49 Rock Funeral Songs
Contents
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
Song Year: 1975
One of the most requested songs for a funeral, “Wish You Were Here,” is hauntingly beautiful, with lyrics about grief and hope accompanied by delicate instrumentals.
The singer also struggles with a loss of faith, which can happen after losing a loved one when there doesn’t appear to be a reason or answer.
“Gravity Rides Everything” by Modest Mouse
Song Year: 2000
Another song that isn’t immediately obvious as being about loss or grief, this song discusses pieces falling into place and moving on despite hardships. You could read it as accepting death and trying to move forward without ignoring what has happened.
It’s not a happy song, but some of the meaning could be uplifting compared to grief.
“The Garden” by Rush
Song Year: 2012
Believed to be a personal song for the band, this track is haunting and relatable even outside a place of grief. For this reason, it fits well at a funeral or during a celebration of life ceremony.
It points out how meaningful every moment of life is, that spending even a short life together isn’t wasting it, and how it requires constant maintenance that can sometimes challenge us.
“Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1993
This song was written and sung to the artist’s seven-year-old daughter, supposedly after she asked what would happen after he died. The music is comforting and soothing, like a traditional lullaby. That’s why Billy Joel chose to spell the word ‘lullabye’ to bring together lullaby and goodbye.
Still, instead of lulling the listener to sleep, it says goodbye and reminds them that memories live on and loved ones never really disappear.
“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
Song Year: 1993
Because of its tear-inducing lyrics, people have been using this emotional and heart-wrenching song to evoke emotions in commercials for years. Its sincerity and love for another person make it perfect for a celebration-of-life ceremony.
Don’t let the lighter sound fool you; although softer than many other rock songs, this song’s simple but powerful instrumentals are a suitable fit even for a harder rock fan.
“Hear You Me” by Jimmy Eat World
Song Year: 2001
The band wrote this song to pay tribute to two passionate fans who passed away in a car accident on the way back from a show.
The song expresses the regret someone might feel when a loved one passes away suddenly and the loss associated with thinking there would be more time to do everything they wanted to do together.
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out” by Oasis
Song Year: 2002
Some songs commiserate with the grief-stricken, and some, like this song, act like an anti-depressant and encourage the listener to stop crying and get ready to take on life again.
The message isn’t harsh or cruel; perhaps that’s why it makes a good funeral song. It’s like a friend wrapping a supportive arm around your shoulder.
“Longer” by Dan Fogelberg
Song Year: 1979
While breakup songs often tell the story of love lost and the feeling of grief after a person passes away, love songs can also tell the story of love that continues unbroken regardless of death.
This love ballad speaks of everlasting love between two people that continues and never wavers, no matter the distance.
“Shadow Of The Day” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2007
Although Linkin Park is known for loud and heavy music, this rock song is more mellow with just one singer and no backing harmonies. It’s a solemn song examining death and the idea that memories remain after death.
The song is about a friend who is ill or suffering, and the singer is telling them that it’s okay to let go and move on if it eases their pain.
“So Far Away” by Avenged Sevenfold
Song Year: 2011
Written by the lead guitarist Synyster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold dedicated the song to their late drummer Jimmy “the Rev” Sullivan, who passed away in 2009. It’s a passionate way for Synyster and the band to say goodbye to their friend.
It’s believed to have originally been written for the guitarist’s grandfather, but it works well to mark any friend’s or loved one’s passing.
“What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2007
This song has a relatively simple theme that you can apply to a funeral or celebration of life. It’s a song about moving on and forgetting old mistakes and instead remembering the good times.
Working within that theme, the song has a raw and stripped-back feel without the usual polish that Linkin Park songs often have.
“Wish You Were Here” by Incubus
Song Year: 2002
The initial intent behind the song was akin to sending a postcard from a tropical island vacation, expressing a desire for friends and family to witness the stunning scenery and splendor.
Yet, the same concept is applicable when mourning the loss of a loved one, as we yearn for them to witness what we do and partake in the moment together.
