Music is an integral part of any memorial service and finding the perfect song to say goodbye can be difficult. The older generation of mourners may prefer a different style of music than their younger counterparts, so selecting a funeral song that speaks to their life experience is important.
Here are some of the best funeral songs for the older generation.
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Song year: 1969
The song lyrics reflect someone who lived his life the way he wanted. It is a reminder that life is short and to make the most of it, one should live it the way one wants. It can help the older generation reminisce on the deceased’s life and accept that everything has its own time.
“You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvAr9umnZ54
Song year: 1974
The song “You Are So Beautiful” is a beautiful tribute to the deceased. The lyrics speak of how beautiful the deceased is and how much they will be missed. It has become an anthem for many people who have lost a loved one and is a reminder that the beauty of life never fades.
The song offers a reminder that death can’t erase the beauty of life, only add to it.
“The Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Song year: 1983
The song is about someone who has been a source of strength and courage for the singer. The lyrics express how even though the deceased may be gone, they still provide a strong foundation for the singer.
The song is ideal for recognizing the strength and courage of your loved one and their role in the lives of those they left behind.
“My Old Friend” by Tim McGraw
Song year: 2005
The song “My Old Friend” describes how a person might feel when a loved one passes away. It speaks of how a person can still feel the presence of their loved one, even though they are no longer around.
The song can comfort those mourning a friend’s loss as its lyrics constantly mention the phrase “old friend.”
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and The Pacemakers
Song year: 1963
The song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a classic that speaks of how you will never be alone, even if your loved one has passed away.
The lyrics provide a reminder that the presence of God will always be there to provide comfort and strength. It can be a powerful reminder that even when your loved one has gone, they will always be with you.
The song shows a grandparent comforting a young child and can be a powerful reminder that there is hope in sorrow.
“The Living Years” by Mike and The Mechanics
Song year: 1988
The song speaks of the importance of taking time to appreciate the life and memories of loved ones. It also emphasizes how important it is to communicate with them.
It conveys that it’s too late to apologize once a loved one is gone. It can be a powerful reminder to cherish the time with those you love and to express your appreciation for old loved ones.
The song features a family coming together to remember their father, perfectly capturing the sentiment of cherishing memories and expressing appreciation for those who have gone.
“Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1GmxMTwUgs
Song year: 1997
“Angel” is about loss and grief but also hope in heaven. It speaks of an angel to help someone understand the grief process and find a way to move forward.
The song is structured to reassure that the deceased will be looked after and safe in the next life. It also reminds you of hope even when you suffer from the pain of loss.
“If I Should Fall Behind” by Bruce Springsteen
Song year: 1992
The song “If I Should Fall Behind” reminds individuals that even though a loved one may be gone, they will still be remembered and loved. It speaks of how a person’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those closest to them.
It can be a fitting tribute as it provides comfort in knowing that those you have lost will never be forgotten. It is an ideal song to remind us that the love and memories of a loved one live on even after they are gone.
The video features Bruce Springsteen singing the song in a cemetery, emphasizing how love and memories live on even after someone’s death.
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa feat Charlie Puth
Song year: 2015
“See You Again” is an emotional tribute to a loved one who has passed away. It speaks of how even though the person is gone, they will always be remembered and cherished.
The song lyrics share a message of hope that one day in the future, you will reunite with your loved one. It can be a powerful reminder of the hope and joy of reuniting with those you love, even when they have passed away.
“Walk On” by U2
Song year: 2000
“Walk On” reminds individuals to appreciate life and the memories of a loved one, even in times of grief. It speaks of how life can still be lived to the fullest and provides comfort by letting you know that even though your loved one is gone, they will always be remembered.
The message of this song is inspiring and can easily comfort those in mourning. It is an ideal song to convey the importance of cherishing life and the memories of those we have lost.
“My Immortal” by Evanescence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5anLPw0Efmo
Song year: 2003
“My Immortal” speaks of the pain of losing a loved one and how impossible it can feel about moving on. It conveys the message that even though a person is gone, their spirit will never die.
It can be comforting while conveying that the spirit of their loved one will live on forever in their hearts. It is an ideal song to provide solace and hope during a difficult time, as it speaks to the power of love.
The song features a young girl walking through a cemetery, and it serves as a reminder that even though someone is gone, their memory will live on. It can be especially comforting to those who have lost a loved one.
