Finding the best funeral songs for Dad can be a bittersweet experience for anyone suffering through the reality of losing their father.
It’s hard to think about someone you love so much being gone forever, but finding the right songs to honor him at the funeral will help his memory live on.
“The Dance” by Garth Brooks
Song Year: 1989
Garth Brooks is known for his epic storytelling through music, especially when it comes to heartbreaking subjects like loss and grief. “The Dance” is a classic about how the sorrows of life often exist alongside the best memories.
Playing “The Dance” at your father’s funeral could help you grieve the loss of your father while also remembering all the good times you shared. Because, as Brooks points out, you likely wouldn’t change it for anything.
“I’m Already There” by Lonestar
Song Year: 2001
“I’m Already There” is a sweet country song about a man on the road all the time, probably for work and desperately missing his family.
He calls them constantly to remind them that he loves them and is right there with them in their minds and hearts.
It’s a fantastic reminder for anyone who has lost their father that he’ll always be with them.
Here are a few comforting songs to check out about losing your dad.
“Long Ride Home” by Patty Griffin
Song Year: 2002
Sometimes you don’t know what to do with your grief. Losing a father is a traumatic experience for most people, and processing those emotions can be extremely difficult.
Patty Griffin does an excellent job of explaining just how hard it can be to wrap your head around such a loss. She reminds her listeners that it’s normal to feel conflicting emotions and that you shouldn’t run away from them.
“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore
Song Year: 2011
If you’ve ever lost someone close to you, you know how hard it is to realize that you’ll never see them again on this earth.
Wishing you could have just one more conversation, play one more game, or laugh one more time with them is a heartbreaking experience.
Justin Moore relates to these sentiments perfectly in “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” making it a touching song to play at your father’s funeral.
“When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton
Song Year: 2005
For people who believe in some kind of life after death, there’s always an underlying aspect of hope when someone special passes away. It’s a very special hope that you’ll see them again one day.
If you want to encourage yourself and your family at your father’s funeral, you might consider playing “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
It’s an incredibly sweet song about the joys of reuniting with the people you’ve lost once you cross over to the other side.
“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
Song Year: 1971
James Taylor crafted this exquisite tune about the comfort of having someone who would always have your back, no matter what. It’s about the person you can call up in the dead of night and know they’ll be at your door in minutes.
If your father was your best friend, the person you could always count on to be there when you needed a hand, then “You’ve Got A Friend” is the perfect memorial for him.
“Abide With Me” by Audrey Assad
Song Year: 2016
When you’re suffering through the loss of your father, you might find yourself needing hope and peace. One of the best comforts of that time is an old-fashioned hymn.
“Abide with Me” is an old hymn that’s gotten covered many times, and recently by Audrey Assad. It’s about the hope and strength you can experience through difficult times.
If you have faith, you can get through anything. You can trust that someone stronger than yourself will see you through to the end.
“Long as I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Song Year: 1970
If your dad was a lover of the classics, then there’s no better way to honor his memory than with a little Creedence Clearwater Revival.
“Long As I Can See The Light” is about a man who has wandered far from home and from the people he loves.
But as long as there’s a light in the window, he knows he can always find his way home. It’s a great tune with a very special meaning for anyone grieving the loss of their father.
“He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley
Song Year: 1999
Brad Paisley’s touching tune about his step-father is a remarkable tribute to how beautiful fatherhood can be when the right man is on the job.
In the song, Paisley learns everything he knows about being a man from this very special person who never had to be his dad.
Remembering your father’s influence and presence in your life with songs like “He Didn’t Have to Be” is a wonderful way to honor his memory.
Here are more touching country songs about losing your dad.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Song Year: 1992
As you’ve likely seen, not all the songs on this list are exclusively songs about a dad dying. Eric Clapton wrote “Tears In Heaven” after the tragic death of his son.
Although the song is from the perspective of a man losing his child, the song is really about the tragedy of loss in general. For Clapton, writing the song was a healing experience.
That’s one of the beautiful things about music. It can help you get through some of the toughest times in your life, like losing your beloved father.
“My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_uGcW-v5EI
Song Year: 2017
Not all funeral songs need to be sad, slow ballads. Sometimes, it’s easier to have uplifting music that celebrates your father’s memory.
“My Old Man” is the perfect song for such an occasion. It pays homage to a man who was like a superhero to kids; remember all the lessons he taught them over the years.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on how much he strived to be like his father. And how he hopes that his dad is looking down on him from heaven, happy with how he turned out.
“A Song for Dad” by Keith Urban
Song Year: 2002
A father’s influence never goes away. If you were blessed with a good father, his impact on your life would always be present.
Even if his actions didn’t always make sense to you or if you thought he was overprotective or controlling. Eventually, everything clicks in your mind.
