30 Funeral Songs For Mum and Grandma

It can be a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the perfect piece of music to pay respect to our mothers and grandmas. Our musical choices are a unique opportunity to showcase their personalities and musical tastes – music is often a big part of the lives of our loved ones, and so it is only natural that their favourite music should be played as we say our final goodbyes.

Funeral Songs for a Mum and Grandma

Songs about Mums and Grandmas

Coat of Many Colours
Where You Lead
Hush Little Baby
I’ll Always Love My Momma
A Mother’s Love
Bringin’ Down Dinner
Let It Be

Songs that are messages from children and grandchildren

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
Promise To Try
Nan’s Song
A Song For Mama
Because You Loved Me
Only Forever
Mama

Close To You
I Will Always Love You
Supermarket Flowers
In My Life
The Wind Beneath My Wings
Elton John – Candle in the Wind

Songs about heaven and the afterlife

Eva Cassidy – Over the Rainbow
If I Could Be Where You Are
The Garden
Tears In Heaven
The Long and Winding Road
I Believe
Fields of Gold
Imagine
Angels

Table Of Contents

Funeral Songs for a Mum and Grandma
Popular Goodbye Songs about Mums and Grandmas
Songs that are messages from children and grandchildren
Songs about heaven and the afterlife

Popular Goodbye Songs about Mums and Grandmas

Coat of Many Colours

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Back through the years
I go wonderin’ once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my momma put the rags to use
There were rags of many colors
Every piece was small
And I didn’t have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin’ every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors
That I was so proud of

As she sewed, she told a story
From the Bible, she had read
About a coat of many colors
Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you
Good luck and happiness
And I just couldn’t wait to wear it
And momma blessed it with a kiss

My coat of many colors
That my momma made for me
Made only from rags
But I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

So with patches on my britches
And holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colors
I hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing
And making fun of me
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

And oh, I couldn’t understand it
For I felt I was rich
And I told ’em of the love
My momma sewed in every stitch
And I told ’em all the story
Momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors
Was worth more than all their clothes

But they didn’t understand it
And I tried to make them see
That one is only poor
Only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money
But I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
Made just for me

Dolly Parton wrote this country classic as a testament to her mother’s love. The song describes how her mother inspired Dolly to pursue her dreams in life, and to be whoever she wanted to be. If your mother or grandmother was an inspiration, consider choosing this song for their funeral.

Momma sewed the rags together

Sewin’ every piece with love

She made my coat of many colours

That I was so proud of

Where You Lead

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Wanting you the way I do
I only wanna be with you
And I would go
To the ends of the earth
‘Cause, darling
To me that’s what you’re worth

Where you lead, I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow where you lead

If you’re out on the road
Feeling lonely, and so cold
All you have to do is call my name
And I’ll be there on the next train

Where you lead, I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow where you lead

I always wanted a real home with flowers on the window sill
But if you wanna live in New York City, honey, you know I will
(Yes I will, yes I will)
I never thought I could get satisfaction from just one man
But if anyone can keep me happy, you’re the one who can

Where you lead, I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow, oh

Where you lead, I will follow
Any-anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow where you lead
Oh baby, ooh

I’m gonna follow where you lead
(I’m gonna follow where you lead)
Oh baby, yeah, yeah
I’m gonna follow where you lead
(I’m gonna follow where you lead)
Ooh, sugar, uh-huh
I’m gonna follow where you lead
(I’m gonna follow where you lead)
Oh baby, yeah
I’m gonna follow where you lead
(I’m gonna follow where you lead)

In this song Carole King describes the lengths she’d go to be with a loved one, and how she’d follow them to the end of the earth. A loving message of trust, this is a fitting song to show your love for your mother or grandmother and their funeral.

