Picking the right songs for a funeral is an important task. When you lose someone special, you want to ensure you honor them with fitting music.
Johnny Cash has several songs from his extensive catalog that are perfect for a funeral, and these Johnny Cash funeral songs are some of the most heartfelt and meaningful.
“Amazing Grace” by Johnny Cash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cvcGZqiH0g
Song Year: 1975
One of Johnny Cash’s specialties was singing gospel music. His voice was perfect for it. He recorded some famous hymns throughout his career, on his own and with his gifted wife, June Carter Cash.
“Amazing Grace” is a very popular song for funerals, and this version by Johnny Cash is especially poignant. This is definitely the song if you’re looking for music that will uplift and encourage funeral-goers.
“Peace in the Valley” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1963
“Peace in the Valley” is another wonderful old spiritual song about how joy and peace come with death for those who believe there’s something better waiting for them. It’s a beautiful tribute to that faithful person in your life.
It’s also an encouraging song for those struggling to cope with grief. The tune delivers a message of hope that will help mourners find closure.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 2002
Johnny Cash released many cover songs in the late days of his career, showing off his aged and worn voice. Songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” became more powerful when carried by Cash’s rough and raw tone.
The song is all about supporting the people that you love. Being part of a family or a tight group of friends means you’ll always be there for them, no matter their needs.
It’s a beautiful song to play in memory of those closest to you. It will honor their legacy and remind you of all the good times together.
“If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1962
Country songs have a way of touching our soul with their heartfelt lyrics. They’re so potent, filled with beautiful truth and shining hope. “If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven” is one of those priceless songs.
Cash sings about his hope that all his friends will be reunited one day in heaven. Even if he never sees his loved ones again on this earth, he knows what that means: their reunion in heaven will be that much sweeter.
“Ain’t No Grave” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 2010
As Johnny Cash aged, his deep and powerful voice became rough, as if worn out by time and a hard life. The result is a number of songs in the last days of his career that are wonderfully moving and haunting.
“Ain’t No Grave” is another old standard that Johnny Cash made his own with his rough, gravelly voice. In this tune, he expresses his confidence that death is not the end. He has faith in life after death, so not even the grave can keep him down.
Consider this one if you’re looking for a hopeful yet somber song to play at a funeral.
“Swing Low Sweet Chariot” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1959
“Swing Low Sweet Chariot” is a beautiful old spiritual from African-American culture that has become one of the most popular songs to sing at a funeral. It’s versatile, so you can play it slow, contemplative, or joyful.
Johnny Cash covers this old song about the glory that awaits those who have passed away; in heaven, there is no more sorrow or pain, and Cash wants his listeners to remember that as they consider the fleeting nature of this life.
“Wayfaring Stranger” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 2000
“Wayfaring Stranger” is a beautiful tune about a man ready to leave this life behind. He’s experienced hardship and has lost so many people. He knows he’s going home to be with them and can’t wait to get there.
Johnny Cash explores the idea that this life is not truly home for some people. They see themselves as belonging elsewhere, in a different land or time.
“We’ll Meet Again” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 2002
As the end of his life approached, Cash started singing more songs about the end of life. He had a certain hope in what was waiting for him after death, and he wanted others around him to take heart, knowing that he’d be alright.
“We’ll Meet Again” is a plea to those he leaves behind. He wants them to carry on for his sake.
If you need a song to help you find closure and motivation to keep living life to the fullest, give this one a listen.
“I’m Free From the Chain Gang Now” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1962
“I’m Free From the Chain Gang Now” is a Johnny Cash song about the end of life for someone who has experienced nothing but pain and suffering. Although it’s sad, there’s also something freeing about it.
In it, he encourages his loved ones to go on without him; he’s not hurt by the weight of the world anymore, and they should take heart knowing that he’s happier than ever.
“You’re the Nearest Thing to Heaven” by Johnny Cash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49rB7x618LE
Song Year: 1958
There’s nothing harder than losing your spouse, your life partner, and the one you loved more than anyone else on the whole earth. Experiencing such a loss is heartbreaking, to say the least.
One way to cope with the grief of such a loss is to remember the good times and cherish the love you shared. “You’re the Nearest Thing to Heaven” is a testament to that.
“Guess Things Happen That Way” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1959
When a loved one passes away, people tend to dwell on the past and wonder what they could have done differently. There’s a temptation to feel guilty over not having more time, not saying “I love you” enough, or simply not being there in the end.
“Guess Things Happen That Way” is a realist’s antidote to those feelings. Sometimes people die, and there’s nothing anyone can do. Beating yourself up about it, or feeling guilty for things you never did, won’t do you or them any good.
“I Still Miss Someone” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1958
After losing someone special, one of the hardest things to do is go out and live life as if nothing is wrong. You tend to feel like a shell of the person you used to be, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t move on.
“I Still Miss Someone” is a call not to take things too fast. One day you’ll heal; you’ll wake up and realize that you’re a little better than you were before, and that cycle will continue.
