Deciding on a funeral song is harder than it sounds. It’s got to be just right – summing up your whole life in minutes – and there’s only a handful of tunes that fit the bill. When you finally make your pick, though, there’s a good chance it’ll be among these 50 most popular send-off songs. Listen closely to their lyrics, and you’ll understand why they made this list.
Research Reveals The Most Popular Funeral Song Requests
50. Robbie Williams – “Angels”
Robbie Williams’ signature hit “Angels” was the earliest track he penned with his regular cohort Guy Chambers. And the affecting ballad, written about the former Take That star’s late uncle and aunt, remains one of their most cherished. With its talk of salvation, the Life Thru a Lens cut has been a familiar sound at funerals in the U.K. ever since its release in 1997.
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49. Josh Groban – “You Raise Me Up”
Irish groups Westlife and Celtic Woman and Welsh tenor Aled Jones have all enjoyed success with “You Raise Me Up.” However, it was Josh Groban who was the first artist to bring the stirring ballad to the world’s attention in 2003. Originally, though, the track was penned by the front-man of new age duo Secret Garden, Rolf Løvland, who also sang the track at his mum’s funeral.
48. Sam Smith – “Lay Me Down”
It took a little while for Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” to become a well-known track to the public. In fact, it was only on a re-recorded third release that added John Legend to the mix that the heartfelt ballad topped the U.K. charts. And the song has now gone on to become a funeral standard thanks to Smith’s affecting vocals and touching lyrics about loss.
47. Bon Jovi – “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”
“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is a phrase often used by people who live their life to the full. And so Bon Jovi’s rock anthem of the same name is arguably an ideal way to commemorate those whose passing means they are now able to get some well-earned rest. The track first appeared on the band’s 1992 LP Keep the Faith and has been a fixture of their concerts ever since.
46. AC/DC – “Highway to Hell”
Some people, of course, decide to be a little more playful when it comes to their funeral song of choice. The title track from Australian rockers AC/DC’s 1979 LP “Highway to Hell” was named after Angus Young’s description of the touring lifestyle. But taking on another more tongue-in-cheek meaning, it’s also helped to lighten the mood at various funeral services.
45. Coldplay – “Fix You”
Coldplay’s back catalog is packed with anthems that sound like modern-day hymns. And with its church organ-like backing and lyrical theme of grief, the 2005 hit “Fix You” is perhaps their most funeral-appropriate. But that’s not all. The band’s frontman, Chris Martin, has even described the X&Y track as being their “most important song.”
44. Ellie Goulding – “How Long Will I Love You”
“How Long Will I Love You” was first released by folk-rockers The Waterboys at the turn of the 1990s. But nearly a quarter of a century later, Ellie Goulding gave the track a new lease of life. Yes, the pop songstress covered the acoustic ballad for a British charity telethon, and its moving declaration of unconditional love has since become a firm favorite at funerals.
43. Andrea Bocelli – “Time to Say Goodbye”
Tenor Andrea Bocelli has recorded “Con te partirò” in three different languages: Spanish, his native Italian and English. But it was this last version, which was a duet with popera sensation Sarah Brightman, that connected with the biggest audience. What’s more, its new title, “Time to Say Goodbye,” also made it a popular choice with those planning a funeral.
42. Louis Armstrong – “What a Wonderful World”
“What a Wonderful World,” it seems, is ideally suited to those who want their funeral to be more of a celebration than a mourning. Its uplifting lyrics about “trees of green” and “skies of blue” were penned by great American songwriters George David Weiss and Bob Thiele. And combined with the unmistakable gravelly tones of Louis Armstrong, they immediately struck a chord with optimists across the globe.
41. Eric Clapton – “Tears in Heaven”
With a title like “Tears in Heaven,” Eric Clapton’s early 1990s hit was always going to become a regular at funerals. Sadly, the track is inextricably linked to a real-life tragedy that the former Cream front-man suffered shortly before its release. Clapton, you see, penned the song with Will Jennings in memory of his son, Conor, who died in a tragic accident at the age of just four.
40. Garth Brooks – “If Tomorrow Never Comes”
“If Tomorrow Never Comes” has been a major hit for two different artists. Indeed, 1989 saw Nashville icon Garth Brooks score his first Billboard Country Singles chart number one with the story of a man who wonders how his partner would cope if he suddenly passed away. And 13 years later former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating reached pole position in the U.K. with his faithful cover.
39. Luther Vandross – “Dance with My Father”
“Dance with My Father” was soul legend Luther Vandross’ final U.S. chart success. And it’s become one of his most enduring, too. Not only is the track regularly played for the father/daughter wedding dance at nuptials, but it’s also become a popular funeral choice. Vandross penned the ballad in memory of his father, who he lost to diabetes when he was a child.
