While there are a number of funeral songs out there, many of them were made in a different time. If your loved one who passed wasn’t that old, these songs may not be ideal.
If you’re looking for some more modern funeral songs, there are a number which may be suitable for the funeral you’re arranging. I hope the below are what you’re looking for.
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth
Song Year: 2015
“See You Again” is a memorial to actor Paul Walker, who tragically passed away in a vehicle accident while filming Fast and Furious 7. This song topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts and has since become a staple in many funerals.
The song is a testament to a lifetime of connection and friendship. The song heavily features Charlie’s emotionally loaded vocals and Khalifa’s relationship-centric rap to demonstrate how much Paul Walker meant to others.
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIB8EWqCPrQ
Song Year: 2017
Divide is arguably one of Ed Sheeran’s most intimate and heartfelt albums. Even so, “Supermarket Flowers” is the most emotional track, with a back story quite relatable to most people. The lyrics are exceptionally well-written and lovely.
In his interviews, Ed shared that the song borrowed inspiration from his connection with his grandmother and her passing at a hospital near his recording studio. After singing the song at her funeral, his grandfather persuaded him to incorporate it into his upcoming album.
“If I Die Young” by Band Perry
Song Year: 2010
“If I Die Young” is about the pain of premature death. As the song’s protagonist desires a beautiful riverfront funeral, she regrets her brief existence. She never experienced love, and in this song, she expresses concern about how her family would cope with her passing.
The song’s lyrics also highlight the unfortunate reality that people primarily pay attention to the lives of the deceased. If you’ve had a friend or relative who passed away while they were still young and are trying to cope with the loss, this song is a good listen.
“Halo” by Beyonce
Song Year: 2008
“Halo” is a calming and upbeat tune from the R&B Queen that will brighten your spirits. The track has a triumphant vibe, showcased by Beyonce’s beautiful voice.
“Halo” is among her greatest hits and would be an excellent choice for the memorial or funeral service of a beloved one. One of Beyonce’s notable performances of this track was at Kobe Bryant’s farewell memorial service at Staples Center in 2020.
“Slipped Away” by Avril Lavigne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BphrCg8SDFI
Song Year: 2004
“Slipped Away” is one of Avril Lavigne’s most hearty tracks, dedicated to her grandfather. The two had a close relationship, so it was quite hard for her after learning of his grandfather’s passing while on her music tour.
The lyrics are an expression of Lavigne’s feelings and everything she went through while grieving. Asking why is a big part of the mourning process, and tunes like this can help you deal with the loss and proceed to the next phase.
“Last Goodbye” by Miranda Lambert
Song Year: 2001
Miranda Lambert’s tracks have a distinctive knack for portraying a precise moment. The nostalgic vibe and soothing lyrics make “Last Goodbye” an excellent selection for a deceased loved one or even a distant relative.
Saying goodbye is hardly easy, and the last is even more difficult. However, this tune will enable you to reach that crucial point of healing.
“Memories” by Maroon 5
Song Year: 2021
“Memories” is an extension of the more acoustic sound presented on Maroon 5’s 6th studio album, Red Pill Blues. This track is a minimalist, contemplative piece in which Adam Levine recalls pleasant times spent with a beloved while drinking with friends.
Some people will interpret the lyrics to be about heartbreak. However, the tune doubles up as a good funeral song to reminisce about the good times you shared with the deceased. It’s a great song to play on a photo slideshow during a memorial service.
“I’ll See You Again Someday” By Terry Mcbride & The Ride
Song Year: 1995
“I’ll See You Again Someday” is a track about an intense love for somebody. Unfortunately, at some point, you lose contact with this individual. The lyrics portray the hope of seeing that person again in the future.
If you’ve tragically lost somebody close to you, this is the perfect song to comfort you. Play it at your dear one’s funeral to bring solace to other grieving persons.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Song Year: 1992
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton may be the saddest tune ever recorded about the loss of a dear one. The song helped the musician grieve and come to grips with the death of his four-year-old son, who fell from the 54th floor of an apartment building while playing tag.
