One of the best ways to process emotions and heal pain is through music. There are songs within every genre that are a perfect option for dealing with complicated feelings. If you are looking for a soothing or uplifting song about losing your wife, have a look at the following.
“Record Year” by Eric Church
Song Year: 2016
In this slow and methodical song, Eric Church croons to his lost partner. He describes his process of emotional healing, which involves listening to a lot of comforting records.
Put this peaceful song on when you’re ready to have some deep thoughts. Be prepared to keep this song on repeat to heal your soul, just as the singer describes.
“Changing Your Mind” by Bob Schneider
Song Year: 2007
This song about losing your wife leans more toward a cathartic release at the song’s crescendo. Schneider’s vocals on “Changing Your Mind” feel frantic and pleading.
This is a great song for when you hold nervous energy. Experiment with this emotional song during your next workout.
“Remember When” by Alan Jackson
Song Year: 2003
Alan Jackson delivers one of the most lovely and sentimental songs on this list. “Remember When” serves as a musical trip down memory lane, as Jackson recounts the long and happy history of his marriage. This song is sweet and the perfect soundtrack if you need a good cry.
Jackson wrote this song, and it is autobiographical. This famous country crooner has been married to his high school sweetheart since the 1970s.
“Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Song Year: 1995
“Tha Crossroads” is a popular song if you are looking for funeral songs for your wife. This song describes the complicated feelings around grief. While you are comforted by the feeling of seeing your loved one again, it is painful to move on without them.
It won the 1997 Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJxrX42WcjQ
Song Year: 2003
Velvety-voiced baritone Josh Groban soothed the nation with this adult contemporary single in 2003. This song will lift your spirits, especially since a gospel choir arrives at the end.
“You Raise Me Up” is not necessarily religious but may provide additional comfort to those who believe in Christianity. Many people choose this song as a funeral song for a wife.
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Song Year: 1997
This song dominated pop culture in the late 1990s as the theme song for the blockbuster romantic drama Titanic. This tranquil song describes how true love never dies, which is the same theme of the record-breaking film.
It earned almost every accolade possible in 1997 and 1998, winning two Grammy Awards and an Oscar.
“The Dance” by Garth Brooks
Song Year: 1989
“The Dance” employs Brooks’ signature nasal, twanging vocals over beautiful and heartfelt lyrics. This song describes a husband talking about how they appreciate not knowing how long the relationship would last so that he could live in the moment. Many songs focus on epic loves, but “The Dance” celebrates every length of love story.
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oextk-If8HQ
Song Year: 2004
Another one of the best songs about losing your wife is this sweeping ballad from this British alternative rock band.
The lyrics of “Somewhere Only We Know” describe the inner world of intimacy developed between two people. Put this song on when going for a long drive and thinking about the special places you and your loved one shared.
“And So It Goes” by Billy Joel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHO6a2H-pqY
Song Year: 1990
Billy Joel offers this heartbreaking piano ballad as a comforting song about losing a wife. Joel keeps this song restrained, making it a peaceful song for late-night listening.
He beautifully describes being the person left behind by a lost loved one. If you are surrendering to the pain of losing someone, this soothing song will help you through it.
“Angels Among Us” by Alabama
Song Year: 1993
The country group Alabama and their unique blend of gospel, country, folk, bluegrass, and pop music made them the most successful country group in history. The band sold more than 75 million records.
The song proposes that people are placed on our path to support us. For those who have recently lost a loved one, this Alabama song can comfort them.
“Already There” by Lonestar
Song Year: 2001
If you are looking for a funeral song for your wife, “Already There” by Lonestar delivers a lovely message for everyone who is grieving. This song reminds mourners that their loved one’s spirit lives within them all the time. “Already There” is a slow, heartfelt ballad that quickly became a sentimental favorite.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Song Year: 1988
This Bette Midler song represents one of the most iconic funeral songs for your wife you can choose. “Wind Beneath My Wings” describes the priceless relationships you have with those who provide unconditional love and support. This song honors the connection with their wives.