Wanting you the way I do

I only wanna be with you

And I would go

To the ends of the earth

Hush Little Baby

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word
Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird

If that mockingbird don’t sing
Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring

If that diamond ring is brass
Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass

If that looking glass gets broke
Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat

If that billy goat don’t pull
Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull

If that cart and bull turn over
Papa’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover

If that dog named Rover don’t bark
Papa’s gonna buy you a horse and cart

If that horse and cart fall down
You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town

If you’re looking for a song to capture a maternal feeling, then you should consider Joan Baez’s reimagining of this traditional lullaby. It is a soothing rendition done in the 1960s folk style made famous by Bob Dylan. A song we’ve all been sung by our mothers, playing this at their funeral is a fitting final goodbye to those we’ve loved most.

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word

Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird

If that mockingbird don’t sing

Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring

I’ll Always Love My Momma

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

I’ll always love my mama
She’s my favorite girl
I’ll always love my mama
She brought me in this world

Sometimes I feel so bad
When I think of all the things I used to do
How mama used to clean somebody elses house
Just to buy me a new pair of shoes

I never understood how mama made it through the week
When she never ever got a good night’s sleep

Talking ’bout mama
She’s one of a kind
Talking ’bout mama
You’ve got your yours, and I’ve got mine
Talking ’bout mama
Oh, hey mama, hey mama, my heart belongs to you

I’ll always love my mama
She’s my favorite girl
You only get one, you only get one, yeah
I’ll always love my mama
She brought me in this world

A mother’s love is so special
It’s something that you can’t describe
It’s the kind of love that stays with you
Until the day you die

She taught me little things like “Say Hello and Thank you, please”
While scrubbing those floors on her bended knees

Talking ’bout mama
She’s one of a kind
Talking ’bout mama
You’ve got your yours and I’ve got mine
Talking ’bout mama
Oh, hey mama, hey mama, my heart belongs to you

I’ll always love my mama
She’s my favorite girl
You only get one, you only get one
I’ll always love my mama
She brought me in this world

I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama

I’ll always love my mama
She’s my favorite girl
I’ll always love my mama
She brought me in this world

I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama

I’ll always love my mama
I’ll always love my mama

Are you looking for an upbeat, dancey & non-religious song to celebrate the life of your mother or grandmother? Then The Intruders song “I’ll Always Love My Momma” might be the perfect song. This disco song is a dedication to the love and sacrifices that mothers make for their children.

I’ll always love my mama

She’s my favourite girl

I’ll always love my mama

She brought me in this world

A Mother’s Love

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

[Verse 1]
Think about you every day
I had a dream about you yesterday
I miss you in so many ways
And I’m never gonna be the same
And it’s never gonna be okay no matter what our people say
I would’ve answered every single call
Every text, FaceTime, and all the things I wanna say to you
I’ll say right now, but I’m glad you knew

[Chorus]
That I love you so much
And I miss you so much
And I wish you were still here
‘Cause there’s nothing like a mother’s love
I love you so much
And I miss you so much
And I’m glad I made you proud
And I’ll always be my mothеr’s son

[Verse 2]
I can’t keep a dry eye
As I write this down, now mattеr how I hard I try
To think about the good times
I smile for a second and then I cry
I’m never gonna see you again
I know you’re watchin’ down, but I need you right here
I’d give everything I have to get you back

[Chorus]
‘Cause I love you so much
And I miss you so much
And I wish you were still here
‘Cause there’s nothing like a mother’s love
I love you so much
And I miss you so much
And I’m so glad I made you proud of me
And I’ll always be my mother’s son

[Outro]
Like every, every
Every wakin’ moment, it just, it just hits like
Like, like, like
Like a migraine, like a sharp pain
But it’s not in the head, it’s, like, in the whole body, it just
I feel, I feel weak at times, but, like
I, I can’t believe that shit, man, like
Damn, damn
Ayy, ayo, umm

If you’re looking for something modern to play at your Mother’s funeral, then DRAM’s “A Mother’s Love” is a beautiful and soulful song that describes how proud children are to “be a mother’s son.” This makes it a perfect song for a son to play at their mother or grandmother’s funeral, a fitting message of love and thankfulness.

