37 Modern Funeral Songs

“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith

Song Year: 2014

“Lay Me Down” is an emotional ballad that concentrates on the narrator’s longing for a reunion with a deceased or physically separated lover. This person consumes the composer’s thoughts to the point where they feel utterly void without them.

This track is often played in memorial services to reminisce about the times shared with the deceased. The hearty lyrics and Smith’s soulful voice will bring you the comfort you dearly seek in your grieving period.

“Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy

Song Year: 2016

“Dancing in the Sky” is one of twelve tracks from the Working of Hearts album by Dani and Lizzy. The Vancouver twins composed the track in memory of one of Lizzy's best friends who had recently passed away.

Lizzie expresses in the track that her buddy is still on her mind and that she still misses and loves her. Though the song mourns the passing of a dear one, it also wishes for happiness and comfort to anybody who’s grieving.

“You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1995

“You Are Not Alone” is a track by the renowned king of pop, Michael Jackson, off his 9th studio album HIStory. This song is about a mourning and lonely individual.

The lyrics are about reassuring lonely people that they’re not alone, making it a great funeral song. If you have a friend that has lost somebody close, you should dedicate this song to them.

“You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins

Song Year: 1999

Phil Collins composed this tune for the Disney film Tarzan, winning him the Academy Award for Best Original Song. However, this tune is more than a soundtrack for an animated film.

“You’ll Be In My Heart” is a lovely, powerful expression for anybody grieving the death of a dearly departed family member or friend. The lyrics will bring you the solace to push past your untimely loss.

“Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart

Song Year: 2013

“Jealous of The Angels” by Donna Taggart is a memorial to her father, James Regan Bostic. Bostic was a musician who died in a car accident when Donna was ten years old, a tragedy that profoundly influenced her desire to be a musician.

The lyrics are about the loss of a dear one and the importance of accepting the loss. Taggart’s powerful vocals are soothing, and the tune is both emotional and lovely, making it a great funeral song.

“In the Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

Song Year: 1997

Sarah essentially penned “In the Arms of an Angel” for all the artists and individuals that passed away from drug overdoses. If you carefully listen to the lyrics, you’ll understand the type of escape and release she is referring to and how tragic it is that individuals can find such calm in such tragedy.

The track is innately gloomy but also great for a funeral memorial. This is a relatable tune if the deceased particularly died from a drug overdose.

“Someone Like You” by Adele

Song Year: 2011

“Someone Like You” is one of Adele’s early hit tracks. On the surface, the lyrics are about longing. The singer finds that her ex-lover has moved on and currently has a family and cannot bear it.

While many people perceive this to be a song about heartbreak, you can also play it at a funeral or memorial. The lyrics can serve as the celebration of your significant other’s life and can portray just how much they mean to you.

“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross

Song Year: 2003

Vandross co-wrote “Dance with My Father” with Richard Marx, drawing inspiration from his own life. It is a homage to his father, Luther Vandross Sr., who passed away when he was seven because of complications from diabetes.

Vandross’ most vivid memory of his father is him dancing with his children at home, which birthed the idea of the song’s title. If you’ve lost your father, this track can be a great addition to the playlist at his memorial.

“Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli ft. Sarah Brightman

Song Year: 1995

The central theme of the track is the disconnect that occurs upon death. However, the great news is that the separation is just temporary. The lyrics affirm that there’s a day when you’ll reunite with your dear ones in heaven.

“Time to Say Goodbye” addresses separation while teaching people to remain cheerful. It lets bereaved individuals see death in a new light. A great funeral song to make the grieving people feel encouraged that they’ll see their dear ones someday.

“See You Again” by Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2012

David Hodges and Hillary Lindsey teamed up with Carrie Underwood to create one of the most recognizable tunes of her 4th album, Blown Away. This single is her 18th consecutive Top 10 Billboard Hot Country tune.

The song is a narrative about moving on following the loss of a beloved. Underwood’s conviction that one will rejoin all deceased dear ones in the afterlife infuses the lyrics with optimism and promise. This tune is a great listen if you want to add an optimistic vibe to a memorial service.

“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi

Song Year: 2019

“Someone You Loved” is a track that many individuals can relate to since we sometimes take others for granted without realizing it, and then it’s too late to make amends. Once a relationship ends, we begin to feel emptiness. During such moments, one begins to reflect on all the qualities one misses about somebody.

However, the lyrics of this track also highlight a grieving mood, especially after Capaldi stated that he penned the lyrics as an ode to his grandmother. The heartful lyrics on this tune are likely to make you cry.

“To Where You Are” by Josh Groban

Song Year: 2001

Josh Groban’s rendition of “To Where You Are,” penned by Richard Marx and Linda Thompson, is another popular funeral song. This track often plays at memorials, cremation services, and even burials.

The lyrics express the desire to be with the deceased and that you pray they’re comfortable and content wherever they are. The tune will also make you realize that death is unavoidable and that acceptance is the best way to overcome this unfortunate occurrence.