49 Rock Funeral Songs

“The Last Carnival” by Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 2009

Bruce Springsteen wrote this song after losing a close friend who played alongside the singer in the E Street Band for decades. He composed this powerful and sad song in tribute to him as a way to make sense of the loss and work through his own grief.

The song’s somber yet uplifting tone offers mourners a moment of reflection and remembrance, providing a sense of closure and acceptance.

“Everything I Own” by Bread

Song Year: 1972

Originally believed to be a breakup song, the band had said that the song was about the death of the father of one of the members before the band gained success.

This ballad is powerful, fueled by the feelings that David Gates was no doubt feeling when he wrote it. No matter how many times you listen, you can feel the potency of the sound and lyrics intensely.

“Keep Me In Your Heart” by Warren Zevon

Song Year: 2003

Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart” is a poignant song released in 2003, written by someone who knew they were approaching the end of their life. The added layer of heartbreak is evident in the song’s lyrics.

Unlike other similar songs, the singer doesn’t ask the listener to keep them in their heart forever. Instead, they use momentary words, acknowledging that memories can be limited and fleeting for many people.

“Seasons In The Sun” by Terry Jacks

Song Year: 1961

Rod McKuen initially wrote this song, but Terry Jacks rewrote part of the lyrics to better reflect the meaning he wanted to impart.

Jacks dedicated the lyrics and the song to a close friend who was living with, and who later died of, leukemia. The song is celebratory and shows love to those who share our lives.

“There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” by the Smiths

Song Year: 1986

While the song’s meaning, as given by the band, might be about not having anywhere to call home, the music and energy of this song are comforting in a time of grief.

It returns to never forgetting a loved one, and their light or memory never leaves their friends and family even when they pass away.

“Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day

Song Year: 2004

This song is a departure from the upbeat and punk rock stylings of Green Day, but it comes from a place of personal pain for the lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong as he wrote the song to remember his father, who passed away in September when the musician was ten years old.

It is a heartfelt and beautiful ballad that also has rock stylings.

“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.

Song Year: 1992

R.E.M. wrote this song to help people, primarily teenagers, that were depressed and felt they had no way out of their pain. The song promises that everyone experiences pain in their life and that there are ways that things can get better.

Grief can be one of those times, and knowing others experience it can help mourners get through it.

“My Immortal” by Evanescence

Song Year: 2003

This song is an intense piano power ballad that speaks of a spirit’s power over someone grieving. The singer tries and fails multiple times to move on and shake the feeling of grief.

The singer realizes that letting go is the only way to move on and doesn’t forget the spirit entirely; she places less emphasis on it.

“The Flame” by Cheap Trick

Song Year: 1988

This is a song about eternal love between two people and the fact that the flame that eternal love produces never goes out, even after death.

As a power ballad, the song is suitable for various audiences and bridges the gap between a slower and more solemn song with a more rock undertone.

“No Surprises” by Radiohead

Song Year: 1997

This song has multiple meanings, but many people believe it’s a song about coping as an adult and living through all the ups and downs. The song has a darker side but ends with a little bit of hope, even if the future isn’t full of hope.

Dealing with grief isn’t black and white, and this song demonstrates that the end may just be a little bit better, but a little is better than none.

“In My Life” by the Beatles

Song Year: 1965

Not every classic rock funeral song has to be sad. Sometimes happy songs can be good selections, especially those that spark happy memories. Happy songs can be more powerful and bring up even more happy memories in turn.

This song has become a parting memory for many people, and it’s a popular song for funerals and celebrations of life ceremonies because of its connection to happy childhoods.

“Say Hello 2 Heaven” by Temple Of The Dog

Song Year: 1991

This song was written and recorded as a tribute to a band friend who died of an overdose before Temple of the Dog was formed.

It’s one of the few songs that the lead singer Chris Cornell has written where he’s writing about real people instead of fictional characters he creates for the song. It was a song written while he was in the throes of grief directly after the funeral.

“Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House

Song Year: 1986

Later covered by artists like Ariana Grande, this song is about staying in the present even when you feel a little lost. The singer has said it’s a personal feeling, and each person will take something that’s a bit different away from it.

The song is also about taking your time to move on, making a good message to hear at a funeral where there is often pressure to stop grieving and return to life.

Best Rock Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts

Remembering those we love who have passed away and dealing with the grief can be difficult. Rock funeral songs can help work with those emotions and unite us to help us deal with them.

Any of the songs on this list could work well in a funeral playlist for a rock fan, and we hope that you have found a few pieces that speak to you and your grief. Take care.