The pain and grief of losing a brother are one of the most devastating experiences you can face. Losing the unbreakable sibling bond and priceless memories can be overwhelming and confusing.
However, music can help you put your feelings into words. We’ve compiled the best funeral songs for a brother to comfort you and help you relive the memories.
“Shadow of the Day” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2007
“Shadows Of The Day,” a mellower song than typical Linkin Park works, shows how sad it is to bid goodbye to a loved one who’s dying. It’s regarded as a heartfelt tribute appropriate for memorial and funeral services and is a befitting send-off tune for a brother.
“Save a Place for Me” by Matthew West
Song Year: 2008
Do you worry if the space in Heaven is enough for everybody? Listening to this gospel-inspired tune will ease your concerns. Believing that your departed brother will save a place for you in paradise is consoling. The song is an excellent fit if you believe in reconnecting with your loved ones in the afterlife.
“I Grieve” by Peter Gabriel
Song Year: 1998
This song addresses the pain you go through in grieving the loss of a loved one. It is about the significant imprint a loss of life leaves in you, more than despair or grief. “I Grieve” will encourage you that the love you share with your brother extends beyond death.
“Farewell Transmission” by Ohia
Song Year: 2003
Jason Molina penned this timeless indie rock about the loss of someone who gave up trying to make sense of life. It’s a great way to live through the crushing pain of losing a brother to suicide. The song features a bluesy vibe to see you through the heart-wrenching grief.
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
Song Year: 1975
This popular rock ballad is one of the most accessible pieces by Pink Floyd. “Wish You Were Here” is a simple yet moving song about grief and remembering our loved ones. You can’t fill the void left by a departed brother; all you can do is wish he was here.
“The Garden” by Jimmy Scott
Song Year: 2019
Often you look for solace in music from your favorite artists, but there are uncovered gems that match your situation – “The Garden” is one of them.
While Jimmy may not be very famous, he has some of the most relatable tunes for grief. This track is a lovely and comforting tribute to a deceased loved one.
“Five More Minutes” by Scotty McCreery
Song Year: 2018
If your brother was an ardent country fan, “Five More Minutes” is the perfect funeral song to commemorate him.
Scotty McCreery presents a well-rounded, family-inspired country song that addresses the journey of losing someone special. This heartfelt tune will remind you of all the memories with your brother and the wish to spend more time with him.
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out” by Oasis
Song Year: 2002
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out” is another of Oasis’ therapeutic songs, in which the narrator reminds you to hold on and can’t alter the past.
Although this song was initially composed to illustrate the bond between a parent and a kid, it’s equally applicable in the setting of death as a song of comfort, love, and reminiscence.
“Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit
Song Year: 1999
There are times when the anger and heartache of losing a brother can overwhelm you. So, instead of venting your rage to someone else, you may often cut yourself off, shunning away from the world. This metal rock is an excellent tune for turning up the volume and letting go of the pain.
“Drowning” by Chris Young
Song Year: 2019
Built around a melancholy piano and solemn rhythm – with pain and cherished memories melting together inside Chris’s hush singing – “Drowning” is an emotional song about the sudden loss of an important friend. The song addresses the pain of losing someone special in your life, like a brother.
“If Heaven” by Andy Griggs
Song Year: 2004
“If Heaven” is a heartfelt tune penned by Gretchen Peters, which reminds him of his childhood memories in a small neighborhood next to the thriving Manhattan.
In his rendition, Griggs gave the song a breath of country music, featuring lovely, soothing memories. While it isn’t about a loss, the song remains one of the best ballads to play at a funeral.
“The Other Side of Life Now” by Emmylou Harris
Song Year: 1987
This song addresses the feelings of a departed loved one transitioning from earth to Heaven. The piece outlines the journey to Heaven, which can comfort you and other loved ones left behind. “The Other Side of Life Now” is a perfect song to send off a faithful Christian brother.
“Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1977
This cheery rock hit could be what you need to relish in remembering your departed brother. The narrator sings about being a fun-loving boy and having fun in life. If your late brother adored having a good time, “Only the Good Die Young” is a great way to remember him.
“I Still Miss You” by Keith Anderson
Song Year: 2008
Keith Anderson penned the song about his experience with an ex-lover, but it got a new meaning when his mom was diagnosed with brain cancer.
“I Still Miss You” reminds you of the memories and experiences you share with a departed loved one. While it isn’t easy to stop grieving your brother’s death, you may find comfort in this tune.
