Popular Funeral Songs: 50+ Meaningful Songs for a Funeral Service
Music can play an important role in a funeral service. The right song can bring back memories, capture someone’s personality and help family and friends remember a loved one in a very personal way.
Choosing funeral music can also be difficult. There are so many songs to choose from, and sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin.
There is no “right” funeral song. Some families choose a traditional hymn or classical piece, while others choose a favourite song, an Australian classic, a country song, a rock ballad or a piece of music that simply reminds them of the person who has died.
At Michael Crawford Funerals, we understand that every person’s farewell is different. The music chosen for a funeral can be a wonderful way to reflect a person’s life, personality, memories and relationships.
To help you choose, we have put together this list of popular funeral songs, including traditional favourites, modern songs and some particularly meaningful Australian choices.
Click the YouTube links below to listen to each song.
Popular Funeral Songs
Here are some of the songs families commonly consider when choosing music for a funeral service.
Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A beautiful and emotional song that has become closely associated with farewells. It can work particularly well as a closing or reflection song.
Listen to Time to Say Goodbye on YouTube
Amazing Grace
One of the best-known funeral hymns, Amazing Grace has been used at funeral services for generations. Its message of faith, hope and grace makes it a meaningful choice for many families.
Listen to Amazing Grace on YouTube
My Way – Frank Sinatra
A classic choice, particularly for someone who lived life on their own terms. The song can be particularly fitting for a strong personality or someone who was independent and determined.
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
Hallelujah has become a popular choice for funeral and memorial services. Its beautiful melody has also resulted in many different versions and arrangements.
Listen to Hallelujah on YouTube
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
A gentle and positive song that celebrates the beauty of everyday life. It can be a lovely choice when the family wants to focus on the good memories shared with their loved one.
Listen to What a Wonderful World on YouTube
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
A particularly meaningful choice for a parent, partner or someone who played an important supporting role in another person’s life.
Listen to Wind Beneath My Wings on YouTube
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
Written following the death of Ed Sheeran’s grandmother, Supermarket Flowers is an emotional song about grief, family and saying goodbye.
Listen to Supermarket Flowers on YouTube
Angels – Robbie Williams
Angels is one of the most recognisable songs associated with remembrance and farewell and can be particularly appropriate for a celebration of life.
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
A deeply emotional song written by Eric Clapton following the death of his young son. It is an intensely personal song about grief and loss.
Listen to Tears in Heaven on YouTube
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
A popular choice for someone whose absence will be deeply felt. The song can work particularly well as a reflection piece during a funeral or memorial service.
Listen to Wish You Were Here on YouTube
Popular Australian Funeral Songs
For families in Victoria and across Australia, an Australian song can sometimes make a funeral feel especially personal.
Australian music has given us many songs about home, family, friendship, life and belonging. Some of these songs can be particularly powerful when celebrating the life of an Australian loved one.
The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite
The Horses is an iconic Australian favourite and can be an uplifting choice for a funeral or celebration of life.
Its themes of freedom, love and letting someone go can make it especially meaningful as a farewell song.
Listen to The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite on YouTube
True Blue – John Williamson
For an Australian who was proud of their country, True Blue can be a very fitting choice.
It is particularly appropriate for someone who loved the Australian way of life, the outdoors, family and community.
Listen to True Blue – John Williamson on YouTube
I Am Australian – The Seekers
I Am Australian is another strong choice for an Australian funeral service. Its themes of identity, belonging and shared experience can make it particularly meaningful for a celebration of life.
Listen to I Am Australian – The Seekers on YouTube
Better Be Home Soon – Crowded House
Better Be Home Soon is a much-loved Australian/New Zealand classic and can be particularly poignant when saying goodbye to someone who was loved and missed.
Listen to Better Be Home Soon – Crowded House on YouTube
How to Make Gravy – Paul Kelly
How to Make Gravy is one of Australia’s most recognisable songs about family, separation and Christmas.
Although it is not a conventional funeral song, its story and references to family can make it a deeply personal choice, particularly for someone who loved Australian music and family traditions.
Listen to How to Make Gravy – Paul Kelly on YouTube
From Little Things Big Things Grow – Paul Kelly & Kev Carmody
This powerful Australian song tells the story of the Gurindji strike and the struggle for Indigenous land rights.
For families who want to include an important piece of Australian history or social justice in a funeral service, it can be a particularly meaningful choice.