Thank you for watching over me

All of the sleepless nights you lay awake

Thank you for knowing when to hold me close

When to let me go

Bringin’ Down Dinner

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

The evening fog was rolling in
It was getting hard to see
The old white car edged down the road
Headed for the Double E

She was bringin’ down dinner for Grandpa
It was crawlin’ with vitamins
And tender as a mother’s love
Tender as a mother’s love
When she saw the TV masts

The side door was open, there were three TVs
Grandpa’s face was on every one
He was talking to a woman with a microphone
She was sexy and her hair was all done

Sun Green came down and met Grandpa then
“My you’re such a beautiful girl
Mother Earth needs more like you
You should go out now, see the world”

“What’s Grandpa doin’ on the TV?
I’ve got his dinner in the car
All these vans have blocked our way
But we can carry it, it’s not too far”

Neil Young’s Crazy Horse are known for their rock’n’roll songs, but they have some beautiful slow numbers too. “Bringin’ Down Dinner” is a song that describes Neil Young’s Grandma, and her loving ways to feeding the family and keeping everyone happy, “just as mothers do.”

She was bringin’ down dinner for Grandpa

And tender as a mother’s love

Tender as a mother’s love

Let It Be

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be

And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be

Let it be, let it be
A-let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

And when the broken-hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer
Let it be

For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer
Let it be

Let it be, let it be
A-let it be, let it be
Yeah, there will be an answer
Let it be

Let it be, let it be
A-let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

Let it be, let it be
A-let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow
Let it be

I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be-e

Yeah, let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah, let it be
Oh, there will be an answer
Let it be-e

Let it be, let it be
A-let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

“Let It Be” is one of the Beatles’ most famous songs, written by Paul McCartney after he was visited by his Mother in a dream. A calming and hopeful number, this song tells of a motherly figure assuring us to let go of our worries and enjoy life. For this reason, “Let It Be” is the perfect Beatles song to play at the funeral of our mothers and grandmothers.

I’ll be seeing you

In all the old familiar places

That this heart of mine embraces

All day through

Songs that are messages from children and grandchildren

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

You are the sunshine of my life
That’s why I’ll always be around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you’ll stay in my heart

I feel like this is the beginning
Though I’ve loved you for a million years
And if I thought our love was ending
I’d find myself drowning in my own tears, whoa, oh, oh

You are the sunshine of my life, yeah
That’s why I’ll always stay around, mmm, mmm, yeah, yeah
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you’ll stay in my heart

You must have known that I was lonely
Because you came to my rescue
And I know that this must be heaven
How could so much love be inside of you?
Whoa, whoa

You are the sunshine of my life, yeah
That’s why I’ll always stay around, mmm (baby)
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you’ll stay in my heart, yeah

You are the sunshine of my life, baby
That’s why I’ll always stay around

If you’re looking for a song to celebrate how much your mother or grandmother meant to you, there aren’t many songs with such a clear message as Stevie Wonder’s “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” An upbeat number, if you want to set move of a positive atmosphere at the procession, then this would be a great choice.

You are the sunshine of my life

That’s why I’ll always be around

You are the apple of my eye

Forever you’ll stay in my heart

Promise To Try

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Little girl don’t you forget her face
Laughing away your tears
When she was the one who felt all the pain

Little girl never forget her eyes
Keep them alive inside
I promise to try, it’s not the same

Keep your head held high, ride like the wind
Never look behind, life isn’t fair
That’s what you said, so I try not to care

Little girl don’t run away so fast
I think you forgot to kiss, kiss her goodbye

Will she see me cry when I stumble and fall
Does she hear my voice in the night when I call
Wipe away all your tears, it’s gonna be all right

I fought to be so strong, I guess you knew
I was afraid you’d go away, too

Little girl you’ve got to forget the past
And learn to forgive me
I promise to try, but it feels like a lie

Don’t let memory play games with your mind
She’s a faded smile frozen in time
I’m still hanging on, but I’m doing it wrong
Can’t kiss her goodbye, but I promise to try

Madonna wrote this song after her mother passed away, and the artist wanted to write a song to mark how she felt on such a sad day. Madonna uses her mother’s perspective in the song, telling Madonna, from heaven, to carry on in life and “promise to try”. This is a lovely song about a mother watching over their daughter in Heaven, and a perfect song for daughters to play at their mothers funeral.

