There’s nothing as tragic and heartbreaking to a family as the death of a child. A moving burial song for a baby can help parents and mourners convey profound feelings in a way that words cannot express.
Here are baby funeral songs that best embody the emotion surrounding the death of a child.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Song Year: 1992
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton borrows inspiration from unbearably tragic events. The track is a homage to the enduring power of love and grief for the death of Clapton’s 4-year-old son, Conor.
Conor passed away after accidentally falling from the window of a New York apartment building. Clapton, who was away when the tragedy struck, had to complete the identification at the mortuary, which was a very low moment for him.
“Small Bump” by Ed Sheeran
Song Year: 2011
Ed Sheeran’s “Small Bump” is the 5th single of his debut album. The track is about Sheeran’s close pal and his experience with a pregnancy ending suddenly with a miscarriage at five months.
Ed describes the hopes, emotions, and disappointments that follow a miscarriage. The track peaked at #25 in the U.K. Singles Chart. If you’ve experienced a similar experience, you’ll find the lyrics of this tune quite relatable.
“Baby Mine” by Alison Krauss
Song Year: 1996
“Baby Mine” is a track from the 1941 Disney animated film, Dumbo. Bett Noyes recorded the original version, but Alison Krauss’ Country version provides a more modern take on the tune.
Lyrically, the song embodies the theme of separation and undying love between a mother and her kid. Krauss’ reassuring and broken voice will have you shedding a tear during your baby’s funeral.
“Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Song Year: 1997
“Arms of an Angel” is the 4th and final track off Sarah McLachlan’s 4th studio album, Surfacing. The lyrics borrow inspiration from the death of one of Sarah’s close friends and fellow musician who passed away from a drug overdose.
However, you can interpret this tune to symbolize your baby’s existence in the afterlife. The lyrics reassure parents and mourners who find solace in knowing their kids are in a better place.
“Hello, Goodbye” by Michael W. Smith
Song Year: 1998
“Hello, Goodbye” is the 12th tune from Michael W. Smith’s album, Live the Life. It’s a hearty ballad about the longing to see your child in the afterlife.
Smith recorded this tune for his friends who had lost their newborn child. It’s a tune of grief and acceptance, perfect for playing during your child’s memorial.
“Gone Too Soon” by Daughtry
Song Year: 2011
“Gone Too Soon” is the 8th single from Daughtry’s 3rd studio album, Break the Spell. Lyrically, the track is about the realization that you could be sharing your loved one’s birthday had they not passed away.
Coincidentally, Daughtry discovered that his brother’s wife had experienced a miscarriage before. A baby’s untimely passing is filled with unfathomable grief that no words can heal, but you’ll find some consolation in listening to Daughtry’s soothing vocals.
“I Want You Here” by Plumb
Song Year: 2013
“I Want You Here” is the 5th track from Plumb’s 6th studio album, Need You Now. The intro to this tune, and its subsequent lyrics, are quite moving.
The singer is specifically addressing parents who lose their children. Listen to this tune during your child’s funerals for its hearty lyrics and deep vocals.
“Goodnight My Angel” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1993
“Goodnight My Angel” is the 7th track off Billy Joel’s album, River of Dreams. Joel composed the tune during the period he was experiencing marital issues with his then-wife, Christie Brinkley.
Joel wanted his daughter to know he’ll always be there for her despite separating from her mother. It’s a soft ballad with a soothing melody that’ll allow mourners to deeply grieve the loss of a child.
“I Will Carry You (Audrey’s Song)” by Selah
Song Year: 2009
In 2008, Selah’s frontman, Todd, and his wife, Angie Smith, discovered via ultrasound that their 4th daughter would not survive because of health complications. Despite the doctor’s advice to terminate the pregnancy, the couple decided to carry the pregnancy to term.
This experience unfolded into a miracle, where they briefly spent time with their daughter upon her delivery before her passing. This song tells the heart-wrenching story of a parent losing their kid.
“Bluebonnets” by Aaron Watson
Song Year: 2015
“Blue Bonnets” is an acoustic ballad by Aaron Watson from his 2015 studio album, The Underdog. Even if you don’t know the backstory initially, the lyrics are powerful and deeply moving.
The song is a dedication to Watson’s daughter, Julia, who died soon after her birth. The song has a touch of sorrow but also a hopeful view. Watson tells us to embrace the moments we share with our loved ones.
