Choosing a funeral song is deeply personal. Whether it’s lyrics that commemorate your spouse meaningfully or a tune that speaks to your heart, you will know when you’ve found the right song.
These funeral songs for a husband are among the top options. Each one is different, but all are loving odes to a partner who will always live on in your memories.
“There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill
Song Year: 2001
Faith Hill recorded “There You’ll Be” for the 2001 film Pearl Harbor. This emotional ballad is about a woman’s love for her late spouse and how she will always keep him close to her heart.
Because it’s from a war movie, it captures the pain of losing someone while they’re still young. It would also be a wonderful funeral song for a husband who served in the military.
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Song Year: 1969
Some men are known for being strong-willed, tenacious, and self-determined. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra is the perfect funeral song for a husband with these characteristics.
The song is sung from the perspective of someone looking back on his life’s triumphs and mistakes and regretting nothing because he knows that no matter what, he always stayed true to who he was.
“When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley
Song Year: 2005
“When I Get Where I’m Going,” by Brad Paisley is another country song that focuses on hope and the future, but this time, it’s from the perspective of a person facing the prospect of their own death.
The narrator looks forward to the day in heaven when he will get a chance to fly, play with tame animals, and meet Jesus.
It’s a beautiful funeral song for a religious husband who was at peace with the idea of moving on to the next life.
“Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon
Song Year: 2003
Warren Zevon was a prolific songwriter known for his witty lyrics that audiences could identify with. Zevon recorded “Keep Me in Your Heart” shortly before his death in 2003.
The narrator is dying and asks his loved ones to keep him in their thoughts as they go about their everyday lives.
The humility of the song is what makes it so touching. He isn’t asking for a vast monument to be built for him or even to be remembered forever. All he asks is that they think of him now and then – for a while.
“See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2012
Country music offers some of the best goodbye songs, whether about a lover who walks away or a loved one who passes on.
If you’re looking for a country song for a husband’s funeral, but want one that’s modern and has a glimmer of hope, consider “See You Again” by Carrie Underwood. The song’s lyrics talk about losing someone you love yet being comforted by the idea that you will see them again someday.
The song’s sound isn’t one of sadness and misery; it’s a ballad with a hopeful tune and lyrics that focus on love and encouragement.
“My Love” by Celine Dion
Song Year: 2012
Celine Dion’s power ballad “My Heart Will Go On” is one of the top funeral songs, but some people feel it’s too overused for their loved one’s ceremony. This is understandable. A song that’s such a massive hit associated with a blockbuster movie doesn’t feel intimate enough to be a suitable sendoff for a spouse.
The song describes the ups and downs of their marriage, and she mentions feeling like she made mistakes in their relationship. But in the end, she was there for him, helping him through his last days.
The heartfelt lyrics capture the real struggles of an ordinary marriage and how illness and death bring a relationship down to its framework of love.
“In My Life” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1965
“In My Life” by The Beatles is a sweet song of nostalgia.
The narrator describes the people and things in his life that he has loved and how he will always have affection for the wonderful memories of his time on earth. But, at the end of the second chorus, he says that of all the people and things he adores, he loves his partner more.
This is a wonderful funeral song for an older couple who lived full lives and still found the most comfort and connection with each other.
“Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli
Song Year: 1996
In 1996, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and British soprano Sarah Brightman teamed up for a variation on the song “Con Te Partiro,” changing the title to “Time To Say Goodbye.”
While it’s technically an opera song, it was a crossover hit, thanks to its universally relatable lyrics about parting ways with a loved one and desperately wishing you could have gone with them on more of life’s adventures.
Bocelli’s and Brightman’s amazing voices, backed by a talented orchestra, stir feelings of pain and love that are suitable for a sad occasion, yet the uplifting tune is one of hope.
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python
Song Year: 1979
If you’re planning a funeral for a husband who was always joking, laughing, and pointing out the absurdity of life, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is a great song choice.