“Everybody Lost Somebody” by Bleachers
Song Year: 2017
Bleachers is led by musician Jack Antonoff, who says his reason for making music is to cope with the loss of his sister. While Bleachers typically releases upbeat electronic music, “Everybody Lost Somebody” slows it down to deliver heartfelt, meaningful lyrics. Grieve along with the singer with this emotional track.
“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
Song Year: 1973
“Candle in the Wind” reached classic song status after the death of Princess Diana in 1997. However, this song was originally written as a tribute to another mysterious and tragic female figure: Marilyn Monroe.
It earned the Guinness World Record for a best-selling single since the charts began, selling 33 million copies worldwide.
“Fields of Gold” by Sting
Song Year: 1993
One of Sting’s most famous singles is “Fields of Gold,” an atmospheric ballad with his signature voice. If you are feeling nostalgic, nothing matches those complicated emotions like “Fields of Gold.” Get out into nature and play this one on repeat.
“One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Song Year: 1995
The lyrics in “One Sweet Day” make it a lovely choice as a funeral song for your wife. This song describes meeting your loved one in heaven again someday. Turn on this song and let the tears flow.
“When I’m Gone” by Joey + Rory
Song Year: 2012
“When I’m Gone” by country duo Joey + Rory describes how a wife is encouraging her husband to carry on when she is no longer around. Making this song even more poignant is that the two singers are a married couple who faced the wife’s terminal illness while writing this album.
Rory died from cervical cancer in 2016, but the song lives on.
“There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill
Song Year: 2001
Country and pop crossover superstar Faith Hill sang this memorable theme to the 2001 historical drama Pearl Harbor.
Choose this as a funeral song for your wife to communicate your enduring bond.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
Song Year: 1980
This George Jones country classic is considered one of the saddest songs ever recorded. The title comes from the man’s death, the first moment he stopped loving his wife.
There may be no more earnest and thoughtful sentiment than the one contained within these lyrics. If you need to process some serious emotions, try “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
Song Year: 1969
This classic 1969 rock song ranks as a classic sound from the psychedelic rock era of the 1960s. “Spirit in the Sky” provides a rare upbeat and toe-tapping song on this list of songs about losing your wife. Consider choosing this inspirational, gospel-like song as a recessional funeral song for your wife.
“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” by Al Green
Song Year: 1972
If you’re in the mood for a sad and slow jam, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” The Bee Gees also released a famous cover of this song. However, the original version delivers a soothing quality that cannot be beaten.
In this song, Al Green cries for help to heal his broken heart and spirit. Green is well-known for his emotionally-resonant ballads that get to the heart of being in love.
“One More Day” by Diamond Rio
Song Year: 2000
One unforgettable aspect of this Diamond Rio classic is the sense that the lead singer is crying out when he sings the chorus. “One More Day” perfectly captures the feelings of losing someone you love.
If your grief is fresh, this song provides a helpful comfort as you begin to process your feelings. “One More Day” serves as a fantastic choice as a funeral song for your wife.
“I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
Song Year: 2007
Death Cab for Cutie consistently releases cerebral indie pop, driven by electronic elements and lyrics that pull on your heartstrings.
“I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” certainly includes heartfelt words but favors a stripped-down approach to the instrumentation, accompanied by acoustic guitar only. Choose this song when you need a quiet moment.
“Fine” by Kacey Musgraves
Song Year: 2015
Kacey Musgraves is another country-pop crossover artist who can deliver a perfect song about losing your wife. In “Fine,” Musgraves expertly describes the loneliness you feel when you lose someone you love.
Musgraves writes her songs with cleverness and emotional insight. Combined with her Dolly Parton-like voice, songs like “Fine” are as smart as they are soothing.
“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
Song Year: 1970
After James Taylor lost his friend, he penned the legendary folk song “Fire and Rain.” Taylor’s voice may be one of the most peaceful sounds on Earth, so the combination of his words and singing is very tranquil. Process your grief and loneliness with this singer-songwriter.
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 2002
While country legend Johnny Cash did not write the words to “Hurt,” he completely reimagined this hard rock tune. Originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails, this song took on a new life with Cash’s gravelly vocals and slow tempo. Cash recorded this song in the brief period between losing his wife and dying in 2003.
“Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Song Year: 1997
Remembered most for gracing commercials about abandoned animals, “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan was written to commemorate the death of a friend. McLachlan’s ethereal vocals lift this song from sappy sentimentality to a soothing and enduring ballad.
This song describes wanting the person who passed away to find peace and comfort. If you are struggling to understand the loss you are experiencing, this song may help you begin to heal.
“Beloved” by Mumford and Sons
Song Year: 2019
Folk-rock group Mumford and Sons reliably offer songs with thoughtful imagery that are filled with mandolins, keyboard, banjo, and other creative instrumentation.
The lyrics of “Beloved” plainly describe a person gazing upon a loved one whose time on Earth is growing shorter. The singer wants the person to know they are beloved and appreciated before it is too late.
“If I Die Young” by The Band Perry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM
Song Year: 2010
The Band Perry offers a kind of last will and testament within the lyrics to “If I Die Young.” Many images described evoke sweet and innocent things, like satin, sunrises, and pearls.
While the song may seem morbid, the tender vocals lift the tune into a happier place. “If I Die Young” became one of the most successful singles from country sibling trio The Band Perry.
“Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1977
Was your loved one a little rebellious? This Billy Joel classic may be a great funeral song for your wife. Joel uses an uptempo song and plenty of saxophones. If you and your lost loved one agree that you would rather laugh with the rebellious ones than spend time with the good ones, give this song a listen.
“Remember Me” by Anthony Gonzalez
Song Year: 2017
While this is a theme song from a Disney movie, “Remember Me” offers a comforting song about losing your wife. If you are feeling disconnected from the memories of the person you loved, this sweet song will help you feel closer to them.
Coco celebrates Dia De Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. This is an essential custom in Mexican culture to remember and honor ancestors.
“Heaven” by Beyoncé
Song Year: 2015
The powerful sentiment of heaven not being able to wait for a person illustrated the feelings that music superstar Beyoncé felt after suffering a miscarriage. Regardless, this song may serve as an appropriate funeral song for your wife as well. Reconnect with your lost loved one through this moving song.
“Poison Cup” by M. Ward
Song Year: 2006
M. Ward’s brief song sums up the wild feelings of being in love and facing the loss of that connection. Ward tells us that he is willing to drink all of the “poison cups” when it comes to maintaining this relationship.
If you agree that there is no such thing as “kinda” being in love, this folksy, simple song will resonate with you.
“All I Ask” by Adele
Song Year: 2015
Adele perfectly captures the feelings of desperation when a relationship reaches an end. This powerhouse singer delivers a fantastic ballad, showcasing her incredible range. Be ready to shout the lyrics while crying with this ballad.
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa And Charlie Puth
Song Year: 2015
Rapper Wiz Khalifa and singer-songwriter Charlie Puth collaborated on this popular song. It originally appeared on a soundtrack for the Fast and the Furious franchise. One of the stars of the movies, Paul Walker, died in a car crash during the long-running series. “See You Again” became a tribute to Walker and his beloved character.
“The Way” by Fastball
Song Year: 1998
While most of the songs on this list are sentimental, “The Way” approaches the idea of death differently. It describes an elderly couple who are lost on their journey but are enjoying the ride.
If that sounds like your relationship, you may enjoy processing your feelings with this goofy and upbeat ska song.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor
Song Year: 1990
Most people have seen this iconic music video from Sinead O’Connor. In it, the singer stares down the camera and delivers meaningful lyrics in a straightforward way.
Even without the video, the lyrics communicate the same searing authenticity. One of the best fun facts about this song is that music icon Prince wrote the words. Turn on “Nothing Compares 2 U” when you really need to mourn.
Relatable Songs About Losing Your Wife, Final Thoughts
Music remains one of the best ways to process your feelings and start to heal. If you are looking for songs about losing your wife, there are many options to choose from. Many sentimental ballads like “Remember When” and “Tha Crossroads” provide comfort, while upbeat songs like “Only the Good Die Young” and “The Way” can deliver a fresh perspective.