38. Nat King Cole – “Unforgettable”
Most of us would probably like to think that we’d be difficult to forget once we’ve shuffled off this mortal coil. So, what better way to reiterate this than with Nat King Cole’s timeless classic “Unforgettable?” The jazz pianist first released the track in 1952. And he had a posthumous hit with the same song almost 40 years later when daughter Natalie added her vocals to a Grammy-winning beyond-the-grave duet.
37. Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans & 112 – “I’ll Be Missing You”
Often mistaken for a love song, The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” is actually performed from the perspective of a stalker. But Puff Daddy and co. decided to spin the 1983 hit into a touching tribute song 14 years later. Released just months after The Notorious B.IG.’s death, “I’ll Be Missing You” topped the charts worldwide and entered the canon of funeral-friendly pop songs in the process.
36. Snow Patrol – “Chasing Cars”
Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” was played practically everywhere in the mid-2000s. The indie-rock anthem not only dominated the airwaves, but it also featured in the season finales for both Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill. Its use in the latter, in particular, helped to cement the track as a tearjerker perfect for a loved one’s memorial.
35. Bette Midler – “Wind Beneath My Wings”
Back in 2002 Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” was crowned the U.K.’s most frequently chosen funeral track. The emotional ballad was originally sung by Australian star Kamahl, and it made its way to various artists – including Sheena Easton and Gladys Knight – before reaching the iconic singer/actress. Midler’s version went on to top the U.S. Hot 100 in 1989 thanks to its inclusion in the tearjerker film Beaches.
34. Adele – “Make You Feel My Love”
As a relatively late Bob Dylan classic, “Make You Feel My Love” first appeared on the iconic troubadour’s 1997 LP, Time Out of Mind. It was given a new lease of life a decade later when one of the most successful modern-day artists, Adele, offered up her take on the track. And the unashamedly romantic ballad has since become a go-to for grieving partners wanting to express their love one last time.
33. Guns N’ Roses – “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is undoubtedly one of the more literal funeral song choices. Originally, the folk-rock epic was penned by Bob Dylan for the 1973 western Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. But it’s the version recorded by Sunset Strip hell-raisers Guns N’ Roses that’s become more popular with the mourning crowd.
32. Rod Stewart – “Sailing”
Rod Stewart’s “Sailing” has been adopted for several purposes. It was reportedly used to inspire the British Navy following the Falklands War. The singer’s beloved Scotland soccer team also regularly hears it being belted out on the terraces by fans. But the Atlantic Crossing album cut has become best-known in recent years for its use as a funeral song.
31. Gerry and the Pacemakers – “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Gerry and the Pacemakers’ signature hit is another song you’re just as likely to hear in soccer stadiums as funeral services. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” has been a favorite of Liverpool F.C. ever since the cover was released in the mid-1960s. Musical fans may also know that its message of overcoming adversity first appeared in the 1945 film Carousel.
Liverpool F.C. Armenia/YouTube
30. Eric Idle – “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”
Perhaps the most positive message that you could possibly expect from a funeral song, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” is performed by Monty Python’s Eric Idle. It was penned by the funnyman for the cult comedy troupe’s 1979 movie, Life of Brian. And it has since been adopted as a soccer stadium chant and as an amusing final farewell.
29. Ed Sheeran – “Supermarket Flowers”
Interestingly, Ed Sheeran’s first performance of his heartfelt ballad “Supermarket Flowers” was at a funeral. Yes, the world-conquering singer-songwriter had penned the acoustic number in the wake of his beloved grandmother’s death. And Sheeran was encouraged by his grandpa to make the song available to the public for his third LP, Divide.
28. Elvis Presley – “Always on My Mind”
The love song “Always on My Mind” has been tackled by dozens of artists over the years. Willie Nelson picked up a Grammy for his take in 1982, for instance, while Pet Shop Boys topped the U.K. charts with theirs five years later. But it’s Elvis Presley’s 1972 rendition, recorded shortly after his marriage ended, that has been adopted as one of the more sorrowful funeral anthems.
27. ABBA – “Dancing Queen”
ABBA’s party favorite “Dancing Queen” may initially seem like an unorthodox choice for a funeral. But the Swedes were renowned for hiding melancholic themes in their joyous Swedish pop sound. And some believe that this 1976 hit is sung from the perspective of a woman looking back at her youth and rather heartbreakingly realizing that it has gone forever.
