17 Songs For A Cremation

11. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

Song Year: 1969

If your loved one was a lover of classic rock, then this gospel from Norman Greenbaum will be a good tribute. The psychedelic sound and the thumping base might have a few of the grieving in your gathering tapping their foot as they listen to the lyrics about the promise of a better place that we go to when we leave this world.

12. “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1995

Michael Jackson was the king of pop, but his talented voice could make a beautiful R&B ballad like this one released in 1995 for his album “HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book 1.” The lyrics can be a promise to the grieving that no matter how sad they feel and how lonely they are, the deceased is still here with them in spirit and will never completely be gone.

13. “Don’t Stop Dancing” by Creed

Song Year: 2002

Creed is an American rock band whose songs have a dream-like, tortured sound that may be the right sound for a gathering of this nature. The lyrics are about moving on with life and not giving up no matter what gets thrown at you. That could be the advice your loved one would want to give their friends and family if they could speak to them one more time. Whatever you do, don’t stop dancing.

14. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Song Year: 1992

A cremation ceremony is not a happy occasion. However, there can be uplifting messages sent out to people overcome with grief. Their feelings can be summed up in this big-voiced song performed by Whitney Houston on the soundtrack to the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.” She sings that she wishes all of these wonderful things for someone and then lets them know at the end that they will always be loved.

15. “Amazing Grace” by John Newton

Song Year: 1772

One of the most used songs for cremation ceremonies, funerals, and life celebrations is a Christian hymn. The lyrics sum up the belief Christians have about life perfectly, declaring that they were undeserving of the grace they received from God and thankful for their salvation. It also celebrates the promise that they have that death is not the end for them because they are promised a home in Heaven.

16. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

Song Year: 1988

While this song had been around for a while, Bette Midler’s version sung for the movie “Beaches” is the most famous. It is a powerful tribute to anyone in your life who you feel made your life better by supporting you.

17. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

Song Year: 1988

Many people may be tempted to play something upbeat if the tone of the ceremony is more celebratory, but they don’t want to offend anyone. This song will do the trick. Bobby McFerrin’s advice is simple: we should not worry about things we can’t change and try to make the best of it.

Best Non-Religious Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts

A cremation ceremony is a sad occasion, but music has a way of soothing grief. When you find a song that encapsulates the personality of the deceased, it can feel as though they are speaking to you and meant for you to hear that song at that moment.

All of these songs are appropriate for a ceremony where you must say goodbye to someone you care for deeply. They may help to take some of the grief and make it easier to manage.