“When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Song year: 1998
“When You Believe” is a beautiful song about hope in the afterlife. It speaks of how there is still light beyond the horizon, even when life can feel dark.
The song can be a source of comfort as it reminds us that even in our darkest days, there is still hope of reuniting with our loved ones in the afterlife. It can provide a powerful message of love and faith that can be a source of strength when facing difficult times.
In the music video, Houston and Mariah Carey sing in a church, emphasizing the song’s spiritual message. The video can inspire those facing grief and loss, letting them know their loved one will always be with them.
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Song year: 1984
“Hallelujah” is a song about the power of faith and hope in times of loss. It speaks of how even when life can be difficult, there will still be joy and love to help us get through it.
The song conveys a powerful message of resilience and hope, which can provide comfort for those who have lost a loved one. It is an ideal song to remind individuals that although life can be difficult, there is still hope and joy in the world.
“Amazing Grace” by John Newton
Song year: 1779
“Amazing Grace” is a timeless classic that speaks of the power of faith in times of sorrow and grief. It conveys that faith can provide strength and hope, even in the darkest times.
The lyrical song can provide comfort by letting you know that they are never alone and that there is always hope. It can be a reminder of the power of faith, love, and grace in times of loss.
“In My Life” by The Beatles
Song year: 1965
“In My Life” speaks of cherishing the memories of those who have passed away. It conveys that even though someone is gone, they can still be present in our lives through their memories.
The song can remind you of the importance of cherishing the memories of those you have lost. It can also allow you to hold onto them even when they are no longer physically present.
The song features vintage photos of the Beatles, emphasizing the power of memories. It can make it a perfect choice for those looking to remember and honor their lost loved one.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Song year: 1992
“Tears in Heaven” speaks of the pain of loss and how difficult it can be to move on. It addresses the message that although life can be hard, it is still possible to find peace and happiness.
The song can provide comfort by reminding you that you are not alone and that there is hope, even in death. It can be a beacon of light when dealing with grief, conveying a message of hope and strength.
In the song, the listener follows the story of a young girl who has lost her father, emphasizing the power of love and hope in times of loss.
“Don’t Cry” by Guns N’ Roses
Song year: 1991
“Don’t Cry” is a powerful song about finding strength in times of sorrow. It conveys the message that it can be hard to keep going in times of loss, but you must continue and find a way to move forward.
The song can remind you that even when life can seem unbearable, there is always something to give you the strength to carry on. The song includes powerful scenes of hope and strength, which can provide comfort in grief.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
Song year: 1964
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” speaks of how faith and love can provide a way forward even when life can be difficult. It states that you are never truly alone and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
It can provide solace in times of grief. Although the video doesn’t feature much, the lyrics convey a powerful message that there is still faith and love after the tragedy.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
Song year: 1939
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” speaks of hope and dreams for a better tomorrow. It can encourage you that even when life may seem overwhelming, there will be brighter days ahead.
The song can provide comfort and hope in times of grief. It can also open you up to the joy and love in the world.
In the song, you can see a young Judy Garland singing of dreams and hope. It is an uplifting reminder that life will continue and there is still joy and beauty in the world.
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
Song year: 1965
“Unchained Melody” speaks of the power of time and how it can comfort in times of sorrow. It talks about the need for time and love in dark times and how it can bring us back to life.
The song can bring comfort and peace, reminding you to have hope. It can also allow you to believe in the power of love as a source of strength.
The song features vintage photos of couples in love, emphasizing the power of time and how it can help heal after loss.
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
Song year: 1951
Nat King Cole was one of the most beloved singers of his generation, and his song “Unforgettable” is a classic. It is a love song about how the loved one’s memory can last forever.
The song conveys the idea that the deceased person’s memory will still be alive in the hearts of their loved ones. It can provide comfort to those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Funeral Songs For The Older Generation, Final Thoughts
There is no easy way to cope with grief and sadness, but music can be a powerful source of comfort. Through this selection of popular songs, you can find the best funeral songs for the older generation, which can offer strength, hope, and love in moments of hardship.
You can be sure to find beautiful songs of love, tribute, and hope that will help you cope with the grief of losing a loved one. You may also want to check these songs to say goodbye.