One day, you’ll find that you’re turning out exactly like him. You’ll be thankful for all his sacrifices for you and your family when that happens.
“Love Without End, Amen” by George Strait
Song Year: 1990
“Love Without End, Amen” is a unique country song with a classic double meaning written into the final chorus.
George Strait sings cheerily about how his father explained the unconditional love he has for his child at a young age. When Strait has a son of his own, he understands better what his father is telling him.
When Strait’s character passes away and reaches heaven, he hears the same words his father once told him coming from God.
It’s a beautiful testament to the eternal nature of a father’s love.
“The Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson
Song Year: 2006
Another classic hymn you might consider playing for your father’s funeral is “The Old Rugged Cross,” a beautiful song about people’s devotion to faith.
It’s a popular song for funerals because it speaks to the enduring nature of a person’s trust in God; not even death can take that away from them.
Maybe your father loved hold hymns, or he just liked Alan Jackson’s style. Either way, this is a beautiful and hopeful tune to play at his funeral.
“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Song Year: 2002
There’s a unique bond that exists between a father and daughter. It’s unlike anything else in the world and doesn’t end with death.
In “Father and Daughter,” Simon promises to always watch out for his little girl and looks forward to watching her grow into a strong young woman.
Paul Simon’s charming ode to his daughter is a fantastic song to play in memory of your father. It will help you grieve by reminding you of all the good times you shared.
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
Song Year: 1994
Vince Gill sings a beautiful song about death, loss, grief, and eternal rest. He has a unique way of bending his voice to perfectly fit the mood, making this one of his most touching songs.
“Go Rest High on that Mountain” feels like an old folk tune. It talks about the grief you experience when you lose someone special while marveling at the beauty of that person finally finding rest in their eternal home.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who needs a little hope amid grief.
“See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2012
Carrie Underwood does her best to remind her listeners that goodbye is never really the end. There’s something more, something better, that comes much later.
When you have to part ways with your father, you need some glimmer of hope to cling to, to help you remember that you will see him again one day.
“See You Again” does a great job of honoring the people you love and helping you delight in celebrating their life. It also offers a freeing perspective that there’s something better waiting for you and them.
“My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Song Year: 1968
“My Way” is a popular funeral song, especially for headstrong fathers who weren’t afraid to live life their way.
If you were lucky enough to have that kind of dad in your life, what better way to honor his legacy than a little Frank Sinatra at his funeral?
It might not bring tears to your eyes, but maybe that’s a good thing. Sometimes, you need something that will make you smile despite your pain.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
Song Year: 1964
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a song for any kid whose dad was always there for them. It’s for the kids who knew their dad was their best friend and their number one fan.
It honors the type of father who would do anything for his child. It’s about the dad who put his comforts and safety aside to ensure his kids were o.k.
Simon & Garfunkel sing this beautiful song that’s perfect for your father’s funeral. As you listen, you’ll appreciate remembering the times when your dad had your back.
“The River” by Garth Brooks
Song Year: 1991
“The River” is another classic Garth Brooks song that fits many different circumstances. In particular, it’s a heartwarming song to play at a funeral.
Brooks sings this song about courage and strength in the face of adversity. It’s an inspirational song about chasing after your dreams even when the odds are against you.
It’s the sort of song your father would sing to you if he needed to encourage you. And following the moral of the lyrics will honor your father’s legacy more than you could imagine.
“Smile” by Tony Bennett
Song Year: 1959
Nothing is harder than finding hope and happiness during incredible grief. When your father passes away, it can be hard to find meaning in life. Nothing seems quite as real as the pain that you’re feeling.
That’s what makes this Tony Bennett song particularly powerful when you’re dealing with the loss of a father. It perfectly mimics what your father would say to you if he could.
Bennett reminds his listener to simply “Smile.” No matter what you’re feeling, if you can bring yourself to smile, you can get through the hard times.
“Amazing Grace” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1975
If you’re looking for some of the most popular songs to play for your father’s funeral, consider Johnny Cash’s version of the famed hymn “Amazing Grace.”
Cash’s strong yet sorrowful voice perfectly lends itself to the old hymn’s hopeful yet mourning lyrics.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the hope waiting for people who believe in life after death. Additionally, it’s a beautifully uplifting song for anyone wrestling with grief.
“It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Jason Mraz
Song Year: 2014
Jason Mraz is not the original singer of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” but his version is one of the most sorrowful.
It’s a lovely song for a funeral because it encourages the listener to embrace the fact that losing someone special is difficult. It’s not something you can simply overcome.
But there are ways to get through it: you can remember all the good times together. Those cherished memories will keep you afloat through life’s most tragic moments.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Elvis Presley
Song Year: 1967
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a beautiful song that perfectly embodies the relationship between a father and his children.
Even when he’s passed on, he wants his kids to know that a part of him lives on in their hearts and minds.
