Losing your mom is likely one of the toughest things you’ll ever have to go through. If you’re planning her funeral, you may want to add a few top funeral songs for mom to the program.
Read on to learn about some amazing songs to play at your mother’s funeral.
1. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJxrX42WcjQ
Song Year: 2003
Groban’s song is one of the most popular choices for any funeral. It’s especially suitable for a mom because moms usually support their children.
The song is very soothing, and if you want to show how much your mom has done for you, this may be a great way to further portray that message.
2. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Song Year: 1997
While the lyrics may insinuate romantic love, they also apply to families. Dion talks about loving someone but how she must continue to live.
The melody and instrumentals are beautiful and help emphasize the feeling in the lyrics. It’s also a great song as many moms today may be fans of Dion.
3. “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2009
When it comes to the best funeral songs for mom, Underwood has the perfect song. “Mama” is in the name, and the lyrics talk about wanting the best for your child.
The instrumentals and melody help complement the lyrics. Of course, it’s a bit country, so it’s not for every funeral, but it’s still a gorgeous choice, especially for a daughter to play.
4. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Song Year: 1988
The lyrics talk about how someone is your hero and has helped you shine, like your mother. Midler’s voice is soft and slowly builds with the instrumentals.
It may not be as popular of a song today, but the message is perfect for the loss of a mother. If you looked up to your mother, add this song to the funeral program.
4. “Amazing Grace” by Various Artists
Song Year: 1772
We all know the famous song, so it’s perfect if you want a singalong portion. The lyrics talk about being saved.
Meanwhile, the melody is soft and comforting, but it’s also easy to sing. This song can help you grieve, and it’s suitable for a more religious ceremony.
5. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Song Year: 1984
This song is emotional, from the lyrics to the melody. It has a slow, triple-feel beat, and Cohen’s voice is low and comforting.
If you don’t like Cohen’s version, it’s been adapted for instrumental groups. The instrumental version offers the same gorgeous melody without the lyrics about getting over a lost love.
6. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
Song Year: 1939
If your mother was a fan of The Wizard of Oz, you’ll love this song. The octave jump, in the beginning, helps convey the feeling of something new.
Other lyrics talk about a different place where there are bluebirds. Garland’s version is soft and comforting, but the song has been covered multiple times by other singers.
7. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
Song Year: 1969
If you’re looking for songs about a mom dying, you’ll enjoy this one. The lyrics talk about what happens after you die.
Along with the lyrics, the melody is simple and offers a unique sound to a funeral program. The spirit in the sky will take care of your mother now that she’s passed.
8. “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A
Song Year: 1985
This song is an excellent choice if your mom was a fan of The Breakfast Club. We hear the song in that movie, but it’s become a classic on its own with the melody and instrumentals.
Meanwhile, the lyrics talk about change and how you shouldn’t forget about someone. It may not be traditionally beautiful, but the song is comforting after a loss.
9. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John
Song Year: 1994
Elton John’s voice is very soothing in his rendition of this song. The lyrics talk about love and how it’s been laid to rest, like after losing a parent.
While the lyrics repeat, the melody is soft, and the instrumentals complement it well. This song is great for The Lion King fans, Elton John fans, and others who loved your mom.
10. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1969
The Beatles sang a lot of songs that may be suitable for a funeral. This song talks about how you’ve been in a dark time in your life.
But the sun is coming, and things will get easier. That’s a fantastic metaphor for grief. Plus, the song is a nice choice for fans of The Beatles.
11. “Piano” by Ariana Grande
Song Year: 2013
The lyrics talk about how love can be a tough thing but that it may be better to try and dance instead. But the song also reminds us that it’s okay to be sad.
This song is somewhat upbeat, but it can still fit in with a funeral program, especially if your mother’s passing has reunited her with your father. Finally, Grande’s vocals are amazing as always.
12. “Love Me Harder” by Ariana Grande and The Weeknd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5qU7p7yOY8
Song Year: 2014
Grande and The Weeknd’s vocals sound amazing together in this duet. They sing about needing love to keep each other around.
While it’s about partners or lovers, it can work for family love. We all need a bit of love, especially after losing someone close to us.
