37 Modern Funeral Songs

“I’ll See You Again” by Westlife

Song Year: 2009

If you wish to bring a positive vibe to a funeral, you should consider playing “I’ll See You Again” by Westlife. The track features heart-rendering lyrics from Andy Hill and Shelly Poole.

The tune accurately conveys the remorse of not being able to speak what was on one’s mind to a recently deceased loved one. However, there’s still a chance you’ll see one another again in paradise when the time is right.

“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2005

“Who You’d Be Today” is a tribute to someone who passed away too soon. The singer describes how much he misses the individual and wonders what their life could be like if they were still living.

If you have a spouse, sibling, child, or close friend who died too soon, this could be a great funeral song for their memorial. The sad melody and touching lyrics are likely to make you cry.

“The Show Must Go On” by Queen

Song Year: 1991

“The Show Must Go On” is an expression of Freddie Mercury's outlook on life. Even while recording this tune, Freddie Mercury was so gravely ill that he sometimes could not walk.

Despite the uncertainty that he could sing it correctly, Mercury did perform the track, which portrays his courageous mentality. Lyrically, this song is a great way to celebrate a life well-lived, whether it’s that of your grandparent, parent, or close friend.

“If Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina

Song Year: 2010

Featuring a slow tempo, Messina composed “If Heaven Was Needing A Hero” after the demise of the first female American soldier in the Iraq War. Consequently, the track is frequently used as a homage to all dead warriors. The track is part of her 2010 studio album, Unmistakable Inspiration.

Messina’s heartful lyrics show that the soldier’s demise hugely moved her. If you’ve lost a hero, be it your father, mother, son, or another close person, play this soothing tune at their funeral.

“Hear You Me” by Jimmy Eat World

Song Year: 2001

“Hear You Me” is a tune for the Allen sisters, Carli and Mykel, who were huge Jimmy Eat World and Weezer fans. In 1997, the sisters sadly perished in an automobile accident. The title is a common phrase that the sisters would use in online forums.

This tune is extraordinarily powerful and touching since it simultaneously portrays multiple grief-related feelings and phases. In some lyrics, you’ll notice regret and sorrow, while other lines express acceptance and hope, which are great themes for a funeral song.

“I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

Song Year: 2006

Ben Gibbard of “Death Cab for Cutie” disclosed that he composed the eerie ballad “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” during a brief lunch break. The tune is about death, humanity’s most intrinsic irrational fear.

It’s simple to love someone when times are good, but the true test of one’s affection for another is when life is terrible. The lyrics of this tune assure a dead spouse that you’ll follow them wherever they go, be it hell or heaven, someday.

“As I Lay Me Down” by Sophie B. Hawkins

Song Year: 1994

“As I Lay Me Down” is Hawkins’ 2nd-highest charting Billboard single. Most people think this song was Hawking’s tribute to her father but Hawking composed the song in 1995 and her father died of cancer in 2006.

Sophie B. Hawkins has previously highlighted struggles with her relationship with her mom and brother, which means her father could’ve been her sole anchor. Lyrically, the song is about longing to be with somebody who’s not around, which makes for a good funeral track.

“Funeral” By Lukas Graham

Song Year: 2015

Despite its title, this track is surprisingly cheerful. Lukas Graham is of Irish-Catholic descent and composed the song to depict the ambiance of an Irish burial.

The Irish prefer to celebrate the death of a dear one by turning the funeral into a celebration of the deceased’s life. This tune would be appropriate for families organizing a memorial service.

“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton

Song Year: 2017

“Broken Halos” is a heartfelt contemporary country classic from one of the genre’s most gifted songwriters, Chris Stapleton. This song featured on his album “From A Room, Vol. 1” rapidly strikes a chord with lovers of contemplative and sad songwriting.

If you’re seeking a track that expresses the anguish of losing somebody, this is it. Everybody who’s grieving can identify with the words on an emotional level.

“How to Save a Life” by The Fray

Song Year: 2005

“How to Save a Life” by The Fray is a track about adolescent drug addiction, depression, and the desire to die.

After serving as a counselor at a rehabilitation center for adolescents, Fray’s frontman Isaac Slade realized that nobody, even himself, could keep him from wrecking his life. If you’ve lost a dear one to suicide, you can play this tune at their memorial.

“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

Song Year: 1973

This tune is a homage to Marilyn Monroe, a famous actress and sex icon who died in 1962 from an accidental drug overdose. The lyrics are symbolic of her brief yet spectacular existence.

In the wake of Princess Dianna’s passing, this song also became an anthem to remember her popular personality. If you’ve suffered the untimely demise of your beloved, this song is quite relatable.

“Angels” by Robbie Williams

Song Year: 1997

“Angels” is a single by songwriter Robbie Williams, off his debut solo album, Life Thru a Lens. The song centers aro und the common belief that people become Angels in heaven once they die.

Thus, “Angels” isn’t about anyone but the idea that deceased loved ones return to care for you. The lyrics can be exceptionally comforting, especially for loved ones during a memorial service.

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans

Song Year: 1997

“I’ll Be Missing You” is an ode to the Notorious B.I.G., an associate and good friend of P-Diddy.  Puff Daddy composed, recorded, and released within three months of Biggie’s passing, and it became one of the best-selling rap singles of all time.

Lyrically, the song talks about the feelings the loved ones of the deceased feel. It’s a great funeral song to reminisce about all the good times you shared.

Modern Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts

Music can elicit emotions, and selecting the appropriate songs for a funeral helps create an unforgettable atmosphere.

When words are lacking, yet you need a great bond with others mourning and honoring your dear one, select a song from our pick of the best modern funeral songs. The most significant factor is selecting music that depicts the deceased’s life and comforts the people in mourning.