Listen to From Little Things Big Things Grow on YouTube
I Was Only 19 – Redgum
I Was Only 19 is an important Australian song about the experience of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War.
For a veteran or someone whose life was shaped by military service, this can be an especially powerful choice.
Listen to I Was Only 19 – Redgum on YouTube
Into My Arms – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
With Nick Cave’s strong connection to Melbourne and Australian music history, Into My Arms can be a beautiful and intimate choice for a funeral.
Its quiet, reflective character can work particularly well during a photo tribute or moment of reflection.
Listen to Into My Arms – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on YouTube
Waltzing Matilda
One of Australia’s best-known songs, Waltzing Matilda can be appropriate for someone who loved Australian history, the bush or Australian culture.
Listen to Waltzing Matilda on YouTube
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda – Eric Bogle
A moving Australian song about war, sacrifice and remembrance.
It can be particularly appropriate for a veteran or someone whose life was strongly connected with Australia’s military history.
Listen to The Band Played Waltzing Matilda on YouTube
Modern Funeral Songs
Music choices are changing, and many families now choose contemporary songs that were meaningful to the person who has died.
A modern song can be particularly appropriate for a younger person, partner, parent or friend.
Visiting Hours – Ed Sheeran
Visiting Hours is one of the most directly relevant modern songs for a funeral. It reflects on missing someone who has died and imagining what it would be like to visit them again.
Listen to Visiting Hours – Ed Sheeran on YouTube
How Do I Say Goodbye – Dean Lewis
Written about Dean Lewis’s relationship with his father, How Do I Say Goodbye is a particularly emotional modern choice for a parent or family member.
Listen to How Do I Say Goodbye – Dean Lewis on YouTube
Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga
A beautiful song about remembering someone and holding on to the memories of a relationship.
Listen to Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga on YouTube
Life Goes On – Ed Sheeran ft. Luke Combs
A reflective song about grief and learning to continue living after someone has died.
Listen to Life Goes On – Ed Sheeran ft. Luke Combs on YouTube
Fix You – Coldplay
Fix You is a popular choice for its themes of comfort, support and trying to help someone through difficult times.
Listen to Fix You – Coldplay on YouTube
You Are the Reason – Calum Scott
A heartfelt song about love and devotion that can be particularly appropriate for a partner or close family member.
Listen to You Are the Reason – Calum Scott on YouTube
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
See You Again became closely associated with remembrance and saying goodbye. It can be particularly meaningful for a younger person or close friend.
Listen to See You Again on YouTube
One More Light – Linkin Park
One More Light is a deeply emotional song about loss and the importance of remembering someone.
Listen to One More Light – Linkin Park on YouTube
Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
Dancing in the Sky has become a popular song about wondering what happens to someone after they die and imagining them at peace.
Listen to Dancing in the Sky on YouTube
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
A contemporary song about losing someone and learning to live without them.
Listen to Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi on YouTube
Uplifting Funeral Songs
A funeral does not always have to be sombre. Many families choose an uplifting song that reminds people of the person’s personality, sense of humour or love of life.
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
A beautiful reminder of the simple things that make life special.
Listen to What a Wonderful World on YouTube
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
A touching song that can be especially appropriate for a parent or grandparent.
Listen to Forever Young – Rod Stewart on YouTube
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
A gentle and comforting version of the classic song. Its relaxed sound can be particularly suitable for a photo tribute.
Listen to Somewhere Over the Rainbow on YouTube
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
An uplifting song about strength, support and the impact another person can have on our lives.
Listen to You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban on YouTube
Angels – Robbie Williams
A familiar and comforting choice that can be appropriate for many different types of funeral service.
Listen to Angels – Robbie Williams on YouTube
Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy
Eva Cassidy’s gentle interpretation of Fields of Gold can create a beautiful atmosphere during a funeral or memorial slideshow.
Listen to Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy on YouTube
Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
A nostalgic song about a special place and shared memories.
Listen to Somewhere Only We Know – Keane on YouTube
Funeral Songs for Mum
Choosing music for a mother can be particularly emotional. Songs that focus on love, gratitude and memories can be especially meaningful.
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
A deeply personal song about grief, family and the loss of someone loved.
Listen to Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran on YouTube
Mama – Il Divo
A powerful and emotional tribute to a mother.
Listen to Mama – Il Divo on YouTube
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
A beautiful choice for a mother who was a source of love, strength and support.
Listen to Wind Beneath My Wings on YouTube
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
A fitting choice for a mother who helped shape and support her family throughout life.