But now, you miss your loved one, and that’s alright. Don’t rush the process. Let every trial have its full effect.
“You’ll Be Alright” by Johnny Cash with June Carter Cash
Song Year: 1967
“You’ll Be Alright” is a mellow song about moving on after loss. Johnny Cash enlists the help of his wife, June, to make this song a little more heartfelt.
It could be a sweet song to play at a funeral because it embraces the reality of how hard it is to lose someone. But it also encourages the listener to remember everything will work out in the end.
Things will be hard for a little while. Then, slowly, they’ll get easier. And before you know it, everything will be good again.
“Shepherd of My Heart” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1958
Playing love songs at a funeral is a wonderful way to remember the dear friend or family member you lost.
Songs like “Shepherd of My Heart” pay homage to the great love the world is lucky enough to witness on occasion. It’s a testament to the sort of love that is truly selfless and adoring.
Remembering your special someone through love songs like this will help you deal with the pain of losing them and come through the other side with peace in your heart.
“These Things Shall Pass” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1959
There is no pain or suffering that will last forever. Every heartache, every trial, and every bit of hardship you face on this earth is temporary. In this song, Johnny Cash expresses great hope that things will get better one day.
“These Things Shall Pass” helps listeners remember that their grief is not the end. You may never stop missing the person that you lost, but it will get easier.
One day, you’ll look back on your memories with that loved one and smile. You’ll find yourself thankful for the time you did have, realizing that remembering them doesn’t hurt anymore.
“Give My Love to Rose” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1962
“Give My Love to Rose” is about a man who stumbles across someone dying beside some railroad tracks one day. Wondering if there’s anything he can do to help, he stops and kneels beside the dying man.
The dying man tells the stranger his sad life story and how he was on his way to finally reuniting with his lovely wife and son after years of hardship kept them apart.
The song is a lovely tribute to the poor man’s undying love for his family. Although he knows he won’t make it home, he just wants them to know that they mean the world to him.
“Take Me Home” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1966
Johnny Cash sings a few songs about people on the road. His characters travel from one side of the globe to the other, dreaming of the day they can return home.
“Take Me Home” is a beautiful allegory for passing from this life to the next. Many people are weary of life when they come to its end, ready to see what’s waiting for them on the other side.
“Happiness Is You” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1966
The whole world suddenly stops around you when you find the person you’re meant to be with. The things that once captured your attention don’t seem so important anymore; the distractions of life don’t seem so heavy.
“Happiness Is You” is a great love song for anyone dealing with losing their partner. Whether it’s you, a parent, or a grandparent, having this song play at the funeral could be a special way of remembering those who have passed away.
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1963
“Ring of Fire” is another example of a special love song that can bring closure and peace to the hearts of those in mourning.
Johnny Cash sings about the power of love in this song, comparing it to the all-consuming nature of a strong fire.
It’s a lovely image that’s worth cherishing.
“Jackson” by Johnny Cash with June Carter Cash
Song Year: 1967
“Jackson,” tells the story of Johnny Cash’s exciting life with his lovely bride, June Carter Cash. Together, they sing about their adventures and express thankfulness for their shared life.
What a testament to the beauty of true, lifelong love. Anyone dealing with the loss of someone special will relate to the unique sentiment of this song.
“Port of Lonely Hearts” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1961
Loneliness is a sad and weighty thing to endure. The sort of loneliness that comes from losing your wife, husband, or special friend has a never-ending quality.
“Port of Lonely Hearts” compares loneliness to ships lost at sea. Johnny Cash sings about the fear and the uncertainty that loneliness brings but still clings to the hope that one day, he’ll be reunited with his love and all will be made right.
“Daddy Sang Bass” by Johnny Cash with June Carter Cash
Song Year: 1968
If you need an upbeat song to play at a funeral, consider using “Daddy Sang Bass.” Together, the Cash couple sings about their fond memories and special times.
The song pays homage to people who they’ve lost over the years. But Johnny and June are not downtrodden because of it; instead, they’re hopeful that everyone will be together again in heaven one day, and they’ll pick up where things ended.
“Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1956
Johnny Cash sang some of the most powerful and meaningful love songs with strong and potent lyrics. They meant something to the people who heard them and became anthems for many young lovers.
“Walk the Line” is one of his most famous love songs. While it’s not traditionally a funeral song, it’s a wonderful way of reminding the mourners that the love they had for their friend is still important.
If you want to incorporate Johnny Cash songs into a funeral, consider this uplifting love song to help you and those around you cope with your grief and think fondly of the times you all shared.
Best Johnny Cash Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Johnny Cash’s funeral songs range from traditional hymns to love songs to heartfelt tributes to people who have passed on to a better place.
Remembering your loved ones requires more than a good song, but the right music at a funeral can help you find closure amid your grief.
If you’re looking for something solemn yet hopeful, you can certainly find it in a Johnny Cash song.