26. Judy Garland – “Over the Rainbow”
Penned for the Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz, “Over the Rainbow” picked up the Best Original Song Oscar in 1940. It also became the signature hit for its leading lady, Judy Garland, and was later covered by everyone from Israel Kamakawiwo’ole to Ariana Grande. Moreover, many have interpreted Dorothy’s hope of finding salvation in a new place as a perfect metaphor for heaven
25. Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey – “One Sweet Day”
“And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven,” opens the chorus of Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s mid-1990s chart behemoth. In fact, “One Sweet Day” was co-written by the two artists as a way of honoring those who had lost their lives to the AIDS epidemic. And their sentiment certainly connected with U.S. audiences, as the track topped the charts for a record-breaking 16 weeks
24. Dolly Parton – “I Will Always Love You”
Sometimes, it seems, the simplest words can be the most effective. Dolly Parton penned “I Will Always Love You” as a way of saying goodbye to her long-time mentor and ex-boyfriend Porter Wagoner. Whitney Houston’s bombastic rendition two decades later introduced the song to a new audience – and both versions have regularly featured on the published list of funeral favorites.
23. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
With a running time of eight minutes and two seconds, “Stairway to Heaven” is one of the lengthiest pop/rock songs to enter the funeral canon. The track was recorded by Led Zeppelin for their fourth LP in 1971. And fans have often opted for its slow-building but ultimately epic sound as the perfect musical send-off.
22. Vera Lynn – “We’ll Meet Again”
Released in 1939, Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” became synonymous with WWII. Its hopeful message of reunion struck a chord with both combatants and those they’d left behind at home during the six-year conflict. What’s more, Queen Elizabeth II even referenced the track in her speech addressing the hardships experienced by the world in 2020.
21. Frank Sinatra – “My Way”
“And now, the end is near/And so I face the final curtain.” With an opening couplet like that, it’s hardly surprising that Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” has been a funeral staple ever since its release in 1969. And everyone from the Sex Pistols’ Sid Vicious to Elvis Presley has put their own spin on this standard, too. But did you know that its music is lifted from a French chanson called “Comme d’habitude?”
20. Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth – “See You Again”
Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s chart-topping hit was born out of devastating circumstances. The track was penned in memory of Paul Walker, the Fast and Furious star who lost his life in a car accident in 2013. And since then, many grieving people have found comfort in its hopeful lyrics about seeing a loved one again.
19. Celine Dion – “My Heart Will Go On”
Celine Dion’s epic power ballad famously featured in the movie Titanic. And now many find that it’s impossible to hear “My Heart Will Go On” without picturing Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. But for some, its theme of everlasting love makes it the perfect choice of farewell song.
18. Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
One of the 1990s’ ultimate movie ballads, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” was recorded by rock legends Aerosmith for the blockbuster Armageddon. It gave Steven Tyler and co. their first U.S. number one single after they were more than a quarter of a century into their career. And many mourners have used its touching sentiment to bid a farewell to a loved one.
17. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
Many fans believe Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is a glowing tribute to the band’s departed guitarist, Syd Barrett – and the 1975 track has since become a funeral soundtrack regular. Co-writer Roger Waters, however, claims that its lyrics are about how to liberate yourself. Nonetheless, the bassist is more than happy for the song’s meaning to be taken differently.
16. Kenny Rogers – “The Gambler”
“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em/Know when to walk away, know when to run.” Kenny Rogers’ Grammy winner seemingly offers several pieces of advice throughout its tale of an encounter with a gambler. And with one line claiming “the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep,” this 1978 hit also turns into a fitting self-penned eulogy.
15. John Denver – “Take Me Home, Country Roads”
Singer-songwriter John Denver very nearly hit the number one spot in 1971 with the ballad “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Co-penned with Taffy Nivert and Bill Danoff, the track concerns a man’s desire to head back to West Virginia – a place that’s said to be “almost heaven.” As a result, therefore, it’s also been used by mourners who want to help guide their lost loved ones to a better place.
14. Bill Withers – “Ain’t No Sunshine”
This soul classic sees Bill Withers pining for a loved one who takes the sunshine away with them whenever they leave. And despite the fact that it wasn’t actually written about death, this hasn’t stopped the song becoming a rather fitting addition at funerals. The iconic vocalist actually took took inspiration from a toxic fictional relationship in 1960s film Days of Wine and Roses. “They were both alcoholics who were alternately weak and strong,” Withers told SongFacts.com. “It’s like going back for seconds on rat poison. Sometimes you miss things that weren’t particularly good for you,” he added.