Listen to You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban on YouTube
Funeral Songs for Dad
For a father, families often choose songs that reflect strength, family, friendship or the memories they shared.
How Do I Say Goodbye – Dean Lewis
A particularly powerful modern choice for saying goodbye to a father.
Listen to How Do I Say Goodbye – Dean Lewis on YouTube
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
An emotional song about memories of a father and wishing for more time together.
Listen to Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross on YouTube
My Way – Frank Sinatra
For a father who was independent, strong-willed or simply loved Frank Sinatra, My Way can be a very personal choice.
Listen to My Way – Frank Sinatra on YouTube
Funeral Songs for a Partner
When a husband, wife or partner dies, music can provide a way to express love and the sense of loss that words sometimes cannot capture.
Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga
A beautiful choice for remembering a relationship and the memories shared together.
Listen to Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga on YouTube
Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
A timeless love song that can be especially appropriate for a husband, wife or long-term partner.
Listen to Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers on YouTube
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
A heartfelt song about unconditional love and devotion.
Listen to Make You Feel My Love – Adele on YouTube
To Make You Feel My Love – Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s version is another beautiful interpretation of the Bob Dylan song and may be particularly meaningful for fans of his music.
Listen to To Make You Feel My Love – Billy Joel on YouTube
Funeral Songs for Someone Who Loved Country Music
Country music can be particularly meaningful at an Australian funeral. For many generations of Australians, country music is closely connected with family, the Australian landscape and memories of home.
True Blue – John Williamson
A classic Australian choice for someone who was proud to call Australia home.
Listen to True Blue – John Williamson on YouTube
The Dance – Garth Brooks
A reflective song about life, love and the experiences that make life worthwhile.
Listen to The Dance – Garth Brooks on YouTube
Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill
A particularly appropriate song for a funeral, with a strong message of rest and farewell.
Listen to Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill on YouTube
When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton
A hopeful song about the idea of reaching a peaceful place after this life.
Listen to When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton on YouTube
How Do You Choose the Right Funeral Song?
With so many songs to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
One of the simplest approaches is to think about the person rather than the funeral.
Ask yourself:
- What music did they love?
- What songs remind you of them?
- Did they have a favourite singer or band?
- Was there a song they always played at home?
- Was there a song connected to a special holiday, trip or family memory?
- Did they have a favourite Australian song?
- What music would make you immediately think of them?
Sometimes the most meaningful funeral song is not a song specifically written about death or grief.
It might be a song that the person played every Saturday morning.
It might be the song they danced to at their wedding.
It might be the song they always sang in the car.
It might be a song that reminds the family of a special holiday.
Those personal connections can make a song incredibly powerful during a funeral service.
How Many Songs Are Played at a Funeral?
The number of songs played will depend on the type and length of the funeral service.
Some families choose two or three songs, while others choose more.
A typical funeral service may include:
An entrance song
Music played as the coffin or casket enters the service.
A reflection or photo tribute song
A song played while photographs or memories of the person’s life are shown.
A farewell or closing song
Music played as the service comes to an end.
There may also be music played while family and friends arrive or leave the service.
The most important thing is not the number of songs but choosing music that feels right for the person being remembered.
Choosing Funeral Music in Victoria
Families arranging a funeral in Victoria have many options when it comes to choosing music.
Depending on the location and type of service, music may be played through the venue’s sound system, at a church, in a funeral chapel, at a cemetery or crematorium, or as part of a personalised photo tribute.
If you are unsure whether a particular song will work at the service, your funeral director can help you understand the options available.
It is also worth considering the length of a song, particularly if it is being used during a photo presentation or as part of the formal service.
There Is No Right or Wrong Funeral Song
Ultimately, there is no perfect list of funeral songs.
The best song is often the one that makes you think of the person you are saying goodbye to.
It might make you laugh.
It might make you cry.
It might remind you of a special time together.
It might simply be a song they loved.
All of those things can make it the right choice.
At Michael Crawford Funerals, we understand how important it is for a funeral service to reflect the individual life, personality and wishes of the person who has died.
Whether you are looking for a traditional funeral service, a personalised celebration of life, a cremation or a burial, our experienced team can help you create a meaningful farewell.
If you are arranging a funeral in Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Ballan, Ballarat, Altona, Fawkner or surrounding areas of Victoria, please contact Michael Crawford Funerals. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide assistance and support when you need it.
Michael Crawford Funerals
Phone: (03) 5367 6733
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
226 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria 3340