Little girl never forget her eyes

Keep them alive inside

I promise to try,

Nan’s Song

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

You said when you died that you’d walk with me everyday
And I started to cry and said please don’t talk that way
With a blink of an eye and the Lord came and asked you to leave
You went to a better place but they stole you away from me

And now she lives in heaven
But I know they let her out
To take care of me
There’s a strange kind of light
Caressing me tonight
Pray silence my fear
She is near
Bringing heaven down here

I miss your love I miss your touch
But I’m feeling you every day
And I can almost hear you say
You’ve come a long way baby

And now you live in heaven
But I know they let you out
To take care of me
There’s a strange kind of light
In my bedroom tonight
Pray silence my fear
She is near
Bringing heaven down here

You taught me kings and queens
While stroking in my head
In my darkest hour
I know you are there
Leaning down beside me
Whispering my prayers
There’s a strange kind of light
Caressing me tonight
Pray silence my fear

Robbie Williams might’ve been every Nan’s favourite pop star for a while in the early 2000s. The former Take That singer was one of the biggest acts in the world, and known for his Jack-the-lad charm. This tune, however, sees the singer take a step back and play a sincere song about his late grandmother.

You said when you died that you’d walk with me everyday

And I started to cry and said please don’t talk that way

With a blink of an eye and the Lord came and asked you to leave

You went to a better place but they stole you away from me

A Song For Mama

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

You taught me everything
And everything you’ve given me
I’ll always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn’t anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn’t feel right
If I didn’t have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be
What you have been to me, you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times

Mama, mama, you know I love you
(You know I love you)
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars, yes, it is
Mama, I just want you to know, lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Yes it is, yes it is, oh, yes it is, yes it is, yes it is, oh

You’re always there for me
Have always been around for me, even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes, you did

And you took up for me
When everyone was downin’ me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on

There were so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you’d come to me and say to me
I could face anything

And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You’ll always be, you will always be
The girl in my life, ooh, oh

Mama, mama, you know I love you
(You know I love you, you know I love you)
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart (you are)
Your love is like tears from the stars
(Your love is like tears from the stars)
Mama, I just want you to know (ooh, mama I just want you to know)
Lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinkin’ about you
I’ll never go a day without my mama

Mama, mama, you know I love you
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart (the queen of my heart)
Your love is like tears from the stars
(Your love is like tears from the stars)
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Lovin’ you is like food to my soul, oh yeah
You are the food to my soul, yes, you are

Boys II Men topped the charts with their song “A song For Mama” in 1997 – the soulful r&b song was a dedication to the boys’ mothers, and talks about how much a mother means to their children. This is a perfect song to celebrate mother or grandmothers as we say our final goodbye.

You were there for me to love and care for me

When skies were gray

Whenever I was down

You were always there to comfort me

Because You Loved Me

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I’ll be forever thankful baby
You’re the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You’re the one who saw me through
Through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am because you loved me
Ooh, baby

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I’m grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don’t know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
The light in the dark shining your love in to my life
You’ve been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You saw the best there was in me
(Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach)
(You gave me faith ’cause you believed)
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

Celine Dion wrote this song after the passing of her Mother – the song is a dedication and celebration of her Mother’s life. The lyrics talk about how mothers are always there to see their children through dark times, and their to celebrate in the best times. This song is a perfect way to thank our maternal figures, mothers or grandmothers.

For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

Only Forever

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase Amazon Music

Do I want to be with you
As the years come and go?
Only forever
If you care to know

Would I grant all your wishes
And be proud of the task
Only forever
If someone should ask

How long would it take me
To be near if you beckon?
Off hand I would figure
Less than a second

Do you think I’ll remember
How you looked when you smile?
Only forever
That’s puttin’ it mild

How long would it take me
To be near if you beckon?
Off hand I would figure
Less than a second

Do you think I’ll remember
How you looked when you smile?
Only forever
That’s puttin’ it mild

A 40s ballad, this time we hear a song from one of the original crooners. Bing Crosby might be best known now for his Christmas songs, but he was one of the most successful stars of the 1940s. “Only Forever” is a song about endurance and our commitment to our loved ones. Is there a better message for a funeral? This calming song is a great pick for Grandma’s funeral.