“Everything I Own” by Bread
Song Year: 1972
Although often mistaken as a breakup song, “Everything I Own” is about a loss of a loved one. This song is perfect for you if you struggle to express your emotions during grief. It’s brilliantly composed and will undoubtedly impact those left behind.
“Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
Song Year: 2007
“Don’t Blink” is a terrific song from one of the country’s biggest artists. It captures all our sentiments about the passage of time and the changes we experience. The loss of a loved one is among the most significant changes, and this tune perfectly reminds you that it’s part of the transient nature of life.
“I’ll See You Again” by Westlife
Song Year: 2009
Shelly Poole, a great English songwriter, wrote this song about the passing of a loved one. The song addresses the regret of not telling your loved ones how much you love them while you can.
However, nothing deals with grief better than anticipating seeing your departed brother again through the pearly gates.
“Gone Too Soon” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1991
The king of pop isn’t immune to grief, and he released this moving tune in 1991 in memory of his close teenage friend. The emotional lyrics on this song explain how life can be short and assures you that the memories of a deceased loved one will always remain, despite their early departure.
“Will I See You in Heaven” by The Jayhawks
Song Year: 2003
This tune is one of the top songs about a brother dying in rock music, exhibiting the band’s rock-country music vibe. “Will I See You in Heaven” is about the untimely demise of a close friend who’s like a brother to the artist. The song reminds you that you’ll be reunited again with your brother in Heaven.
“Ocean Breathes Salty” by Modest Mouse
Song Year: 2004
With twangy guitar, soaring synth lines, and a healthy dose of cosmic skepticism, this melancholy track gives a lively plunge into the face of grief. “Ocean Breathes Salty” opens with a line that fits anybody that has lost a loved one, which expresses your pledge to take them with you.
“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
Song Year: 1997
This megahit is a tribute by P Diddy to his “brother,” Notorious B.I.G., following his untimely death. The rapper recalls all the memories and the musical journey he enjoyed with Big Poppa.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to be a rap star to acknowledge how much a brother means to you. The passionate vocals by Faith Evans make it perfect for a brother’s funeral.
“Missing You” by Aaliyah featuring Jay-Z
Song Year: 2003
Arguably rap’s greatest artist, Jay-Z remixed Aaliyah’s 1999 track, “Missing You.” The songstress was Jay’s close friend, who died in a plane crash in the Bahamas in 1999. Hov uses this opportunity to reflect on their friendship while paying homage to his close friend.
“When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
Song Year: 2005
“When I Get Where I’m Going” features a terrific collaboration between two country music legends. The duo takes a typical country music songwriting approach, linking time and distance.
The song is a universal metaphor for departing and returning to our origins. Thus, playing the song at a brother’s funeral is an excellent choice.
“If I Could Be Where You Are” by Enya
Song Year: 2005
Enya’s lovely voice wonders where her loved ones have gone and whether there is any way to bring them back. The death of a sibling is deeply felt, and the anguish seems like part of you has been ripped away. Enya addresses these questions about death that we can’t answer.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns ‘N’ Roses
Song Year: 1991
This song was originally penned as a soundtrack of a 1973 film, “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.” Years later, Guns’ N’ Roses gave the track a touch of rock with guitar leads throughout the song, making it as iconic as the original version. The piece demonstrates that it’s okay to accept the demise of your brother and let go.
“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore
Song Year: 2011
“If heaven Wasn’t Far Away” is another spiritual country tune in our funeral songs for a brother compilation that is not overly religious.
It’s rich lyrically and has a pleasant melody that will comfort you. The song addresses how you could visit your departed brother if Heaven were like any other accessible destination.
“Good Die Young” by D12
Song Year: 2004
This song is a homage to Karnail “Bugz” Pitts, a D12 member who was tragically shot and run over by a vehicle. Given Bugz’s promising career, his death adversely impacted the Detroit supergroup members left behind. The song is a fitting send-off for your little brother.
“Angels Among Us” by Alabama
Song Year: 1993
This song is an emotional gospel tune by Alabama, a music group that took the gospel music scene by storm in the ’80s and ’90s. “Angels Among Us” is a well-recommended spiritual tune to grace your brother’s funeral. Even those who aren’t religious will find the powerful track uplifting.