13. “Almost Is Never Enough” by Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes
Song Year: 2013
Another beautiful duet, this song talks about how love was never quite enough. As with some other songs, it’s more about partner love.
However, it can be moving for the funeral of a mom who maybe didn’t express her love. Grande and Sykes sound great together, and the vocals and instrumentals help convey the emotion attached to not receiving enough love.
14. “A Year Without Rain” by Selena Gomez
Song Year: 2010
This song starts very slow and soft, and it slowly builds throughout the verses. Gomez sings about missing someone so much and how it feels like a lack of rain.
After losing someone you love, every day can feel like a year, drought or not. The song perfectly encapsulates that feeling. But we know there will be an end to it, whether that’s seeing the person or slowly working through the grief.
15. “Who Says” by Selena Gomez
Song Year: 2011
A mother’s love is unconditional, and she may have told you that what other people think doesn’t matter. This song is an excellent reminder of that, from the lyrics to the melody.
The melody and instrumentals are uplifting and encouraging. Of course, the lyrics talk about how you don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of love.
16. “Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez
Song Year: 2019
Unfortunately, a relationship with your mother may not always be positive. This song reminds us that in some cases, the loss can be a good thing.
The mood is still solemn and slow, but it shows us that we can move past tough times. Gomez sings about finding herself and how that helped her with the pain of a lost love.
20. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Song Year: 2018
Lady Gaga may be known for her upbeat dance tunes, but she sounds lovely in this slow ballad. The lyrics talk about searching for change and diving into the deep end.
Those words may not be the most relevant to losing someone. However, Gaga’s emotion shines through in her singing, and it feels sad, making this song suitable for a funeral.
21. “Sirens” by Cher Lloyd
Song Year: 2014
The initial lyrics talk about carrying someone’s weight. Meanwhile, the chorus mentions how we’re getting older and how the singer wants to lie down with someone.
Lloyd’s vocals are powerful and help emulate the sad nature of the song. Plus, the music video for the song showcases Lloyd’s own relationship with her mother when she was a child.
22. “Sledgehammer” by Fifth Harmony
Song Year: 2015
The lyrics talk about your heart beating fast when you’re around someone. A lot of us love our moms the way we may love a partner, making this song an excellent option for her funeral.
Along with the lyrics, the instrumentals showcase the heavy beat that you may feel in your heart. The whole song reminds us that love can take over our entire being but that’s not a bad thing.
23. “Applause” by Sofia Carson and Diane Warren
Song Year: 2022
This song written and sung by women talks about loving yourself and giving yourself applause. The music slowly grows until the key change in the middle.
It’s an excellent choice for the funeral of a strong woman. The song itself is powerful and a good reminder that we should all applaud ourselves for our hard work, including grief.
24. “Hold On To Me” by Sofia Carson
Song Year: 2020
This song reminds us that it never hurts to rely on someone for help. The melody is simple yet soothing, and Carson’s vocals offer plenty of emotion.
An octave jump during the chorus helps differentiate between the sections. Meanwhile, the instrumentals allow the vocals to shine.
25. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Song Year: 2017
Fathers who’ve lost their children’s mother will enjoy this song. The lyrics talk about finding the woman of your dreams and loving her.
Sheeran’s vocals aren’t too overpowering, so the song sounds gorgeous. The instrumentals support the vocals without making the song seem too sad or too upbeat.
26. “Hello” by Adele
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQHsXMglC9A
Song Year: 2015
Adele sings about missing someone and feeling far apart. The vocals are emotional, and the melody is smooth.
Underneath the vocals, the instrumentals are steady but not too overpowering. While the song may be about a lover, it can work for the funeral of a mom.
27. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes
Song Year: 2018
In this song, the message is about feeling like there’s nothing left to live for. Losing a parent can be devastating, so this song may help you feel all of your feelings.
However, the chorus mentions how you can’t give up and let things go. You have to keep moving forward, which is the same after experiencing loss.
28. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
Song Year: 2009
In this song, the father and daughter sing about how important a parent is when you’re young, helping you with everything. But there comes a time when both of you need to move on.
This song is especially powerful considering Miley’s character in Hannah Montana lost her mother as a young girl. That can make it an even more fitting choice for your own mother’s funeral.