Do I want to be with you

As the years come and go?

Only forever

If you care to know

Mama

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

When the evening shadows fall
And the lovely day is through
Then with longing I recall
The years I spent with you

Mama, I miss the days
When you were near to guide me
Mama, those happy days
When you were here beside me

Safe in the glow of your love
Sent from the heavens above
Nothing can ever replace
The warmth of your tender embrace

Oh, Mama, until the day
That we’re together once more
I’ll live in these memories
Until the day that we’re together once more

Connie Francis was the first female pop singer. A star and hugely successful artist in the 1950s and then 60s, the singer was known for her show tunes and ballads. “Mama” was Connie’s love letter to her own Mother, with sentimental lyrics about how much her mother meant to her. This is a great choice to play at a grandmother’s funeral, who may have remembered Connie at the height of her fame in the 1960s

Mama, I miss the days

When you were near to guide me

Mama, those happy days

When you were here beside me

Close To You

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue

That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue

That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

Wa, close to you
Wa, close to you
Ha, close to you
La, close to you

Released on their second album, The Carpenters struck gold with their hit song “Close To You” – the sentimental song describes how much we yearn to be with our loved ones. Nowadays, it has become a popular choice to play at funerals, especially for children and grandchildren to help describe how they want to see the departed again.

Why do birds suddenly appear

Every time you are near?

Just like me, they long to be

Close to you

I Will Always Love You

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I’ll go but I know
I’ll think of you every step of the way

And I will always love you
I will always love you
You
My darling, you
Mmm-mm

Bittersweet memories –
That is all I’m taking with me
So good-bye
Please don’t cry:
We both know I’m not what you, you need

And I… will always love you
I… will always love you
You, ooh

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of
And I’m wishing you joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love

And I… will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you

I will always love you
I, I will always love you

You
Darling, I love you
I’ll always
I’ll always love you
Ooh
Ooh

Although first written by Dolly Parton, it is Whitney Houston’s version which really captured the hearts of the masses. This song was a monumental hit, and has become much more famous than the song that it was the soundtrack for. The song has become so popular because of its simple and timeless message, which Whitney belts out: “I Will Always Love You”. For its message, it has become a popular funeral song, especially for mothers.

And I will always love you

I will always love you

You, my darling you

Supermarket Flowers

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill
I threw the day old tea from the cup
Packed up the photo album Matthew had made
Memories of a life that’s been loved
Took the get well soon cards and stuffed animals
Poured the old ginger beer down the sink
Dad always told me, “Don’t you cry when you’re down”
But mum, there’s a tear every time that I blink

Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know
A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved

So I’ll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah
You’re home

Fluffed the pillows, made the beds, stacked the chairs up
Folded your nightgowns neatly in a case
John says he’d drive then put his hand on my cheek
And wiped a tear from the side of my face

I hope that I see the world as you did ’cause I know
A life with love is a life that’s been lived

Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
You got to see the person I have become
Spread your wings and I know
That when God took you back he said Hallelujah
You’re home

Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers” was written after the passing of his grandmother. Full of genuine emotion, it is a very sombre song in which Sheeran grieves and remembers moments spent with his grandmother. If you want to choose a melancholic song to remember your own grandmother, this is a perfect fit.

Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know

A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved

In My Life

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

There are places I’ll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new

Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

In my life I love you more

George Harrisson’s favourite Beatles song, “In My Life”was John Lennon’s ode to memories and growing old. The song has a slow, sorrowful pace, but it is also not overly melancholic either. This song has become a popular choice for funerals as it prompts the people in attendance to look back on their own lives, as well as the deceased.