This song from Monty Python’s Life of Brian is an upbeat show tune that urges listeners to keep a sunny demeanor even in the face of great difficulty, including their own death.
The song’s humorous lyrics go perfectly with the happy whistle in the chorus, and it’s sure to bring a smile to the faces of funeral guests, cheering them up for a while.
“Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole
Song Year: 1952
For decades, couples have chosen this classic love song as their wedding dance. This simple yet poetic ballad was released in 1952 and has stood the test of time thanks to its beautiful lyrics and melody.
Unsurprisingly, “Unforgettable” makes sense as a funeral song for a husband, too. The lyrics describe the eternal nature of love between spouses and the gratitude people feel when the person they’re in love with loves them back.
“One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz 2 Men
Song Year: 1995
This 90’s R&B hit topped the charts for multiple weeks in 1995 when both Carey and Boyz 2 Men were at the height of their popularity. It was written as a memorial song for Carey’s late friend David Cole.
The opening verse’s lyrics express the sorrow people often have when they think about the things they should have said or done with their loved ones while they were still alive, but later expresses the joy of knowing that this life isn’t all there is.
With Carey’s world-class vocals, Boyz 2 Men’s immaculate harmonies, and a stirring orchestral arrangement, “One Sweet Day” is a classy funeral song.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” by Rosemary Clooney
Song Year: 1944
This classic love song is among the most popular to play at funerals for a husband.
It was originally written and recorded in the 1940s during World War 2. Many husbands went to war at the time, leaving their spouses at home. Some sadly never returned, and this song became one of the era’s most-played farewell tunes.
It talks about envisioning the good memories you have of your loved one as you go to all the familiar places you enjoyed while together.
“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
Song Year: 1974
One of the most bittersweet songs ever written, “I Will Always Love You,” tells the story of someone who has no choice but to leave their loved one, despite not wanting to. It’s about the pain of not being able to be with the person you love due to life’s circumstances and the celebration of the relationship they were able to share.
Whether you choose the soft, aching original version by Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston’s 1992 powerhouse remake, it will be a beautiful way to commemorate the love between spouses.
“Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds
Song Year: 1965
In the 1960s, the world was in the midst of massive change, and music played a significant role in the revolution. People were casting off traditional ideas about life and finding their own ways to be.
Interestingly enough, one of the biggest songs of this era was made up almost entirely of lyrics taken from a very traditional source: the Bible. “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the British band the Byrds addresses the ups and downs of life by paraphrasing Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.
“The Dance” by Garth Brooks
Song Year: 1989
When someone dies unexpectedly, their loved ones often wish they had known it would happen.
“The Dance” by Garth Brooks addresses that familiar feeling but concludes that it is better not to know when the end will come so that we can enjoy the good moments with our loved ones as they happen.
While it’s technically a country song, it transcends genres with its heartbreaking universal message.
“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
Song Year: 1994
Although the lyrics are rather cryptic and not necessarily about the death of a loved one, Hallelujah is often used at funerals thanks to its undeniable beauty.
Written by songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah uses biblical themes to explore the joy and pain of love and the frailty of the human condition. Its tune is simple and repetitive so that the lyrics stay the focus of attention.
While “Hallelujah” has been covered many times by countless artists, people often choose the Jeff Buckley version for funerals because Buckely’s raw, heart-wrenching vocals best reflect the deep emotions felt during a time of loss.
“Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart
Song Year: 2013
In this tearjerker song, the narrator talks about losing her husband and how although she believes she will see him again in Heaven, she is jealous of the angels that get to be with him until then.
The song speaks to the heart of a spouse who has lost her loved one and to the complicated, difficult feelings she’s having in her time of grief. It’s not a song that’s widely known, so there are no worries about using something that’s overplayed.
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
Song Year: 1975
“Wish You Were Here” by progressive rock band Pink Floyd is another one of those songs that is a bit of a mystery. It’s not specifically about the death of a spouse or loved one, and the lyrics may be difficult to grasp fully. Still, it is a song that expresses a sense of loss and desperation in a way few can.