“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Song Year: 1988
“Forever Young” is the 4th track of Rod Stewart’s 15th album, Out of Order. The tune peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian music charts.
Stewart composed the tune with his fellow band members, Kevin Savigar and Jim Cregan. Stewart claimed that “Forever Young” reminded him of his kids and how he missed their childhood years while on tour. The hearty lyrics can also resonate with somebody who’s lost a baby as it embodies the theme of clinging to memories.
“Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon
Song Year: 1980
“Beautiful Boy” is the 4th track, composed and recorded by John Lennon, off his final album, Double Fantasy Stripped Down. The song is a dedication to Lennon’s son, Sean, whom he fathered with fellow musician Yoko Ono.
The tune starts with John reassuring his kid of what’s presumed to be a nightmare and progresses to John passionately articulating his love for Sean and the happiness Sean has brought him. Let your baby know how much they’re loved by playing this song at their funeral.
“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
Song Year: 1997
“Butterfly Kisses” is a song co-written by Randy Thomas and Bob Carlisle from Carlisle’s 3rd album, Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace). The track is a 16th birthday dedication to Carlisle’s daughter, Brooke.
“Butterfly Kisses” became a major radio jam in the U.S., even topping the Hot 100 Airplay charts. Lyrically, the tune also embodies gratitude for memories shared, which is an excellent theme for a baby’s funeral.
“Precious Child” by Karen Taylor-Good
Song Year: 2001
“Precious Child” is composed and recorded by American singer-songwriter Karen Taylor-Good. While Karen has written tunes for numerous Country music artists, she penned this tune for her sister Bonnie, who lost her young son to murder.
Karen first performed this song during the candle-lighting ceremony of Bonnie’s son. Ever since the track has become a common selection for parents seeking a lovely tune to play at their kid’s memorial or funeral.
“Beam Me Up” by Pink
Song Year: 2012
“Beam Me Up” is the 9th single on Pink’s 6th album, Truth About Love. Pink revealed that she composed this hearty acoustic ballad for a close friend who lost a baby at an early age.
Pink claims this tune was the hardest to write for her album as it was quite emotional. While she finds it hard to perform on tours, this song is popular in baby funerals for its reassurance and heart-wrenching lyrics.
“Hug Him Once for Me” by Erica McClure
Song Year: 2010
Erica composed “Hug Him Once For Me” after the passing of her baby boy, Braden. Erica had put her baby to sleep, only for him not to wake up.
The song is a melancholy cry by a mother to the heavens to embrace her son on her behalf. It’s one of those songs that will leave everybody in tears at a baby’s funeral.
“Bright Eyes” by Art Garfunkel
Song Year: 1979
“Bright Eyes” is an Indie-Rock tune co-written by Mike Batt and recorded by Art Garfunkel. It was recorded for the British animated film Watership Down. The song enjoyed substantial commercial success, topping the U.K. Singles Chart for six weeks.
Upon listening to the track, you may not outrightly think it’s about losing a loved one. However, it has a deep meaning once you pay close attention to the lyrics and can augur well with a baby funeral.
“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney
Song Year: 2005
“Who You’d Be Today” is a Country tune co-written by Bill Luther and Aimee Mayo but performed by Kenny Chesney. Kenny released it as the first single from his 10th studio album, The Road and the Radio.
Lyrically, the track is about an individual who passed away at a young age. The singer talks about how much they have missed the deceased and wonders what their life would be like if they were still living.
“When the River Meets the Sea” by John Denver & The Muppets
Song Year: 1979
“When the River Meets the Sea” is a tune originally composed by singer-songwriter Paul Williams for an animated T.V. film. However, The Muppets and John Denver later performed the track for their album, A Christmas Together.
While many might assume this tune was composed for a Christmas tale, the lyrics don’t embody a holiday theme. Instead, the song is about death, and the transition to the afterlife, making it a great funeral song for a baby.
“Carry” by Tori Amos
Song Year: 2011
“Carry” is the debut track by Tori Amos from her 12th solo album, Night of Hunters. The record centers around a heartbroken woman searching for the cause of her relationship’s end.
Lyrically, this song is about accepting that individuals can leave your life but remain alive in your memories. Its theme of sadness and acceptance makes it a great baby funeral song.
