21 Instrumental Songs For Funerals

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg

Song Year: 1938

This song was of course first popularized by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. This is a great choice for the funeral of someone who loved that movie, or for someone who has always been in love with this timeless melody. This song can be a beautiful way to remember a loved one and think of them in a better place.

“Going Home” by William Arms Fisher

Song Year: 1922

This beloved hymn is literally about returning “home,” to heaven from whence the singer believes we all come. This is a beautiful hymn to have at a funeral service, especially if the deceased was preceded by other loved ones, as the hymn itself mentions others waiting in heaven. The instrumental version, whether done on piano or with a musical group, is calming, peaceful, and uplifting.

“In the Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

Song Year: 1997

The melody of this song is beautiful, and without the words, we can still meditate and respect the deceased without the stark melancholy of the lyrics themselves. It is a stunning and poignant song, but it refers to escaping the darkness all around us. Without the lyrics, it can be centering as well as healing when used during a funeral service. It can also be used while mourners file into the location of the funeral, or as part of a wake playlist.

“Fur Elise” by Beethoven, performed by various artists

Song Year: 1867

One of Beethoven’s most famous compositions, published nearly four decades after his death. No one really knows for sure who “Elise” was, but judging by the beauty of this piece, she was someone Beethoven cared for deeply. This is an excellent funeral song if the deceased and/or their family is a lover of classical music, a pianist, or just appreciated beauty and simplicity in music. The notes are at once relaxing and energizing, with the feeling switching just when the listener gets used to one or the other.

“Sicilienne” by Fauré

Song Year: 1898

This song is best played by a piano, and that is why a solo piano is the most popular arrangement for this enchanting piece. This song does not have a particularly happy or melancholy sound to it, therefore it is a piece to include in a funeral playlist between more emotional songs and hymns. It is a beautiful piece of music that gives emotional relief to the listeners between intense moments of sentimentality. This is not to say that “Sicilienne” lacks emotion; it is simply to say that not every song played during the course of a memorial service or a celebration of life needs to pack a punch as hard as “Amazing Grace.”

“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone

Song Year: 1965

This is definitely a unique choice for a funeral instrumental piece, but the power of the intro and the feeling behind the song’s attitude and continued power throughout could be a great addition to the funeral of someone who was always optimistic, had a powerful presence, and did not let anything get in their way.

This is a song for someone who wants to be remembered as a powerhouse. “Feeling Good” even without the powerful lyrics of Nina Simone is an anthem, and what better farewell to your loved ones could there be?

“Blackbird” by the Beatles

Song Year: 1968

“Blackbird” is an altogether beautiful song. It has the feeling of memories, reminiscing good times together, going through hard times but coming out stronger, and it has a simply gorgeous melody.

This song is typically played on guitar, but there are of course other arrangements (piano, violin, etc.) you can use for a funeral. This lovely song will give the funeral attendees a moment to pause and reflect on the loved one they have lost without sadness overtaking that moment.

“River Flows in You” by Yiruma

Song Year: 2001

This piano song has enchanted listeners for over twenty years and has been covered by countless artists since its release. Yiruma plays so passionately that there is no need for words to accompany this moving piece. It is said that this song can be about the growing love between two people, and thus it can also be about the love mourners had for the deceased. It is at once full of feeling and gravitas, but it does not leave the listener feeling heavy. Instead, the melody is light and airy, and it gives the listener the feeling of floating.

“You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King

Song Year: 1971

The instrumental version of this song provides a lovely backdrop for any funeral service. It may not be immediately recognizable, but that is what can lead mourners/celebrants to focus on the service while appreciating the ambiance this beloved song gives. “You’ve Got A Friend” has been comforting people for fifty years, and it isn’t about to stop any time soon.

“Clair de Lune” by Debussy, performed by various artists

Song Year: 1905

Typically used for romance, this piece by Claude Debussy is meant for a solo piano, and that’s how its impact really shines. A classicist, pianist, musician, Debussy fanatic, or any music lover could select this as one of the songs played at their funeral.

It begins so softly, yet those soft notes arrest the listener’s attention, and then the notes become more forceful until they weave together, almost impossible to separate.

The middle of the song can remind the listener of a soul happily ascending to the world beyond, or the joy that the deceased brought into the lives of those around them. This lovely piece performed live at a funeral could be the perfect tribute to the beautiful soul of a loved one.

Best Instrumental Songs For Funerals, Final Thoughts

Funerals are difficult, both in the planning and in the actual experience. They are ways that we can get closure for losing someone, and this gives us a chance to then grieve their loss. We hope that the list we gave above helped in some way to give you some ideas about how to have lovely instrumental music for a funeral.