Presley’s slow, methodical, heartfelt singing of this song makes it even more potent.
“Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon
Song Year: 2003
Another gorgeous song about keeping someone alive through your memory of them is “Keep Me in Your Heart.”
Warren Zevon does an incredible job of portraying the beauty of someone who refuses to let the memory of their cherished family member die.
Keeping your father alive through your memories and the stories you tell about him is one way to help you cope with the grief.
“Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina
Song Year: 2010
It’s hard to understand why people die, especially when they leave the world too young or unexpectedly.
Jo Dee Messina takes comfort in knowing that there must be a reason. No death is truly pointless in her eyes.
“Heaven Was Needing a Hero” might be the antidote to your grief. It might help you smile when you think of how strong your daddy was and what he must be doing in heaven now.
“Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce
Song Year: 1973
“Time In a Bottle” tells a story relatable to anyone who feels like time was too short, or life too tragic.
Jim Croce just wants more time with the people that he loves. He wants a chance to do everything he’s ever dreamed of doing with his loved one.
If you’re dealing with losing a father, you probably know how Croce feels.
“More Heart, Less Attack” by NEEDTOBREATHE
Song Year: 2014
Your father was likely one of the most important people in your life. He taught you things that no one else could have explained. He taught you about life, love, and how to be strong.
Remembering his legacy with “More Heart, Less Attack” is the perfect way to pay homage to all the life lessons he ever gave.
More than that, living by the wise words of NEEDTOBREATHE will help you become the person your father always knew you could be.
“You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor
Song Year: 1971
James Taylor’s heartbreaking song “You Can Close Your Eyes” is perfect for anyone wrestling with grief and pain.
The singer gives his loved one permission to let go of him; he promises to love them always, no matter what.
Sometimes a song is all you’ll have left to remember your dad. This one by James Taylor is one of the best.
“Father to Son” by Phil Collins
Song Year: 1989
Phil Collins sings about all the life lessons that his father taught him over the years. It’s a heartening memorial to the relationship between a father and son.
Best of all, it helps you remember that your father is always with you. He will always be a part of you, even when he’s gone.
Because of that, you’re never really alone.
“Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis
Song Year: 2007
If you’ve never read the famous poem on which “Footprints in the Sand” is based, you might want to go check it out. Then give this heartwarming song a listen.
Struggling with the loss of someone like your father is never easy. Sometimes, the good times are just as hard to remember because they remind you of all you’ve lost.
One of the most helpful things to get you through the pain of losing your dad is remembering that he’s still with you. He is a part of you that will never fade away.
“Anyway” by Martina McBride
Song Year: 2007
If you need something uplifting to remind you that the pain won’t last forever, “Anyway” by Martina McBride is the perfect song to deliver that hope.
In this song, McBride explains that life is hard, and it often takes twists and turns that you don’t want or expect. Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things you’ll ever experience.
But if you can find something to hold on to through it all, you’ll come out alright in the end. For McBride, she prays no matter what.
“If Heaven” by Andy Griggs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIdRkfVtA8
Song Year: 2004
In this sweet, heartfelt song, Andy Griggs muses about all the things heaven would be if it could get defined in human terms.
Thinking of heaven in this way seems to help him come to grips with the fact that his loved ones are in a better place now that they’re in heaven.
Losing someone as important as a father is a heartbreaking experience, but remembering that he’s never truly gone all the way will help you find hope amid your grief.
“You’re Missing” by Bruce Springsteen
Song Year: 2002
Bruce Springsteen has a special knack for getting right to the heart of his listeners. “You’re Missing” is one of those highly emotional songs that speaks to anyone who has lost their father.
You might consider this Springsteen tune if you’re looking for a special, mournful song to play at your dad’s funeral.
In it, he explores the suddenness of death and how a gaping hole is left where there used to be a human life. It’s not something you can just get over; you must work through it and process the grief.
“I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” by Randy Newman
Song Year: 1968
Sometimes you want to sit in your grief. Crying is a good emotional release, and it might help if you had a song that could get you to the point of shedding tears.
“I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” is the perfect song for anyone who needs a good cry. Even if your dad wasn’t a big Randy Newman fan, you could still think of him while the song plays.
If you’ve just lost your father, you’ll find yourself wrestling with an appreciation for the care of those around you and frustration that they can’t just leave you alone.
Newman reflects on this, examining grief and pain of loneliness even when the people around him are reaching out and extending a helping hand.
Top Funeral Songs For Dad, Final Thoughts
Songs are a beautiful way of expressing emotion, especially when losing people we love.
Every music genre has a selection of songs about a dad dying. Some are heartbreaking, while some are more uplifting, but all are meant to honor the memory of Dad. Let us know if the comments below if you have any thoughts or if there’s a song we missed that helped you get through the grief of your father’s funeral.