The lyrics convey his sorrow, longing to see his kid, and what it’d be like to meet him in heaven. Death, especially when unexpected, can be hard to take in, which makes “Tears in Heaven” a good funeral song.
“Heaven” by Beyonce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyOok1myLjw
Song Year: 2013
“Heaven” is a sorrowful piano ballad with Beyoncé lamenting the loss of a lover and letting go of the past. Most fans believe it relates to the singer’s miscarriage years before giving birth to Blue Ivy, her 1st daughter.
Beyonce’s incredible vocals are well-reflected in this track, but the lyrics make it a great funeral song. If you’ve lost a dear one unexpectedly or prematurely, this track can be the reassurance you need that they are now in a better place.
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
Song Year: 2004
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” is a dedication to the father of the lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong. His father died of cancer when he was ten years old. Armstrong stated that the lyrics borrow inspiration from the sorrow he now experiences every September.
This timeless classic is a great modern funeral song. Although Billie Joe termed it soothing to compose, he finds it occasionally challenging to perform owing to the emotions behind the words.
“I’ll Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
Song Year: 1993
“I’ll Remember You” is a rock-pop track by Sarah McLachlan that was first released on the 1995 soundtrack to The Brothers McMullen. The track achieved huge commercial success, peaking at #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrically, the track is a retrospection of a past relationship and a celebration of the time spent together. During funerals, you can play it as a background tune as you watch the slideshow of the deceased.
“Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith
Song Year: 2014
“Lay Me Down” is an emotional ballad that concentrates on the narrator’s longing for a reunion with a deceased or physically separated lover. This person consumes the composer’s thoughts to the point where they feel utterly void without them.
This track is often played in memorial services to reminisce about the times shared with the deceased. The hearty lyrics and Smith’s soulful voice will bring you the comfort you dearly seek in your grieving period.
“Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR4T0av0o40
Song Year: 2016
“Dancing in the Sky” is one of twelve tracks from the Working of Hearts album by Dani and Lizzy. The Vancouver twins composed the track in memory of one of Lizzy’s best friends who had recently passed away.
Lizzie expresses in the track that her buddy is still on her mind and that she still misses and loves her. Though the song mourns the passing of a dear one, it also wishes for happiness and comfort to anybody who’s grieving.
“You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1995
“You Are Not Alone” is a track by the renowned king of pop, Michael Jackson, off his 9th studio album HIStory. This song is about a mourning and lonely individual.
The lyrics are about reassuring lonely people that they’re not alone, making it a great funeral song. If you have a friend that has lost somebody close, you should dedicate this song to them.
“You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins
Song Year: 1999
Phil Collins composed this tune for the Disney film Tarzan, winning him the Academy Award for Best Original Song. However, this tune is more than a soundtrack for an animated film.
“You’ll Be In My Heart” is a lovely, powerful expression for anybody grieving the death of a dearly departed family member or friend. The lyrics will bring you the solace to push past your untimely loss.
“Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart
Song Year: 2013
“Jealous of The Angels” by Donna Taggart is a memorial to her father, James Regan Bostic. Bostic was a musician who died in a car accident when Donna was ten years old, a tragedy that profoundly influenced her desire to be a musician.
The lyrics are about the loss of a dear one and the importance of accepting the loss. Taggart’s powerful vocals are soothing, and the tune is both emotional and lovely, making it a great funeral song.
“In the Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Song Year: 1997
Sarah essentially penned “In the Arms of an Angel” for all the artists and individuals that passed away from drug overdoses. If you carefully listen to the lyrics, you’ll understand the type of escape and release she is referring to and how tragic it is that individuals can find such calm in such tragedy.
The track is innately gloomy but also great for a funeral memorial. This is a relatable tune if the deceased particularly died from a drug overdose.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
Song Year: 2011
“Someone Like You” is one of Adele’s early hit tracks. On the surface, the lyrics are about longing. The singer finds that her ex-lover has moved on and currently has a family and cannot bear it.
While many people perceive this to be a song about heartbreak, you can also play it at a funeral or memorial. The lyrics can serve as the celebration of your significant other’s life and can portray just how much they mean to you.