13. Beyoncé – “I Miss You”
Co-penned with Frank Ocean, “I Miss You” was Beyoncé’s attempt to create a classic that she’d be able to perform well into old age. The 1980s-inspired number has since become one of the superstar’s most acclaimed ballads. And its theme of yearning for a former partner has resonated with many mourners wanting to say a final goodbye to their lost loves.
12. Oasis – “Live Forever”
Noel Gallagher wrote one of Oasis’ most anthemic and optimistic tunes in response to the nihilism of the grunge movement. In reference to Kurt Cobain, the outspoken guitarist said in the Stop the Clocks DVD, “Seems to me that here was a guy who had everything and was miserable about it. And I still thought that getting up in the morning was the greatest thing ever, ’cause you didn’t know where you’d end up at night.”
11. Engelbert Humperdinck – “The Last Waltz”
“The Last Waltz” was one of Engelbert Humperdinck’s first entries on the US Hot 100. And it even reached number one stateside, too. Its theme of reminiscing for a final time with the love of your life means it’s become a fixture of the funeral charts ever since.
10. Mike + the Mechanics – “The Living Years”
Genesis’ Mike Rutherford ended up scoring one of his biggest hits with side project Mike + the Mechanics. “The Living Years” topped the U.S. charts in 1989 and its funeral-friendly lyrical theme was pivotal to its success. Co-written with B.A. Robertson, the track sees a grieving son wishing he’d told his father how much he loved him before it was too late.
9. The Verve – “Bittersweet Symphony”
“Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony this life/Trying to make ends meet, you’re a slave to the money then you die.” The Verve’s anthemic 1997 hit might not be the most rose-colored of songs about our time on Earth. But with its stirring strings, many still see it as a way to send off a loved one in style.
8. Queen – “The Show Must Go On”
When it comes to the funeral chart, Queen is a popular band. But “The Show Must Go On” is perhaps their most fitting entry. The epic rock ballad was inspired by Freddie Mercury’s terminal illness, you see. And the front-man was in such bad health in the studio that his band members were worried he’d never finish the track. Rather admirably, though, Mercury somehow summoned up enough strength to deliver the song’s empowering message.
7. Johnny Cash – “Ring of Fire”
Some funeral organizations advise mourners against picking songs relating to fire – particularly for a cremation. But alongside tracks such as The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno,” Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” is a popular choice for those who can still find humor in such a sad situation. The country classic was originally recorded by the sister of Cash’s wife, June, before The Man in Black took it into the charts in 1963.
6. Tina Turner – “The Best”
The title alone, often wrongly referred to as “Simply the Best,” makes Tina Turner’s 1989 hit an obvious funeral song choice. You might not know that Bonnie Tyler was the first big-voiced diva to get her hands on the track. But it was the Queen of Rock and Roll that made the motivational anthem a worldwide smash.
5. Eva Cassidy – “Fields of Gold”
“Fields of Gold” was penned by Sting as a tribute to the woman he’d married just a year earlier, Trudie Styler. Appearing on 1993’s Ten Summoner’s Tales, the heartfelt ballad was later recorded by Eva Cassidy. And it’s this version that’s surpassed the original in the funeral charts. Cassidy, of course, sadly never got to enjoy its success. She only achieved fame posthumously after passing away in 1996.
4. Carly Simon – “Like a River”
Carly Simon’s “Like a River” has become a firm funeral favorite since its 1994 release, particularly with those grieving for their mother. The singer-songwriter penned the tune for her 18th LP, Letters Never Sent, in the wake of her mom Andrea’s death. And the melancholy yet uplifting number sees Simon express hope that the pair will one day be able to reunite.
3. Sinead O’Connor – “Nothing Compares 2 U”
Sinead O’Connor delivered one of the most emotive music video performances of all time in “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The songstress famously sheds two tears in the moody promo as she sings about the loss of a loved one. Of course, as its abbreviated title suggests, the track was actually written by pop’s biggest purple obsessive, Prince.
2. Sarah McLachlan – “Angel”
Chances are you’ve heard Sarah McLachlan’s haunting ballad “Angel” play over those poignant anti-animal cruelty commercials that always bring a tear to the eye. But the 1998 hit was actually inspired by the death of a rock musician. The Canadian wrote the track in response to Smashing Pumpkins keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin’s fatal overdose two years earlier.
1. Jeff Buckley – “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen once remarked that “Hallelujah” was a “desire to affirm my faith in life, not in some formal religious way but with enthusiasm, with emotion.” It’s perhaps why the track has become a favorite for those across all beliefs. But it’s the late Jeff Buckley’s impassioned cover version that you’re most likely to hear being played at funerals.
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