29. “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” by Hannah Montana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSgOZEK7yg4
Song Year: 2009
Another song for Hannah Montana fans talks about returning to your roots. Its lyrics mention how you can change a lot of things but not where you came from.
The instrumentals are somewhat upbeat but not overly so. That makes this song a nice choice for a funeral that brings you back home.
30. “Grenade” by Bruno Mars
Song Year: 2010
The lyrics of this song showcase how much you love someone and what you’d do for them. If you felt a strong love for your mom, you may relate to the words.
Meanwhile, the instrumentals and melody are simple, helping the lyrics to stand out. Like many songs, it’s about a partner’s love, but it can work for a mother and child.
31. “What About Us” by Pink
Song Year: 2017
Pink sings about being children that need love and people needing trust and love. The song is a bit more upbeat than some, but it reminds us that we can’t forget about others.
If your mother didn’t offer much love, you may relate to this song after her passing. That can make it a suitable choice for her funeral or celebration of life.
32. “If Only” by Dove Cameron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFYedt-KnB0
Song Year: 2015
Cameron’s Descendants character sings about the struggle of following her mom’s plan for her. The song shows the singer realizing that she can be her own person, and the vocals and instrumentals show a lot of emotions.
A lot of us have moms with plans for us, but we don’t always want to follow them. That makes this song a nice choice for many people.
33. “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey
Song Year: 2012
The instrumentals of this song are soft and muted, which matches the melody. Its lyrics talk about feeling alive and getting dressed up but also feeling a bit of sadness.
While the words are more on the positive side, the backtrack helps keep this song from feeling too peppy. If you feel a combination of emotions, you may enjoy adding this song to a funeral program.
34. “Classic” by MKTO
Song Year: 2013
If you’re a son who just lost his mother, this song is perfect. It talks about how a woman in your life is unique and like a diamond.
The instrumentals are a bit more upbeat than some songs, but that can be a good thing. You can use this song to break up a program of all slow ballads.
35. “Cover Girl” by Big Time Rush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBra0SVro8E
Song Year: 2011
Four guys sing this song over an acoustic guitar. The lyrics talk about knowing a woman in your life is worthy of being a cover girl despite her insecurities.
This song is a worthwhile selection for a son-in-law to sing to his wife who just lost her mom. Not only that, but band member Kendall Schmidt wrote the song for a variety of women in his life, making it perfect for a son or daughter to sing for their mother.
36. “Invisible” by Big Time Rush
Song Year: 2011
This song is slow-paced and talks about feeling invisible. The lyrics also talk about supporting someone, which is useful when you’re grieving.
It offers a great reminder that you can do whatever you want with support. Meanwhile, the instrumentals are smooth but build up during the chorus.
37. “All Time Low” by The Wanted
Song Year: 2010
This song’s lyrics talk about how you can’t do anything to get someone out of your head. It moves on to ask how you can get out of a dark period, or all-time low.
As the song progresses, the instrumentals slowly build until hitting their peak at the bridge. The singers all play their part and add emotion as soloists and within the group.
38. “Heart Vacancy” by The Wanted
Song Year: 2012
This song is about trying to break down the walls around someone. When we lose a mom, spouse, or another loved one we may build a wall.
The instrumentals and melody sound beautiful together. They remind us that it’s okay to open up and feel things and that a hole in your heart, such as from loss, can be filled.
39. “Gold Forever” by The Wanted
Song Year: 2012
In this song, the group sings about not wanting a perfect day to end. But we all know that things do end, but we can keep the memories alive.
The instrumentals start soft but do build to be a bit peppier than you may want. However, the song can be a suitable way to reflect on your memories of your mom and can keep you from only having super slow songs on your funeral program.
40. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction
Song Year: 2011
A similar song to “Cover Girl,” this one talks about how someone is beautiful no matter what. It can be a great song to play for someone who lost their mom or to play in honor of your mom.
The instrumentals feature a nice mix of being upbeat but also solemn. Meanwhile, the singers do a beautiful job of balancing with each other as soloists and as a group.
41. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
Song Year: 2017
In one of his biggest solo singles, Styles talks about how you don’t need to cry and how we need to move on. The tune can be a good option more for a celebration of life than a traditional funeral.