“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
Song Year: 2003
Vandross co-wrote “Dance with My Father” with Richard Marx, drawing inspiration from his own life. It is a homage to his father, Luther Vandross Sr., who passed away when he was seven because of complications from diabetes.
Vandross’ most vivid memory of his father is him dancing with his children at home, which birthed the idea of the song’s title. If you’ve lost your father, this track can be a great addition to the playlist at his memorial.
“Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli ft. Sarah Brightman
Song Year: 1995
The central theme of the track is the disconnect that occurs upon death. However, the great news is that the separation is just temporary. The lyrics affirm that there’s a day when you’ll reunite with your dear ones in heaven.
“Time to Say Goodbye” addresses separation while teaching people to remain cheerful. It lets bereaved individuals see death in a new light. A great funeral song to make the grieving people feel encouraged that they’ll see their dear ones someday.
“See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2012
David Hodges and Hillary Lindsey teamed up with Carrie Underwood to create one of the most recognizable tunes of her 4th album, Blown Away. This single is her 18th consecutive Top 10 Billboard Hot Country tune.
The song is a narrative about moving on following the loss of a beloved. Underwood’s conviction that one will rejoin all deceased dear ones in the afterlife infuses the lyrics with optimism and promise. This tune is a great listen if you want to add an optimistic vibe to a memorial service.
“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Song Year: 2019
“Someone You Loved” is a track that many individuals can relate to since we sometimes take others for granted without realizing it, and then it’s too late to make amends. Once a relationship ends, we begin to feel emptiness. During such moments, one begins to reflect on all the qualities one misses about somebody.
However, the lyrics of this track also highlight a grieving mood, especially after Capaldi stated that he penned the lyrics as an ode to his grandmother. The heartful lyrics on this tune are likely to make you cry.
“To Where You Are” by Josh Groban
Song Year: 2001
Josh Groban’s rendition of “To Where You Are,” penned by Richard Marx and Linda Thompson, is another popular funeral song. This track often plays at memorials, cremation services, and even burials.
The lyrics express the desire to be with the deceased and that you pray they’re comfortable and content wherever they are. The tune will also make you realize that death is unavoidable and that acceptance is the best way to overcome this unfortunate occurrence.
“I’ll See You Again” by Westlife
Song Year: 2009
If you wish to bring a positive vibe to a funeral, you should consider playing “I’ll See You Again” by Westlife. The track features heart-rendering lyrics from Andy Hill and Shelly Poole.
The tune accurately conveys the remorse of not being able to speak what was on one’s mind to a recently deceased loved one. However, there’s still a chance you’ll see one another again in paradise when the time is right.
“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney
Song Year: 2005
“Who You’d Be Today” is a tribute to someone who passed away too soon. The singer describes how much he misses the individual and wonders what their life could be like if they were still living.
If you have a spouse, sibling, child, or close friend who died too soon, this could be a great funeral song for their memorial. The sad melody and touching lyrics are likely to make you cry.
“The Show Must Go On” by Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t99KH0TR-J4
Song Year: 1991
“The Show Must Go On” is an expression of Freddie Mercury’s outlook on life. Even while recording this tune, Freddie Mercury was so gravely ill that he sometimes could not walk.
Despite the uncertainty that he could sing it correctly, Mercury did perform the track, which portrays his courageous mentality. Lyrically, this song is a great way to celebrate a life well-lived, whether it’s that of your grandparent, parent, or close friend.
“If Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina
Song Year: 2010
Featuring a slow tempo, Messina composed “If Heaven Was Needing A Hero” after the demise of the first female American soldier in the Iraq War. Consequently, the track is frequently used as a homage to all dead warriors. The track is part of her 2010 studio album, Unmistakable Inspiration.
Messina’s heartful lyrics show that the soldier’s demise hugely moved her. If you’ve lost a hero, be it your father, mother, son, or another close person, play this soothing tune at their funeral.