Originally written to addressl frontman Syd Barrett’s struggle with mental illness and drug addiction, the song features a chorus that is fitting a funeral.
“Together Again” by Janet Jackson
Song Year: 1998
Who says funeral songs have to be sad? Of course, people are going through loss and grief whenever a loved one dies, but for some individuals, it helps to focus on the positive aspects of their life with their loved one, and the hope that they will live on in some capacity.
Jackson sings about seeing a deceased loved one in the sweet things in life, like a friend’s smile or the moonlight. Other lyrics talk about how her loved one’s pain and worries are over, which makes her happy despite missing them.
“Far From Perfect But He Was Mine” by Chanteuse
Song Year: 2018
This slow, heartfelt folk song describes the years of love between a husband and wife. It’s a very emotional tune and one that is probably best suited for a couple who have been together for many years because it references a long marriage.
It details the fun, disagreements, hopes, dreams, and changes that a couple goes through over the life of their relationship. It acknowledges that no marriage is perfect, but that love is all that matters in the end.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Parri
Song Year: 2011
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Parri is a love song that is played at both weddings and funerals. This romantic ballad was released in 2011 and was part of the soundtrack for Twilight: Breaking Dawn, but most people know it as a beautiful adult contemporary radio hit.
It captures the eternal nature of our connection with our spouses and how people overcome their fears for the sake of love. It’s an emotional song and easy to play on the piano if there is a live musician at the funeral or memorial service.
“See You on the Other Side” by Ozzy Osborn
Song Year: 1995
Ozzy Osborn’s song “See You on the Other Side,” from his album Ozzmosis is a slow ballad that explores the finality of death but the hope that you’ll see your loved one again.
It’s an excellent choice for a funeral song for a husband who loved rock music and didn’t want a traditional song played at his funeral.
“I Will Remember You” by Amy Grant
Song Year: 1991
This 1991 song by Christian crossover pop artist Amy Grant is a haunting piece that captures the feeling of missing a loved one.
It begins with the narrator talking about seeing her loved one’s face in a crowd and smiling at the thought of their good times together. She says that she will be his champion and forever remember him.
“Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1993
“Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” is a farewell song that cuts to the heart with its powerful lyrics. It’s sung from the standpoint of a man who is passing away and giving his loved ones his final words.
He tells them that even though it’s time for him to go, he will always watch over them and live on in the music they sing because lullabies last forever.
“The Show Must Go On” by Queen
Song Year: 1993
This song was recorded shortly before Freddie Mercury passed away. It talks about feeling hopeless about the state of the world but learning to stand up, dust yourself off, and go on with life.
It’s a powerful song of perseverance, reminding us that we can get through even the most difficult times.
“You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor
Song Year: 1971
James Taylor is one of folk-pop’s biggest legends. With his soothing voice and insightful lyrics, Taylor climbed the charts for decades, and his music carries wonderful memories for people who came of age in the 1960s and 70s.
“You Can Close Your Eyes” is a peaceful lullaby that encourages the listener to relax and let go of their worries and fears, knowing that, for that moment, everything is alright.
It’s a beautiful song for a husband’s funeral because you can interpret it in two ways. As his last message to his wife and family, telling them that he’ll watch over them from beyond. Or, as the wife’s song to her husband, wishing him rest and peace on his journey to the next life.
“Smile” by Nat King Cole
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X7mEmT7JWs
Song Year: 1954
This vintage song carries the timeless message to keep your chin up when life looks bleak.
This song would be a great choice if your husband was a positive person who took an upbeat approach to life and rarely let things get him down. Its tune can also serve as a reminder that life goes on, even in the face of sorrow.
Best Funeral Songs For A Husband, Final Thoughts
Choosing a funeral song for a husband isn’t easy, but as long as you follow your heart, you’ll make the right choice. Hopefully, this list has given you ideas about which song would be fitting for honoring a beloved husband at his funeral.