There are places I’ll remember

All my life though some have changed

Some forever, not for better

Some have gone and some remain

The Wind Beneath My Wings

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

… Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way
You always walked a step behind

… So I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
A beautiful face without a name for so long
A beautiful smile to hide the pain

… Did you ever know that you’re my hero
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings

… It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I’ve got it all here in my heart
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it
I would be nothing without you

… Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings

… Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?
You’re everything, everything I wish I could be
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings

… Oh, the wind beneath my wings
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings
Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings

… Fly, fly, fly high against the sky
So high I almost touch the sky
Thank you, thank you
Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings

Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” has become a popular choice for funerals, especially for those who want to show the supportive nature of the maternal figures in their lives. Did your mum or grandma support you through their lives? Were they your biggest champion? Optimistic, and thankful, it is a perfect song to say goodbye and celebrate their lives.

Did you ever know that you’re my hero

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

Elton John – Candle in the Wind

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Goodbye, Norma Jeane
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered into your brain
They set you on the treadmill
And they made you change your name

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would’ve liked to know you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did

Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Hollywood created a superstar
And pain was the price you paid
Even when you died
Oh, the press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nude

Goodbye, Norma Jeane
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
Goodbye, Norma Jeane
From the young man in the twenty second row
Who sees you as something more than sexual
More than just our Marilyn Monroe

Elton John’s “Candle In The Wind” has become a classic funeral song. The tune may not have been so closely tied to funerals if it wasn’t for the death of Princess Diana, but after playing it live at the televised funeral for millions of viewers, the song has forever been associated with goodbyes. Elton John’s 1997 version recorded for Diana’s funeral is the more popular pick. This version is very slow and melancholic, and the new lyrics make it a fitting song for saying goodbye.

“Goodbye England’s rose

May you ever grow in our hearts

You were the grace that placed itself

Where lives were torn apart”

Songs about heaven and the afterlife

Eva Cassidy – Over the Rainbow

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
In the land that I heard of once
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really come true

If happy little birds fly above the sky
Oh why can’t I?

“Over The Rainbow” has become one of the nation’s favourite funeral songs. First used in “The Wizard of Oz”, the song has become seen as a metaphor for heaven and the afterlife. A peaceful song, everyone in attendance should know this number, and be soothed by it on such a sad day.

“Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high

There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream

Really do come true”

If I Could Be Where You Are

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Where are you this moment?
Only in my dreams.
You’re missing, but you’re always
A heartbeat from me.
I’m lost now without you,
I don’t know where you are.
I keep watching, I keep hoping,
But time keeps us apart.

Is there a way I can find you,
Is there a sign I should know,
Is there a road I could follow
To bring you back home?

Winter lies before me
Now you’re so far away.
In the darkness of my dreaming
The light of you will stay.

If I could be close beside you
If I could be where you are
If I could reach out and touch you
And bring you back home
Is there a way I can find you
Is there a sign I should know
Is there a road I can follow
To bring you back home to me?

Enya is known for her soothing, new-age music, and this song is no different. Calming, though melancholic, the lyrics talk about the possibility of seeing our loved ones again. It also suggests that they’re watching over us, a reassuring message to hear at a funeral.

Is there a way I can find you,

Is there a sign I should know,

Is there a road I could follow

To bring you back home?

The Garden

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

If tears could build a stairway
And memories a lane
We’d walk right up to Heaven
And bring you back again

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home

God looked around His garden
And He found an empty place
Then He looked down upon the earth
And He saw your precious face

He put His arms around you
And He lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
Yes, He always takes the best

We knew that you were suffering
We knew you were in pain
We knew you’d never get well
On this earth again

So He closed your weary eyes and
He whispered, “Peace be thine.”
Then He took you up to heaven
So gentle, so kind

God looked around His garden
And He found an empty place
Then He looked down upon the earth
And He saw your precious face

He put His arms around you
And He lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
Oh, God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best

Jimmy Scott’s “The Garden” is a song about heaven, and the peace that can be found there. If you’re wanting to project a sense of peace at the funeral, this song shows how both peace and happiness are found in the afterlife, a place where we can rest at last.

So He closed your weary eyes and

He whispered, “Peace be thine.”