“Hear You Me” by Jimmy Eat World
Song Year: 2001
“Hear You Me” is a tune for the Allen sisters, Carli and Mykel, who were huge Jimmy Eat World and Weezer fans. In 1997, the sisters sadly perished in an automobile accident. The title is a common phrase that the sisters would use in online forums.
This tune is extraordinarily powerful and touching since it simultaneously portrays multiple grief-related feelings and phases. In some lyrics, you’ll notice regret and sorrow, while other lines express acceptance and hope, which are great themes for a funeral song.
“I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iV_1ESMHaI
Song Year: 2006
Ben Gibbard of “Death Cab for Cutie” disclosed that he composed the eerie ballad “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” during a brief lunch break. The tune is about death, humanity’s most intrinsic irrational fear.
It’s simple to love someone when times are good, but the true test of one’s affection for another is when life is terrible. The lyrics of this tune assure a dead spouse that you’ll follow them wherever they go, be it hell or heaven, someday.
“As I Lay Me Down” by Sophie B. Hawkins
Song Year: 1994
“As I Lay Me Down” is Hawkins’ 2nd-highest charting Billboard single. Most people think this song was Hawking’s tribute to her father but Hawking composed the song in 1995 and her father died of cancer in 2006.
Sophie B. Hawkins has previously highlighted struggles with her relationship with her mom and brother, which means her father could’ve been her sole anchor. Lyrically, the song is about longing to be with somebody who’s not around, which makes for a good funeral track.
“Funeral” By Lukas Graham
Song Year: 2015
Despite its title, this track is surprisingly cheerful. Lukas Graham is of Irish-Catholic descent and composed the song to depict the ambiance of an Irish burial.
The Irish prefer to celebrate the death of a dear one by turning the funeral into a celebration of the deceased’s life. This tune would be appropriate for families organizing a memorial service.
“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton
Song Year: 2017
“Broken Halos” is a heartfelt contemporary country classic from one of the genre’s most gifted songwriters, Chris Stapleton. This song featured on his album “From A Room, Vol. 1” rapidly strikes a chord with lovers of contemplative and sad songwriting.
If you’re seeking a track that expresses the anguish of losing somebody, this is it. Everybody who’s grieving can identify with the words on an emotional level.
“How to Save a Life” by The Fray
Song Year: 2005
“How to Save a Life” by The Fray is a track about adolescent drug addiction, depression, and the desire to die.
After serving as a counselor at a rehabilitation center for adolescents, Fray’s frontman Isaac Slade realized that nobody, even himself, could keep him from wrecking his life. If you’ve lost a dear one to suicide, you can play this tune at their memorial.
“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoOhnrjdYOc
Song Year: 1973
This tune is a homage to Marilyn Monroe, a famous actress and sex icon who died in 1962 from an accidental drug overdose. The lyrics are symbolic of her brief yet spectacular existence.
In the wake of Princess Dianna’s passing, this song also became an anthem to remember her popular personality. If you’ve suffered the untimely demise of your beloved, this song is quite relatable.
“Angels” by Robbie Williams
Song Year: 1997
“Angels” is a single by songwriter Robbie Williams, off his debut solo album, Life Thru a Lens. The song centers aro und the common belief that people become Angels in heaven once they die.
Thus, “Angels” isn’t about anyone but the idea that deceased loved ones return to care for you. The lyrics can be exceptionally comforting, especially for loved ones during a memorial service.
“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans
Song Year: 1997
“I’ll Be Missing You” is an ode to the Notorious B.I.G., an associate and good friend of P-Diddy. Puff Daddy composed, recorded, and released within three months of Biggie’s passing, and it became one of the best-selling rap singles of all time.
Lyrically, the song talks about the feelings the loved ones of the deceased feel. It’s a great funeral song to reminisce about all the good times you shared.
Modern Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Music can elicit emotions, and selecting the appropriate songs for a funeral helps create an unforgettable atmosphere.
When words are lacking, yet you need a great bond with others mourning and honoring your dear one, select a song from our pick of the best modern funeral songs. The most significant factor is selecting music that depicts the deceased’s life and comforts the people in mourning.