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Just like ‘a picture can be worth a thousand words’, a good song also related to thousand of beautiful memories. Due to this fact, there has always been a great importance of funeral songs. Funeral songs are played during a funeral service in order to add vibrancy to the ceremony. These songs mark the loss of a person as well as beautifully celebrate the life of the deceased.

When you are planning a funeral service, it is important to give some thoughts on what type of funeral songs can be played during the ceremony. Funeral songs can be about death, about love, about harmony, about how will be going to miss the deceased and so on. No matter what type of funeral songs you choose, it will be a kind of tribute to a person’s life who has passed away.

These songs help the family members and friends during the mourning process and help them in overcoming the pain of loss. But as there are so many funeral songs, sometimes it becomes hard for people planning a funeral to choose the best songs.

Here is a list to top funeral songs that can help you in celebrating a life:

We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn

“We’ll Meet Again” song by famous singer in 1939 is the one of the most popular funeral songs till date. The music and lyrics of this song was done by Ross Parker and Hugh Charles. The song was very famous during the World War II. The song was sung in the memory of the soldiers who went to the war leaving their family member and loved one behind and as many people died during the way they could not meet their loved ones again. But the soldieries promise to meet their loved one in heaven.

Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

“Tears in Heaven” is a beautiful song by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings released in January 1992. This song is from the film Rush and it highlights the pain and loss that Eric Clapton goes through after the death of his four-year-old son, Conor who fell from the 53rd-floor of an apartment in New York. This emotional and sad song won three Grammy Awards in the year 1992 (Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Male Pop Vocal Performance).

My immortal by Evanescence

“My immortal”is one of the best choices for funeral due to its sentimental lyrics and wonderful music. This piano rock ballad by American rock band Evanescence was released on December 8, 2003. This song is from the album named ‘Fallen’. The lyrics were entirely written by former guitarist Ben Moody, while the bridge section was added by Amy Lee. The song was produced by Dave Fortman. “My Immortal” was also certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as more than 500,000 copies of the song were sold in the United States only.

Wind Beneath My Wings by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley

“Wind Beneath My Wings”is a beautiful song written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley in the year 1982. The song is a powerful mixture of talent and feelings that highlights the emotions when someone close to your heart leaves the world forever. This song was first commercially released by Roger Whittaker. But the song become more popular in 1988, when it was recorded by singer and actress Bette Midler for the soundtrack to the film Beaches.

Goodbye My Lover by Sacha Skarbek

“Goodbye My Lover”is a lovely pop rock written by Sacha Skarbek. The song was included in James Blunt’s debut album Back to Bedlam in the year 2005. The lyrics highlight the emotion one goes through with the end of a relationship and how life continues to move on. The song is sung in such a lovely and soothing way that anyone can easily connect to the pain of losing someone. When this song is played during a funeral service it creates the mood of pure reminiscence.

Amazing Grace by Leann Rimes

“Amazing Grace”was written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton to illustrate a sermon on New Year’s Day of 1773. Till date it is regarded as one of the most popular Christian hymns. The song was published in 1779 and is part of the album named ‘God Bless America’ made by recording artist LeAnn Rimes. This classic sad funeral song contains the message that “forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God”.

The Rose by Bette Midler

“The Rose” is a popular pop song written by Amanda McBroom. The song was made famous by the famous singer Bette Midler, who sang it for the 1979 film named ‘The Rose’. Till date this song was released by many artists. The song which is about love and loss ends on a hopeful note that there are many beautiful aspects of life. Amanda McBroom won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for the lyrics while McBroom Midler won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her powerful voice.

Knocking of Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” is a popular funeral song written and sung by Bob Dylan. The song was included in the soundtrack of the film named ‘Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid’ released in the year 1973. Due to the good lyrics and powerful voice of Bob Dylan, the song soon became very popular amongst the listeners. The song is all about the feelings and impressions of a dying deputy, who can no longer continue his role as a law enforcer after witnessing a close death in the family. The song ends with the message that death is not the end.

Candle in the Wind by Elton John

“Candle in the Wind”is a popular funeal songs. The music and lyrics by Elton John and Bernie Taupin was done in honor of Marilyn Monroe. In 1997, a new single version of the song was done by Elton John to show his tribute towards Diana, Princess of Wales. This new version enjoyed more success than the original version. The song is popular even today due to its beauty and the acceptance of death it brings to listeners.

Unforgettable by Nat “King” Cole and Natalie Cole:

“Unforgettable”is a all time favorite song played during a funeral ceremony. This popular song was written by Irving Gordon and it was published in 1951. However the song became popular when it was recorded by Nat “King” Cole in 1951. Later on this classic version was made into a duet by Nat “King” Cole and his daughter, Natalie. This new version won three awards at the Grammy Awards – Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance in the year 1992. The song is beautiful as it reminds the listeners that those who have died will always live on the hearts and memories of the closed ones.

Other Recommended Funeral Songs:

• Hello After Goodbye by Jim Brady
• I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachalan
• Imagine by John Lennon
• In My Life by The Beatles
• Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
• Keep me in Your Heart for Awhile by Warren Zevon
• Death is not the End by Bob Dylan
• Memory by Barbra Streisand
• My Way by Frank Sinatra
• To Where You Are by Josh Groban

To conclude, these are some of the favorite funeral songs of love, memory and loss. There are many songs that are not included in this list. So while choosing funeral songs during the process of funeral planning you can add any other song also. Take help from family members and friends to make a thoughtful list of funeral songs.

Some useful resource links:

• www.stjudefw.org
• www.rhythmpress.com
• www.obit-mag.com
• www.nextgenmemorials.com
• www.americansongwriter.com

Filed under: Funeral