37 Uplifting Funeral Songs

“Gold Forever” by The Wanted

Song year: 2012

The lyrics talk about wanting to cry but knowing that everything will work out. It also talks about wanting to remember some of the best days.

Along with the lyrics, the instrumentals are upbeat and can help you feel better. The video makes the message even more clear with visual references to someone above.

“Only Human” by the Jonas Brothers

Song year: 2019

Another song about wanting one night to keep going; it talks about not wanting to leave or lose someone. This song is more upbeat than a lot of other songs.

However, the title reminds us that we’re only humans. It’s okay to feel different things and to admit those feelings.

“Invisible” by Big Time Rush

Song year: 2011

The lyrics talk about supporting someone you love through loss. It reminds us that we’re stars and that we don’t have to remain in the shadows.

This song features a nice, repetitive instrumental track that slowly builds throughout each verse and chorus. It can make you feel better and more powerful to help you deal with grief.

“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

Song year: 2012

If you recently lost a mother or another powerful woman in your life, you may want to play Girl on Fire. The lyrics talk about a girl doing amazing things.

Keys has an amazing voice, and the instrumentals help showcase that power. This song is an excellent reminder not to let anything hold us back.

“Fly Away” by The Cheetah Girls

Song year: 2008

The Cheetah Girls sing about change happening and letting go of the past. They don’t want the past to “fly away,” but they have to make a choice to move forward.

Each of the three singers adds something to the song. Meanwhile, the instrumentals help move the song along.

“It’s Over” by The Cheetah Girls

Song year: 2006

Another powerful song from The Cheetah Girls, this one is also about losing sight of one’s dreams. While it’s not about death, it is about the death of a singing group.

All four members of the group add their own emotions during their solos. As a group, they all come together to emphasize the sadness of losing something.

“More Than a Band” by Lemonade Mouth

Song year: 2011

This song occurs in the Lemonade Mouth movie as one character confesses her father killed her mother. The other members of the band comfort their friend and remind her they’re not just bandmates.

Everyone sings a solo and as part of a group, and the instrumentals slowly build up. This song is an excellent choice for the funeral of a fellow musician.

“Never Gonna Not Dance Again” by Pink

Song year: 2022

Pink sings about how she refuses to stop dancing. It’s a relatively upbeat song for a funeral, but its message reminds us not to lose sight of ourselves or what we love.

People and life will try to knock us down, but we have to get back up. This song may not be suitable for all funerals, but it’s worth adding to a potential playlist.

“I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha

Song year: 2022

A more positive remix of the classic song Blue, this song reminds us to live our lives and to enjoy them while we can. It’s good to go with the flow.

The melody and instrumentals are the same as in the earlier version. However, Rexha and Guetta add their own spin to make the song danceable but also emotional.

“De Una Vez” by Selena Gomez

Song year: 2021

If you want a Spanish song for a funeral program, consider De Una Vez. It talks about being stronger when alone after a loss.

This can be a good song if you lost someone you loved but who maybe didn’t love you as much or didn’t treat you well. The instrumentals are emotional and can help non-Spanish speakers understand the meaning of the song.

“Antes de las Seis” by Shakira

Song year: 2010

This song’s lyrics talk about being hurt by someone you love. They ask what you’ll do after losing that person and how you’ll go on.

The melody and instrumentals start slowly and build into a rock chorus. Shakira’s vocals help emphasize the emotions of losing someone, especially when you can predict the loss ahead of time.

Uplifting Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts

“Uplifting funeral songs” may sound like an oxymoron. However, you can use some of these songs to liven up a funeral or celebration of life.

Consider the messages of each song and its artists. Then, you can make sure the event makes you and the other attendees feel better and that it also celebrates the person you recently lost.