Choosing the right song for a funeral is difficult. Loretta Lynn’s honest country, and gospel music, about faith and love, continues to lift and soothe hearts.
Here’s a list of Loretta Lynn funeral songs appropriate for your loved one.
“Let Her Fly”
Song year: 1993
Loretta Lynn wrote and recorded “Let Her Fly” along with fellow country greats Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette.
This slow, tender song is about the death of a mother who has gone to heaven to become an angel and reunite with her late husband.
The song is religious, sweet, and beautiful, though the swelling emotional chorus will probably make you cry.
“If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again”
Song year: 1965
“If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again” is another Loretta Lynn funeral song that would be most appropriate to play for a mother’s funeral.
In this gently rolling country gospel song, Lynn sings about wanting to hear her mother’s voice one more time. She is glad her mother told her about Jesus because someday she will see and hear her again.
“Color of the Blues”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnPMp7mdr9w
Song year: 1963
While “Color of the Blues” isn’t specifically about death, it is about being sad that someone is gone. The lyrics create beautiful imagery of blue eyes, water, and birds. There is the mention of a suit so that it may be more appropriate for a father or husband.
This is a good choice if you’re playing it for someone who loved the color blue. It’s also a good choice for a song that will play harmlessly, acknowledging people’s feelings without causing more pain.
“My Angel Mother”
Song year: 1968
In “My Angel Mother,” a daughter expresses her love for her mother. Her mother is sweet, loving, and like an angel.
This song isn’t about the loss of a mother but rather the love and appreciation for one. Consider this one if you’d like a song that focuses on what your mother meant to you and how much you loved her rather than the fact that she’s gone.
This one should help bring up good memories to help with the grief.
“I Believe”
Song year: 1968
“I Believe” is a country gospel song about faith. It is about finding the light of God’s plan in even the saddest, most painful moments in life. It infuses beauty and purpose into the most tragic and heart-wrenching losses.
This would be suitable for anyone and would work best in a religious setting.
“In the Sweet Bye and Bye”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2EKJBzKJuY
Song year: 1965
“In the Sweet Bye and Bye” is a Christian hymn written by S. Fillmore Benett and Joseph P. Webster. Other than Loretta Lynn, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton have all recorded versions of the song.
This is a song about heaven, where you’ll meet the Lord and loved ones who’ve passed before you. This one isn’t a goodbye song. It’s a “see you later.” song that should bring comfort.
“Put Your Hand in the Hand”
Song year: 1971
Written by Gene MacLellan, Anne Murray released the first recording of the song “Put Your Hand in the Hand,” with Lynn’s version following shortly after.
The lyrics mention both a mother and a father, so this song would be an appropriate tribute to either. This song does not mention death or heaven directly. It is a Christian song that talks about putting your faith in Jesus and would be suitable for a church funeral for those looking for help from above in dealing with the new loss.
“Harp With Golden Strings”
Song year: 1968
From her album Who Says God Is Dead! Loretta Lynn’s “Harp With Golden Strings” describes a singer and guitar player looking forward to playing the harp after her passing when she goes to heaven to make music with angels.
While this song is sad, it is also sweet and full of faith. It describes a woman who will put her earthly instruments down to participate in the Lord’s choir. This would be a fitting tribute for the funeral of a musician or a member of their church’s choir.
“I’m a Gettin’ Ready To Go”
Song year: 1968
In “I’m a Gettin’ Ready To Go,” the singer describes the world as only practice, where you get yourself ready for what comes next. She’s letting everyone know that she’s made peace with her death, is prepared to go to heaven, and will be ok.
This song would work as a message from the departed that believed in God and Heaven. It might soothe those attending the funeral, knowing their loved one is in peace.
“Darkest Day”
Song year: 1966
“Darkest Day” is one of Loretta Lynn’s lost love songs rather than one focused on death or faith.
The lyrics describe a woman who is left and feels lost because of it. With swinging country music to temper the lyrics of darkness and grief, the speaker knows that the sun isn’t going to come out immediately and that there will be grief and lasting pain from this loss. She has no choice but to keep moving.
As a funeral song, this one is sad without being forcefully sad and will allow mourners to acknowledge their loss rather than push it back.
“End of the World”
Song year: 1964
Arthur Kent and Slyvia Dee wrote “End of the World” for singer Skeeter Davis. While this song is about a breakup, Dee drew on her grief after her father’s death to set the mood of loss.
Many artists have covered this song, but this version by Loretta Lynn is a true classic.
The singer doesn’t understand how the world can keep moving when she’s experiencing such a profound loss. She doesn’t even know how she can go on. Her world ended when she said goodbye.
This would be most appropriate for the funeral of a spouse, parent, or child. It acknowledges great sorrow and pays tribute to how important the loved one was in the lives of others.
Best Loretta Lynn Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Before Loretta Lynn passed, she recorded a message to her fans, thanking them for all they gave to her so that she didn’t have to raise her children poor. In her last moments, she was grateful, graceful, and at peace with her goodbye.
Hopefully, you will find solace in this selection of Loretta Lynn funeral songs and find the perfect one to celebrate and mourn your loved one.