Ballads Of The Day, the track “Smile” by Nat King Cole would fit perfectly as a tribute to a grandmother who made people around her smile. The music is originally from the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times, and Geoffrey Parsons added lyrics for it in 1954. The gentle music and lyrics are all about being happy and looking on the bright side.

“Time to Say Goodbye” by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli

Song year: 1996

The original music for “Time to Say Goodbye” by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli is an Italian song by Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto called “Con te partirò.” You will probably recognize the string introduction, and there is no mistaking the powerful voices of Bocelli and Brightman. The lyrics remind us to let go and say goodbye to loved ones.

“Grandma's Hands” by Bill Withers

Song year: 1971

Bill Withers put the track “Grandma's Hands” on his 1971 debut album Just as I Am. The music and lyrics are a tribute to his grandmother, and Withers uses her hands as the basis for appreciating what an impact she had on his life. The track performed well on charts, reaching number 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and number 42 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan

Song year: 1995

From the opening moments of Sarah McLachlan's “I Will Remember You,” you will likely get emotional at the touching lyrics and gentle music. Released on the 1995 album The Brothers McMullen, the live version would eventually win the 2000 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. You can hear this tune in many shows and movies during sad moments.

“They Can't Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald

Song year: 1956

Next is “They Can't Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald, a more hopeful and upbeat jazz classic. This tune is a reminder that you can always mix in some music that contrasts the standard slow and sad music. Ella Fitzgerald recorded this Gershwin song in 1956 with Louis Armstrong for their classic album Ella and Louis.

“Love, Me” by Collin Raye

Song year: 1991

Max T. Barnes and Skip Ewing wrote the song “Love, Me,” and Collin Raye recorded it for his 1991 album All I Can Be. The lyrics tell a story of a grandson finding a note that his grandma wrote to his grandpa, showing how much she loved him. The tune is often played at funerals, and it reached the top of Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

“Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

Song year: 1998

Next is another Sarah Mclachlan song, this time “Angel” from the 1998 album Surfacing. While the lyrics are specifically inspired by the passing of keyboard player Jonathan Melvoin, the song fits any funeral situation of reflecting on sadness and grief. McLachlan has a haunting yet beautiful vocal technique, and the lyrics will help you healthily feel difficult emotions.

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill

Song year: 1995

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill is a slow country ballad that will put you in a reflective mood. Released on the 1995 album When Love Finds You, the track has a mix of soft singing in the verses with powerful harmonies during the chorus. While the words are not explicitly about a grandma passing, the lyrics fit a funeral of any kind.

“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole

Song year: 1951

You will probably recognize the opening line of the classic Nat King Cole song “Unforgettable,” released on a 1951 album of the same name. Cole's voice and the touching lyrics combine to put you in a sentimental mood. As is fitting for the passing of a grandmother, the music mixes sadness and grief with emotions of appreciation for someone's long life.

“Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)” by Alicia Keys

Song year: 2007

Alicia Keys released the tune “Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)” on her 2007 album As I Am. The lyrics of this song fit perfectly with the deep thoughts one has at a funeral, reflecting on how the small things do not matter that much once life is coming to an end. The music might not fit every situation, but many people will find this song fitting and beautiful.