27 Touching Funeral Songs For A Husband

“One Sweet Day” by  Mariah Carey and Boyz 2 Men

Song Year: 1995

This 90’s R&B hit topped the charts for multiple weeks in 1995 when both Carey and Boyz 2 Men were at the height of their popularity. It was written as a memorial song for Carey’s late friend David Cole.

The opening verse’s lyrics express the sorrow people often have when they think about the things they should have said or done with their loved ones while they were still alive, but later expresses the joy of knowing that this life isn’t all there is.

With Carey’s world-class vocals, Boyz 2 Men’s immaculate harmonies, and a stirring orchestral arrangement, “One Sweet Day” is a classy funeral song.

“I’ll Be Seeing You” by Rosemary Clooney

Song Year: 1944

This classic love song is among the most popular to play at funerals for a husband.

It was originally written and recorded in the 1940s during World War 2. Many husbands went to war at the time, leaving their spouses at home. Some sadly never returned, and this song became one of the era’s most-played farewell tunes.

It talks about envisioning the good memories you have of your loved one as you go to all the familiar places you enjoyed while together.

“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1974

One of the most bittersweet songs ever written, “I Will Always Love You,” tells the story of someone who has no choice but to leave their loved one, despite not wanting to. It’s about the pain of not being able to be with the person you love due to life’s circumstances and the celebration of the relationship they were able to share.

Whether you choose the soft, aching original version by Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston’s 1992 powerhouse remake, it will be a beautiful way to commemorate the love between spouses.

“Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds

Song Year: 1965

In the 1960s, the world was in the midst of massive change, and music played a significant role in the revolution. People were casting off traditional ideas about life and finding their own ways to be.

Interestingly enough, one of the biggest songs of this era was made up almost entirely of lyrics taken from a very traditional source: the Bible. “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the British band the Byrds addresses the ups and downs of life by paraphrasing Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.

“The Dance” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1989

When someone dies unexpectedly, their loved ones often wish they had known it would happen.

“The Dance” by Garth Brooks addresses that familiar feeling but concludes that it is better not to know when the end will come so that we can enjoy the good moments with our loved ones as they happen.

While it’s technically a country song, it transcends genres with its heartbreaking universal message.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

Song Year: 1994

Although the lyrics are rather cryptic and not necessarily about the death of a loved one, Hallelujah is often used at funerals thanks to its undeniable beauty.

Written by songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah uses biblical themes to explore the joy and pain of love and the frailty of the human condition. Its tune is simple and repetitive so that the lyrics stay the focus of attention.

While “Hallelujah” has been covered many times by countless artists, people often choose the Jeff Buckley version for funerals because Buckely’s raw, heart-wrenching vocals best reflect the deep emotions felt during a time of loss.

“Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart

Song Year: 2013

In this tearjerker song, the narrator talks about losing her husband and how although she believes she will see him again in Heaven, she is jealous of the angels that get to be with him until then.

The song speaks to the heart of a spouse who has lost her loved one and to the complicated, difficult feelings she’s having in her time of grief. It’s not a song that’s widely known, so there are no worries about using something that’s overplayed.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1975

“Wish You Were Here” by progressive rock band Pink Floyd is another one of those songs that is a bit of a mystery. It’s not specifically about the death of a spouse or loved one, and the lyrics may be difficult to grasp fully. Still, it is a song that expresses a sense of loss and desperation in a way few can.

Originally written to addressl frontman Syd Barrett’s struggle with mental illness and drug addiction, the song features a chorus that is fitting a funeral.

“Together Again” by Janet Jackson

Song Year: 1998

Who says funeral songs have to be sad? Of course, people are going through loss and grief whenever a loved one dies, but for some individuals, it helps to focus on the positive aspects of their life with their loved one, and the hope that they will live on in some capacity.

Jackson sings about seeing a deceased loved one in the sweet things in life, like a friend’s smile or the moonlight. Other lyrics talk about how her loved one’s pain and worries are over,  which makes her happy despite missing them.

“Far From Perfect But He Was Mine” by Chanteuse

Song Year: 2018

This slow, heartfelt folk song describes the years of love between a husband and wife. It’s a very emotional tune and one that is probably best suited for a couple who have been together for many years because it references a long marriage.

It details the fun, disagreements, hopes, dreams, and changes that a couple goes through over the life of their relationship. It acknowledges that no marriage is perfect, but that love is all that matters in the end.