27 Non-Religious Funeral Songs
Contents
“Dance With My Father” By Luther Vandross
Song Year: 2003
In this beautiful tribute to his father, Vandross sings about how all he wants to do is have one last dance with his father again, as he did when he was a child.
It is a wonderful song to hear for anyone mourning the death of a father or father figure, and Luther’s legendary voice makes it a heartfelt experience for all listeners.
“The Way We Were” By Barbra Streisand
Song Year: 1973
Though the song was written for the soundtrack of a romance film, this track can also serve as a touching memorial to a lost loved one. It is a simple song that talks about looking back on the good times when the bad memories or the pain get to be too much.
“Unforgettable” By Nat King Cole
Song Year: 1951
This option is the second Nat King Cole song on the list. It may be something soothing about his recognizable voice, but Cole’s rendition can help heal a hurting heart and pay tribute to a lost loved one at the same time.
“You’ll Be In My Heart” By Phil Collins
Song Year: 1999
Though it was used for the Tarzan soundtrack, Collins initially wrote the song for his daughter, to express how he loved her and would be there for her even when he passed on.
It's a touching, inspiring song that pulls at the heartstrings but also renews a sense of love and hope that exists when you keep someone safe in your heart, even beyond the grave.
“The Rose” By Bette Midler
Song Year: 1979
A second entry for Bette Midler on the list, this song sings of love and its true nature. It is a song of optimism and perseverance, about how no matter what we go through, the seeds of love will continue to grow in us.
The rose represents how love, though sometimes painful, will always bear beautiful fruit. Even if we are mourning someone, our shared love will go on to produce something wonderful in the end.
“I Will Remember You” By Sarah McLachlan
Song Year:1993
Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan specializes in emotional ballads. Her second entry on the list deals with remembering someone who is no longer with you, and how you must live so you don’t regret life when it passes you by.
She urges you not to weep for the memories you keep but to cherish them and live life to the fullest, using them as fuel.
“You Raise Me Up” By Josh Groban
Song Year: 2003
Though the song has been covered by a myriad of artists, it is Josh Groban’s rendition that is most popular, and for good reason.
It is a touching, powerful ballad that sings about being strengthened and lifted by someone’s presence. Some people interpret the song as having religious overtones, but they are never expressly stated in the lyrics.
Best Non-Religious Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
If you have a friend or loved one who has passed and you want to find irreligion funeral songs to give them a proper send-off, any of the non-religious funeral songs above could work.
Songs about grief don’t always have to be sad songs or deal with religion and faith.
These songs can bring catharsis and comfort to the grieving without adding religious imagery.