“Sail to the Moon” by Radiohead
Song Year: 2003
“Sail to the Moon” is an acoustic tune by the U.K. rock band Radiohead. The song featured as the 3rd track on their 6th studio album, Hail to the Thief.
Numerous accounts claim that the song was composed as a dedication to Thom Yorke’s son. However, the sad tone in the singer’s voice is befitting for a baby’s funeral.
“In Dreams” by Roy Orbison
Song Year: 1963
“In Dreams” is an operatic rock ballad written and recorded by Roy Orbison for his 4th studio album. The track peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in the U.K. for five months as Orbison toured with the Beatles.
Like most of Orbison’s tracks, “In Dreams” is a heartbreaking song. Play this track at a baby’s funeral for its heartful and consoling lyrics.
“He’s My Son” by Mark Schultz
Song Year: 2000
“He’s My Son” is the 3rd single from Mark Schultz’s self-titled debut album. Evidently, this track’s about a man and his dying son. The father is praying and pleading with God to strengthen him during this tough time.
Mark recounts that this song borrowed inspiration from an experience when he was a youth minister in Tennessee. It’s about a family dealing with their son’s cancer. If the deceased baby struggled with a chronic illness, the lyrics would resonate with you.
“With Hope” by Steven Curtis Chapman
Song Year: 1999
“With Hope” is Chapman’s 11th single from his 9th album, Speechless. He initially composed the song as an ode to the victims of a High School shooting in Kentucky.
It’s common to have many unanswered questions and lose faith in times of sorrow and loss. However, this track is a wonderful reminder not to maintain your trust in the Lord. The song also provides reassurance that you’ll meet your baby someday.
“Borrowed Angels” by Kristin Chenoweth
Song Year: 2005
Kristin Chenoweth originally recorded “Borrowed Angels” as part of her 2nd solo album, As I Am. She later re-recorded the Country version and included it on the 2011 album, Some Lessons Learned.
On this tune, Chenoweth laments why good people appear to pass on at a tender age. For this reason, the song has become one of the most popular funeral songs for a child.
“Angel Among Us” by Alabama
Song Year: 1993
“Angel Among Us” is a ballad co-written by Becky Hobbs and Don Goodman and performed by the American Country band Alabama. The track featured on Alabama’s 15th album, Cheap Seats.
One of Alabama’s frontman Randy Owen’s significant performances of the track was during the funeral of his friend, Dale Earnhardt Sr. This song informs listeners that regardless of their circumstances, someone is always watching over them.
“My Name” by George Canyon
Song Year: 2004
“My Name” by George Canyon is a ballad about an unborn child in the womb. Canyon sings from the baby’s perspective.
The baby expresses their affection and what it feels like inside the womb. Unfortunately, the baby later talks about being born, only for them to leave for heaven. Simply put, this song is for parents who’ve experienced stillbirth or a miscarriage.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by George Michael
Song Year: 1999
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is the 5th track from George Michael’s 4th studio album, Songs from the Last Century.
Although originally composed by U.K. singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl, Michael’s country rendition achieved commercial success. If you’re mourning a deceased child, this song will bring you nothing short of nostalgic vibes.
“Smallest Wingless” by Craig Cardiff
Song Year: 2007
“Smallest Wingless” is the 2nd track from Craig Cardiff’s album Easter Eggs. It’s a sweet string and piano tune about when you met your baby.
The song takes a sad twist as you’ll realize that the singer is meeting and bidding goodbye to his baby at the same time. A great funeral song for parents who’ve lost a baby during delivery or through miscarriage.
“Light as a Feather” by Alyse Maree
Song Year: 2020
“Light as a Feather” by Alyse Maree is another hearty tune for parents who’ve lost their baby to a miscarriage.
You can feel the profound emotions evident in the singer’s voice, especially because she’s singing from a personal experience. Maree was having her routine prenatal visit when the doctor realized she couldn’t carry the baby to full term.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iAzMRKFX3c
Song Year: 1988
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler is a hearty tribute by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley. The singer shows gratitude and appreciation to somebody who’s greatly impacted her life.
Although it was originally composed as a love song, the lyrics can resonate with people in mourning. Let your deceased child know they were your strength by playing this song at their funeral.
Loving Baby Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Nothing can prepare you for the pain of losing a kid. Not even a funeral song will provide complete consolation. However, we hope you find solace in this collection of funeral songs for a baby to keep your heart warm during this difficult time.