However, it also talks about how you can meet someone again in the future. You know that you won’t be away from your mom forever. The vocals and instrumentals are very expressive.
42. “Ghost” by Justin Bieber
Song Year: 2021
The lyrics mention missing someone you loved but that you may have to enjoy their ghost and memory. It’s normal to miss people after they pass, and Bieber’s vocals share this emotion.
Meanwhile, the instrumentals are soft and muted, but they don’t sound too depressing, so this song could help you work through your grief.
43. “Numb Little Bug” by Em Beihold
Song Year: 2022
Unlike many other songs, this one talks about feeling nothing. You don’t want to die, but you’re not excited about going through life, which can happen after you lose someone close to you.
Beihold’s vocals help convey a lack of emotion as you go through life. This song is a good choice if you don’t want any music that is too happy or extremely sad but want to convey how you feel about your loss.
44. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” by Shakira and Rihanna
Song Year: 2014
Shakira and Rihanna sing this song about losing a lover, but the overall message works for a mom as well. It talks about only wanting to focus on the good memories and not wanting to forget about someone.
The melody and instrumentals stay consistent throughout the song, so it’s not too shocking to listen to. That can make it a suitable choice for some funeral programs.
45. “Gypsy” by Shakira
Song Year: 2009
The opening line of this song talks about your heart breaking and trying to put it back together. This is an excellent metaphor for grief, and the song continues on about living your life.
Like a gypsy, you can’t stay where you are. The instrumentals sound very ethereal, and they support Shakira’s vocals throughout the song.
46. “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy
Song Year: 2014
If your mother was powerful or left a legacy, you should play Centuries. The lyrics talk about being remembered throughout history. They also talk about how it only takes a small thing for that to happen.
Underneath those lyrics, the instrumentals slowly build and fall back with each verse and chorus. It can make you feel empowered and perhaps inspire you to leave your own legacy.
47. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
Song Year: 2013
This song’s lyrics talk about making the most of your life. It also mentions how it feels nice to do the wrong thing for a change.
While these aren’t the most relevant to loss, the instrumentals and melody help. The song has a repetitive beat that almost feels like a heartbeat. You can listen to the lyrics to remind yourself to go for what you want to help your mother’s legacy live on.
48. “Heart of a Child” by Jennette McCurdy
Song Year: 2012
McCurdy sings about wanting to live life to the fullest and also wanting to go back to happy times from her childhood. As she sings, she mentions how she wants to prove something to others but her mom.
This is a more happy song for a funeral, but it’s still beautiful. And it serves as a fantastic reminder that we shouldn’t let grief hold us back from the rest of our lives.
49. “Not That Far Away” by Jennette McCurdy
Song Year: 2012
This is one of the most fitting funeral songs for mom. It includes lyrics talking about how you’ll miss your mom but that you’ll still want to stay close.
While it’s not about a mom dying, specifically, it is about leaving. Plus, it was written in part about McCurdy’s relationship with her mom. While we now know it wasn’t great, it still shows a child’s love for their mother.
50. “Little Me” by Little Mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXhMqDotfLk
Song Year: 2013
British girl group Little Mix sings about looking back on their lives as young girls. The chorus talks about speaking up and being proud. If your mother told you those things, this song is a great addition to her funeral program.
The melody is emotional, and the instrumentals back that up well. Anyone who has some regrets may relate to the words, and the music can move anyone to feel.
51. “Wings” by Little Mix
Song Year: 2012
A more upbeat song than some, Wings talks about your mom telling you to take advantage of your life. That makes this song perfect for anyone who had a supportive mother.
The vocals and instrumentals are gorgeous despite the upbeat nature. It’s a suitable choice for the end of a funeral, reminding people to spread their wings, even though their mother is gone.
Best Funeral Songs For Moms, Final Thoughts
Selecting the right funeral songs for mom is very personal. You have to consider who she was and what your relationship was like.
Every mom-and-child relationship is different, so no two funerals will look the same. Luckily, you can choose from dozens of songs. Be sure to listen to a variety of songs from throughout time. Then, you can develop a program that makes you feel better and helps you process your grief.