37 Uplifting Funeral Songs

Losing a loved one is one of the worst feelings in the world. Fortunately, some uplifting funeral songs can help make you feel better.

They won't eliminate the grief, nor should they. However, you may want to add some of these songs to a playlist to help celebrate a relative or friend.

“Don't Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

Song year: 1988

The lyrics talk about how worrying can only increase your troubles. It encourages the listener to try and be happy, which can be hard after a loss.

However, the upbeat instrumentals help uplift you as you listen and sing along. This song is perfect for the end of a funeral or celebration of life.

“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban

Song year: 2003

Josh Groban's famous song is a suitable choice for the funeral of a parent. The lyrics talk about how the person being sung to helped the singer in their life.

Groban wrote the song to help people feel happier and connect with their spirituality. Both of those things are useful when you're grieving.

“Don't You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds

Song year: 1985

Most known for its part in the movie “The Breakfast Club,” this song talks about change and how two people can drift apart. Of course, that can happen with loss.

The instrumentals may help boost your mood and make you feel better. This song is an especially suitable choice for fans of 1980s movies.

“Stand by Me” by Ben E King

Song year: 1961

King's version of this popular song title talks about standing by the ones you love. Doing so could help you feel better.

Grief is never an easy thing to deal with, but having a community helps. This song is an excellent reminder of that.

“Amazing Grace” by Various Artists

Song year: 1772

This song is one of the most traditional songs out there, but it's a common choice for funeral programs. Even if you don't know the song, you'll most likely recognize it.

The lyrics talk about the grace that saved the singer. Meanwhile, the instrumentals are powerful and can help lift you up.

“Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

Song year: 2005

This song starts slow and soft, but it gains energy as it goes along. Its lyrics talk about a new dawn, which is how it can feel after a loss.

Of course, it also talks about feeling good and leading a new life. This song is a nice choice if you don't want something too upbeat.

“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

Song year: 2015

Dedicated to the late actor Paul Walker, this song is the perfect choice for a funeral. The lyrics talk about losing a friend but knowing you'll see them later.

Khalifa and Puth perform the song and do a great job. The rap and singing pair quite well, making it a good song for before or after a funeral.

“Ghost” by Justin Bieber

Song year: 2021

In another song about losing a friend, Bieber sings about having to hang out with the ghost of a loved one. Other lyrics talk about missing the given friend and how they remember the friend.

The instrumentals are a nice mix of melancholy and happiness. We all have to move on, so we may need to settle for the memory or ghost of a friend or relative.

“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith

Song year: 2014

The lyrics center around missing someone and how that person told Smith not to cry. Smith asks to lay by the person they miss.

This song is a fantastic combination of soul, R&B, and pop. It can appeal to audiences of all ages, so it's suitable for a family funeral.

“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

Song year: 1969

This song talks about seeing a spirit up in the sky after passing away. It's a classic choice, so it's a good one for the funeral of a classic rock fan.

The instrumentals are a bit ethereal, so it can feel as if you're floating up to the sky. While it may be more suitable for before a loved one dies, it can work at a funeral as well.

“Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd

Song year: 2020

The Weeknd sings about breaking someone's heart but wanting to take them back. It's not specifically about death; it is about letting go of someone.

This song features empowering instrumentals under the lyrics. Not only is there a solo version, but there's also a recording that features Ariana Grande duetting with The Weeknd.

“One Last Time” by Ariana Grande

Song year: 2014

This song talks about feeling like a failure for failing someone that you've lost. The instrumentals slowly build throughout the song, and it talks about wanting to be with someone for one last time.

Watching the music video may make this song more powerful. The concept is that the world is about to end, which is how it can feel when you lose someone you love.

“Space Between” by Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson

Song year: 2017

The duet between two friends involves a lot of emotions. While it's not about death specifically, it resolves by saying friends can meet each other where they are, even if in separate worlds.

In the context of the song, the two friends choose to live in separate cities. But they know that they'll always be important to each other.