“Slipped Away” by Avril Lavigne
Song Year: 2004
Avril penned this melancholy tune to pay homage to her departed grandfather. The two were close, so she found it overwhelming to handle the loss. This tune is ideal for a funeral for a brother as it addresses the pain of living with the loss of a close loved one.
“Miss U” by Notorious B.I.G.
Song Year: 1997
Notorious B.I.G is one of the most celebrated rap legends, and a few greats released tracks in his honor. However, the Big Poppa also had a song commemorating his deceased loved ones. In “Miss You,” the rapper relieves his childhood, paying homage to his buddies in his neighborhood that lost their lives.
“Down the River” by Chris Knight
Song Year: 2001
This immersing tune tells the tale of the narrator and his elder brother’s fishing experience at the river. The narrator loses his brother to a shot by a local bully with whom his brother had fought. “Down The River” is about the memories and the void left by a departed brother.
“Go On Without Me” by Brett Eldredge
Song Year: 2013
As the title suggests, “Go On Without Me” is a farewell message by a departed loved one. The song, which debuted in 2013, is perfect for a brother’s funeral since it expresses the feeling that your deceased brother would want you to continue living a good life.
“6 Feet Deep” by Geto Boys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98cfj45BfDA
Song Year: 1993
This heartbreaking hip-hop track addresses how it feels to lose your buddy to gunshots in the hood. “6 feet Under” doesn’t only talk about the grief of losing your loved one but also about the significance of remembering them.
“Angels in Waiting” by Tammy Cochran
Song Year: 2001
In “Angels in Waiting,” Tammy Cochran pays tribute to her two brothers, her biggest fans, who succumbed to cystic fibrosis. This soaring track expresses how the narrator’s brothers already were angels, simply waiting for wings to fly to Heaven. The song is a perfect match for a younger brother’s funeral.
“The Show Must Go On” by Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t99KH0TR-J4
Song Year: 1991
Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, is the inspiration behind this smash tune. He contracted H.I.V. but opted to continue working and promoting the band’s works.
He succumbed to the disease, and six weeks later, the band released this track in his honor. Its lyrics are subtle yet sad and sentimental – an emotional song to mourn the loss of a brother.
“I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCSMCgqlc-0
Song Year: 2012
“I Drive Your Truck,” penned by Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander, and Jimmy Yeary recounts the story of a guy grieving the death of his elder brother, who passed away on duty while serving in the U.S. Army. The narrator explores how the guy copes with the loss by driving the truck of a departed brother.
“I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Song Year: 1998
“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” was initially written as a soundtrack for Armageddon, a 1998 film. The ballad’s lyrics are fantastic, conveying the sentiment of never wanting to miss out on precious times with loved ones. The song will help you cherish the moments you shared with your departed brother.
“Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits
Song Year: 1985
This song was inspired by the 1985 Falkland War, telling the tale of a soldier who dies in action. The band’s talented guitarist, Mark Knopfler, pours his soul out as he sings the emotional lyrics of a soldier dying. The rock-and-roll tune is perfect for eulogizing a brother who fought for life before meeting their untimely death.
“All the Colours” by Finn Brothers
Song Year: 2004
“All The Colours” is probably the most emotional piece by the Finn Brothers. The short, catchy reminiscence is about a special farewell and how challenging it is to pick yourself up and move on. The loss of a brother is overwhelming, and we often find it difficult to say goodbye.
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
Song Year: 2004
This song departs from the “American Idiot” album plot arc, telling the story of an untimely demise. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” is about the death of Billie Joe Armstrong’s father, who succumbed to oesophageal cancer on September 1st, 1982. The song by Green Day is about the desire to wish away the grief of losing a loved one.
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies
Song Year: 1969
The title of this song is inspired by a story dating back to 1918 in Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys. The ballad “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” was composed by Bob Russell and Bobby Scott. Kelly Gordon recorded the song in 1969, but The Hollies made it an international smash later that year.
The narrator tells the tale of his brother, reminding him that regardless of the tiring and twisting path ahead, he’ll still carry him. This heartfelt song is about your relationships with those closest to you.
Top Funeral Songs For A Brother, Final Thoughts
A brother isn’t always a brother by blood, but he is no less family. Losing a brother takes more than that. The grief experience is typically unbearable, but a good song can help you through the hard times.
Playing your brother’s favorite music genre at his funeral might bring solace to mourners. The songs on this list might bring comfort and reassurance in tough times.