Then He took you up to heaven

So gentle, so kind

Tears In Heaven

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Would you know my name?
If I saw you in heaven
Would it be the same?
If I saw you in heaven

I must be strong
And carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong
Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand?
If I saw you in heaven
Would you help me stand?
If I saw you in heaven

I’ll find my way
Through night and day
‘Cause I know I just can’t stay
Here in heaven

Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please

Beyond the door
There’s peace, I’m sure
And I know there’ll be no more
Tears in heaven

Would you know my name?
If I saw you in heaven
Would you be the same?
If I saw you in heaven

I must be strong
And carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong
Here in heaven

Eric Clapton wrote this song after the death of his child. The song is gentle, featuring Clapton singing softly, accompanied only by his acoustic guitar. Intensely sad, this song has become a popular pick for funerals as it captures a melancholic feeling whilst also describing peace in the afterlife.

Would you know my name?

If I saw you in heaven

Would it be the same?

If I saw you in heaven

The Long and Winding Road

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I’ve seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to you door

The wild and windy night
That the rain washed away
Has left a pool of tears
Crying for the day
Why leave me standing here?
Let me know the way

Many times I’ve been alone
And many times I’ve cried
Anyway, you’ll never know
The many ways I’ve tried

And still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don’t leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door

But still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don’t keep me waiting here
Lead me to your door

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Another fantastic Beatles song, “The Long and Winding Road” is a Paul McCartney masterpiece. The lyrics speak of travelling home to see a loved one no matter the obstacle. You could read it as a metaphor for the journey toward heaven, that there is a pathway “always leading to their door”. With any luck, you’ll see them again someday.

“The long and winding road

That leads to your door

Will never disappear

I’ve seen that road before

It always leads me here

Lead me to your door”

I Believe

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows
And I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray
Someone will come to show the way
Yes I believe, oh I believe
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe

Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
I believe
Oh I believe

A duet by two soul legends, Dinah Washington and Brook Benton’s “I Believe” is a song about their faith in the afterlife, and their belief that they’ll meet their loved ones again. Positive and hopeful about life beyond the rainbow, this is a great way to say goodbye to mothers and grandmas.

I believe for every drop of rain that falls,

a flower grows

And I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows

Fields of Gold

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

You’ll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in fields of gold

So she took her love
For to gaze a while
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold

Will you stay with me?
Will you be my love?
Upon the fields of barley
We’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in fields of gold

See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold

I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I’ve broken
But I swear in the days still left
We’ll walk in fields of gold
We’ll walk in fields of gold

Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold

You’ll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in fields of gold
When we walked in fields of gold
When we walked in fields of gold

A peaceful song, Sting’s “Fields of Gold” paints heaven as a field of golden barley. Soothing, calming, this song is a perfect pick to set the mood of a procession, and to remind those in attendance that their loved ones are in a happier place

Upon the fields of barley

We’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky

As we lie in fields of gold

Imagine

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky

Imagine all the people
Livin’ for today
Ah

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace
You

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one

John Lennon’s positive image of the future, many people have taken this song to be about Heaven, especially the image of people linked hand in hand. A song that everyone knows, you should consider picking this song to play at the funeral if you want everyone to join together in song.

You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one

Angels

Listen or purchase Apple Music

Listen or purchase on Amazon Music

I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When we’re grey and old
‘Cause I have been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold

So when I’m lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel the love is dead
I’m loving angels instead

And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether I’m right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life won’t break me
When I come to call, she won’t forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

When I’m feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look above

And I know I’ll always be blessed with love
And as the feeling grows
She breathes flesh to my bones
And when love is dead

I’m loving angels instead

Robbie Williams’ “Angels” has become an anthem of sorts in the U.K. – an incredibly popular song, it is also suitable for funerals. The message of the song is about guardian angels, and the soothing feeling of being watched over and comforted by those in heaven.

I sit and wait

Does an angel contemplate my fate

And do they know

The places where we go

When we’re grey and old

‘Cause I have been toldThat salvation lets their wings unfold