35 Best Funeral Songs For Dad

“Love Without End, Amen” by George Strait

Song Year: 1990

“Love Without End, Amen” is a unique country song with a classic double meaning written into the final chorus.

George Strait sings cheerily about how his father explained the unconditional love he has for his child at a young age. When Strait has a son of his own, he understands better what his father is telling him.

When Strait’s character passes away and reaches heaven, he hears the same words his father once told him coming from God.

It’s a beautiful testament to the eternal nature of a father’s love.

“The Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson

Song Year: 2006

Another classic hymn you might consider playing for your father’s funeral is “The Old Rugged Cross,” a beautiful song about people's devotion to faith.

It’s a popular song for funerals because it speaks to the enduring nature of a person’s trust in God; not even death can take that away from them.

Maybe your father loved hold hymns, or he just liked Alan Jackson's style. Either way, this is a beautiful and hopeful tune to play at his funeral.

“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon

Song Year: 2002

There’s a unique bond that exists between a father and daughter. It’s unlike anything else in the world and doesn’t end with death.

In “Father and Daughter,” Simon promises to always watch out for his little girl and looks forward to watching her grow into a strong young woman.

Paul Simon’s charming ode to his daughter is a fantastic song to play in memory of your father. It will help you grieve by reminding you of all the good times you shared.

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill

Song Year: 1994

Vince Gill sings a beautiful song about death, loss, grief, and eternal rest. He has a unique way of bending his voice to perfectly fit the mood, making this one of his most touching songs.

“Go Rest High on that Mountain” feels like an old folk tune. It talks about the grief you experience when you lose someone special while marveling at the beauty of that person finally finding rest in their eternal home.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who needs a little hope amid grief.

“See You Again” by Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2012

Carrie Underwood does her best to remind her listeners that goodbye is never really the end. There’s something more, something better, that comes much later.

When you have to part ways with your father, you need some glimmer of hope to cling to, to help you remember that you will see him again one day.

“See You Again” does a great job of honoring the people you love and helping you delight in celebrating their life. It also offers a freeing perspective that there’s something better waiting for you and them. 

“My Way” by Frank Sinatra

Song Year: 1968

“My Way” is a popular funeral song, especially for headstrong fathers who weren’t afraid to live life their way.

If you were lucky enough to have that kind of dad in your life, what better way to honor his legacy than a little Frank Sinatra at his funeral?

It might not bring tears to your eyes, but maybe that’s a good thing. Sometimes, you need something that will make you smile despite your pain.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

Song Year: 1964

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a song for any kid whose dad was always there for them. It’s for the kids who knew their dad was their best friend and their number one fan.

It honors the type of father who would do anything for his child. It’s about the dad who put his comforts and safety aside to ensure his kids were o.k.

Simon & Garfunkel sing this beautiful song that’s perfect for your father’s funeral. As you listen, you’ll appreciate remembering the times when your dad had your back.

“The River” by Garth Brooks

Song Year: 1991

“The River” is another classic Garth Brooks song that fits many different circumstances. In particular, it’s a heartwarming song to play at a funeral.

Brooks sings this song about courage and strength in the face of adversity. It’s an inspirational song about chasing after your dreams even when the odds are against you.

It’s the sort of song your father would sing to you if he needed to encourage you. And following the moral of the lyrics will honor your father’s legacy more than you could imagine.

“Smile” by Tony Bennett

Song Year: 1959

Nothing is harder than finding hope and happiness during incredible grief. When your father passes away, it can be hard to find meaning in life. Nothing seems quite as real as the pain that you’re feeling.

That’s what makes this Tony Bennett song particularly powerful when you’re dealing with the loss of a father. It perfectly mimics what your father would say to you if he could.

Bennett reminds his listener to simply “Smile.” No matter what you’re feeling, if you can bring yourself to smile, you can get through the hard times.

“Amazing Grace” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1975

If you’re looking for some of the most popular songs to play for your father’s funeral, consider Johnny Cash’s version of the famed hymn “Amazing Grace.”

Cash’s strong yet sorrowful voice perfectly lends itself to the old hymn's hopeful yet mourning lyrics.

It’s a beautiful reminder of the hope waiting for people who believe in life after death. Additionally, it’s a beautifully uplifting song for anyone wrestling with grief.

“It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Jason Mraz

Song Year: 2014

Jason Mraz is not the original singer of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” but his version is one of the most sorrowful.

It’s a lovely song for a funeral because it encourages the listener to embrace the fact that losing someone special is difficult. It’s not something you can simply overcome.

But there are ways to get through it: you can remember all the good times together. Those cherished memories will keep you afloat through life's most tragic moments.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Elvis Presley

Song Year: 1967

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a beautiful song that perfectly embodies the relationship between a father and his children.

Even when he’s passed on, he wants his kids to know that a part of him lives on in their hearts and minds.

Presley’s slow, methodical, heartfelt singing of this song makes it even more potent.