37 Best Funeral Songs For A Grandma

“Grandma” by Gretchen Wilson

Song year: 2013

“Grandma” by Gretchen Wilson came out on the 2013 album Right on Time. The music is upbeat, and the lyrics blend lighthearted stories with the deeper realization that the narrator's grandma does not have much time left. This track is fitting for those grandmothers who had a sense of humor and loved having fun.

“Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Song year: 1992

Next is “Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, another song that likely needs little to no introduction. You might be familiar with Dolly Parton's original 1973 recording, but this Whitney Houston version from 1992 is even more popular. Houston's vocals are so powerful that you will easily get goosebumps as she sings about loving someone forever.

“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Song year: 1987

You can find several recordings of Andrew Lloyd Webber's “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” but none approach the beauty of this Sarah Brightman version. Coming from the 1987 production of Phantom of the Opera, the music and lyrics are haunting and expressive. Mixing minor and major harmonies, the song fits the situation of grief and sadness perfectly.

“Memory” by Barbra Streisand

Song year: 1981

Next is “Memory,” another song by Andrew Lloyd Webber that comes from his musical Cats. This Barbra Streisand recording appeared on her 1981 album Memories, and the lyrics are all about reflecting on someone's life and how many memories you formed with them. The gentle orchestration and Streisand's pure voice blend into a beautiful texture.

“Like a River” by Carly Simon

Song year: 1994

From the 1994 album Letters Never Sent, Carly Simon's “Like a River” is all about the tight bond between mothers and daughters, making it fit well for a grandma's funeral. With gentle piano and beautiful vocals, you will reflect on the deep love you felt for the person who passed. The music eventually finds a faster tempo that helps you feel positive emotions as well.

“A River Like You” by Vince Gill

Song year: 2006

Released on the 2006 album These Days and featuring harmony by Jennifer Jerene Gill, Vince Gill's “A River Like You” is a soft and relaxing song about love. For situations involving a grandmother's funeral, this can be a comforting song to play for her spouse.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles

Song year: 1970

“The Long and Winding Road” is a fantastic song by The Beatles that appeared on their 1970 album Let It Be. The lyrics about a road act as a metaphor for the meandering path of life, and they fit perfectly as a way to reflect on someone's life after they pass away. This track reached number one on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, the last tune to achieve this feat by The Beatles.

“Now You Belong to Heaven” by Mari Olsen

Song year: 2016

Mari Olsen put out the track “Now You Belong to Heaven” on the 2016 album Insanity. The delicate piano accompaniment sets a mood of peaceful reflection. And the lyrics are about missing someone who has passed away but also realizing it was time to let them go. The words and music combined make this track perfect for a grandma's funeral.

“Moon River” by Frank Sinatra

Song year: 1964

Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer wrote and released the original version of “Moon River” in 1961. But this Frank Sinatra recording comes from the 1964 album Sinatra Sings Days of Wine and Roses. Sinatra's floating and calm voice expresses lyrics about appreciating a loving relationship, perfect for comforting your grandmother's widower.

“Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart

Song year: 2014

Donna Taggart put out the track “Jealous of the Angels” on the 2014 album Celtic Lady Volume II. As grandmothers age, dealing with their passing becomes more expected. But this track is all about the specific challenge of processing unexpected death. The lyrics express jealousy that someone has passed, and the angels now get to be with them.

“Pie Jesu” by Celtic Woman

Song year: 2008

The track “Pie Jesu” by Celtic Woman is a deeply expressive musical piece about wishing peace to loved ones who pass away. The Latin lyrics get a new-age sound quality, including the relaxing sounds of string accompaniment. This track is a perfect way for family members to have a gentle cry about the passing of a grandmother.

“Ave Maria” by Luciano Pavarotti

Song year: 1983

Last is a recording of the classic Schubert song “Ave Maria.” While there are countless recordings of this popular tune, it is hard to top the expressivity and beauty of this version of Luciano Pavarotti. The symphonic orchestra backs his voice well, a reminder of how comforting sad opera songs can be.

Top Funeral Songs For A Grandma, Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this collection of funeral songs for a grandma gave you some fitting music that you can play during this difficult event. There are contrasting genres to fit different tastes, and even some surprisingly upbeat music that reminds people to be hopeful.

Whether they are specific songs about a grandma dying or more general explorations of grief, remember how comforting music can be during a difficult time.