40 funeral songs to honour a loved one

Music is a powerful way to express love, grief, and remembrance. Whether you're planning a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, or a service in one of SMCT’s peaceful chapel and reflection spaces at Springvale Botanical Cemetery or Bunurong Memorial Park, the right song can help tell the story of a life well lived.

To help guide your choices, here are 40 popular funeral songs—ranging from timeless classics to contemporary favourites—thoughtfully grouped to honour different relationships and moments.

• Supermarket Flowers – Ed SheeranExternal site
  “A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved.”
• Let It Be – The BeatlesExternal site
  “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.”
• Because You Loved Me – Celine DionExternal site
  “You were my strength when I was weak, you were my voice when I couldn't speak.”
• Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBAExternal site
  “Slipping through my fingers all the time, I try to capture every minute.”
• A Song for Mama – Boyz II MenExternal site
  “Mama, Mama you know I love you. You’re the queen of my heart.”

• Dance With My Father – Luther VandrossExternal site
  “If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him.”
• The Living Years – Mike + The MechanicsExternal site
  “I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away.”
• My Way – Frank SinatraExternal site
  “I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it my way.”
• Not All Heroes Wear Capes – Owl CityExternal site
  “He built me a house in the arms of a tree.”
• Song for Dad – Keith UrbanExternal site
  “I only hope when I have my own family, that every day I see a little more of my father in me.”

• Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette MidlerExternal site
  “Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I wish I could be.”
• You Raise Me Up – Josh GrobanExternal site
  “You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.”
• Unforgettable – Nat King ColeExternal site
  “Unforgettable in every way, and forever more, that's how you'll stay.”
• You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil CollinsExternal site
  “No matter what they say, you’ll be here in my heart, always.”

• Forever Young – Rod StewartExternal site
  “May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam.”
• Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah BrightmanExternal site
  “Time to say goodbye to countries I never saw and shared with you.”
• You Are My Sunshine – Johnny Cash (or traditional)External site
  “You make me happy when skies are grey.”
• I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann WomackExternal site
  “I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.”

• Small Bump – Ed SheeranExternal site
  “You were just a small bump unborn...maybe you were needed up there, but we're still unaware as why."
• Precious Child – Karen Taylor-GoodExternal site
  “In my dreams I see your face, you’re right here beside me.”
• Fly – Celine DionExternal site
  “Fly, fly little wing, fly beyond imagining.”
• Hello, Goodbye – Michael W. SmithExternal site
  “Hello, goodbye, I'll see you on the other side.”
• Gone Too Soon – DaughtryExternal site
  “Not a day goes by that I don't think of you.”
• Tears in Heaven - Eric ClaptonExternal site
  “I must be strong and carry on, 'cause I know I don't belong here in heaven.”

• A Thousand Years – Christina PerriExternal site
  “I have loved you for a thousand years, I'll love you for a thousand more.”
• Say You Won’t Let Go – James ArthurExternal site
  “I wanna live with you, even when we're ghosts.”
• When We Were Young – AdeleExternal site
  “Let me photograph you in this light, in case it is the last time.”
• I Will Always Love You – Whitney HoustonExternal site
  “I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you've dreamed of.”
• Fields of Gold – Eva CassidyExternal site
  “You'll remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley.”

• See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie PuthExternal site
  “It's been a long day without you, my friend, and I'll tell you all about it when I see you again."
• The Best – Tina TurnerExternal site
  “You’re simply the best, better than all the rest.”
• Beautiful Day – U2External site
  “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away.”
• Memories – Maroon 5External site
  “Here’s to the ones that we got, cheers to the wish you were here but you’re not.”
• Choir - Guy SebastianExternal site
  “I know you're looking down on us. I'm missing you bro. I hope you're proud of us."