By The Tribute Plan Editorial Team · Reviewed June 2026
A meaningful service doesn't require religious music. For a secular or humanist memorial, the right song honors a person's life, character, and the love they shared — no faith required. The selections below are favorites with no religious content, from "What a Wonderful World" and "My Way" to "Time to Say Goodbye," "In My Life," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Secular songs can carry every tone a service needs: tender reflection, nostalgic remembrance, and joyful celebration. Choosing a person's genuine favorites — the music that filled their life — is often the most authentic tribute of all.
Preview any song below and add your favorites to a complete service playlist with our free Funeral Songs Picker. You can save it, share it with family, and print an order of service for the celebrant or musician.
Go Rest High on That Mountain — Vince Gill (1995) · 5:27 · Country, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. Written by Gill after losing his brother; arguably the definitive country funeral song.
You Raise Me Up — Josh Groban (2003) · 4:02 · Classical, Hopeful, 2000s. Crosses the line between sacred and secular; a frequent slideshow and tribute choice.
Wind Beneath My Wings — Bette Midler (1988) · 4:50 · Pop, Nostalgic, 80s–90s. A classic tribute to the quiet hero in someone’s life.
My Way — Frank Sinatra (1969) · 4:34 · Jazz, Nostalgic, 60s–70s. The signature “lived life on my own terms” anthem; a frequent send-off.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1993) · 3:33 · Folk, Peaceful, 80s–90s. IZ’s gentle ukulele medley; warm, hopeful, and widely loved.
Ave Maria — Franz Schubert (1825) · 5:20 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A reverent classical setting often sung during communion or reflection at Catholic services.
What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong (1967) · 2:20 · Jazz, Peaceful, 60s–70s. A grateful look at life’s simple beauty; perfect for a celebration of life.
Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partirò) — Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman (1996) · 4:05 · Classical, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. A sweeping operatic farewell; a powerful recessional.
Tears in Heaven — Eric Clapton (1992) · 4:33 · Rock, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. Written after Clapton lost his young son; profoundly tender.
See You Again — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth (2015) · 3:50 · Pop, Sorrowful, 2010s+. A modern anthem of missing a friend and trusting you’ll meet again.
The Dance — Garth Brooks (1989) · 4:00 · Country, Nostalgic, 80s–90s. Frames a life as a dance worth having had despite the pain of goodbye.
I Will Always Love You — Whitney Houston (1992) · 4:33 · R&B / Soul, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. Houston’s soaring vocal turns a love song into a powerful farewell.
I Will Always Love You — Dolly Parton (1974) · 2:55 · Country, Sorrowful, 60s–70s. A tender farewell in Parton’s original country setting.
Amor Eterno — Juan Gabriel (1984) · 5:00 · Latin, Sorrowful, 80s–90s. The definitive Spanish-language song of mourning, written for the artist’s mother.
Angels Among Us — Alabama (1993) · 5:04 · Country, Hopeful, 80s–90s. The idea of loved ones watching over us makes this a comforting tribute.
Let It Be — The Beatles (1970) · 4:03 · Rock, Peaceful, 60s–70s. Its message of acceptance and the line about “Mother Mary” bridge secular and spiritual.
I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack (2000) · 4:50 · Country, Hopeful, 2000s. A parting blessing to keep living fully; uplifting for a celebration of life.
Danny Boy — Traditional Irish (1913) · 4:00 · Folk, Sorrowful, Pre-1960s. The classic Irish lament of farewell and longing to meet again.
I'll Fly Away — Albert E. Brumley (1929) · 2:45 · Gospel, Uplifting, Pre-1960s. A joyful, up-tempo send-off; popular at celebration-of-life recessionals.
Canon in D — Johann Pachelbel (1700) · 5:00 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A serene, familiar instrumental for the prelude or processional.
Supermarket Flowers — Ed Sheeran (2017) · 3:42 · Pop, Sorrowful, 2010s+. Written about Sheeran’s grandmother; tender and modern, ideal for a mother or grandmother.
In My Life — The Beatles (1965) · 2:25 · Rock, Nostalgic, 60s–70s. A gentle remembrance of people and places loved; warmly nostalgic.
Bridge Over Troubled Water — Simon & Garfunkel (1970) · 4:55 · Folk, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A vow of unconditional support; comforting for a devoted friend or partner.
Be Still, My Soul — Traditional (1855) · 4:15 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Set to Sibelius’ Finlandia; a deeply calming hymn for quiet moments.
Lean on Me — Bill Withers (1972) · 4:18 · R&B / Soul, Uplifting, 60s–70s. A communal anthem of support; uplifting for a celebration of life.
Clair de Lune — Claude Debussy (1905) · 5:00 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Gentle, luminous piano for the processional, quiet reflection, or gathering.
Angels — Robbie Williams (1997) · 4:25 · Pop, Hopeful, 80s–90s. A perennial UK funeral favorite about being watched over.
See You Again — Carrie Underwood (2012) · 4:00 · Country, Hopeful, 2010s+. A promise of reunion rather than goodbye; gentle and hopeful.
The Parting Glass — Traditional Irish (1770) · 3:00 · Folk, Nostalgic, Pre-1960s. A traditional Irish farewell toast; a graceful way to close a service.
Stand by Me — Ben E. King (1961) · 2:58 · R&B / Soul, Nostalgic, 60s–70s. A soul classic of steadfast devotion; warm and familiar.
If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away — Justin Moore (2011) · 3:35 · Country, Sorrowful, 2010s+. Longs for one more visit with those we’ve lost; resonates with many families.
When I Get Where I’m Going — Brad Paisley (2005) · 4:11 · Country, Hopeful, 2000s. Pictures heaven free of pain and burden; comforting and uplifting.
Gymnopédie No. 1 — Erik Satie (1888) · 3:30 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Spare, contemplative piano that leaves room for grief and thought.
Fire and Rain — James Taylor (1970) · 3:20 · Folk, Sorrowful, 60s–70s. A reflective meditation on loss and seeing a friend again.
A Song for Mama — Boyz II Men (1997) · 5:00 · R&B / Soul, Nostalgic, 80s–90s. A heartfelt thank-you to a mother; tailor-made for honoring mom.
Forever Young — Bob Dylan (1974) · 4:55 · Folk, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A blessing for a life; tender for someone young or young at heart.
Who You'd Be Today — Kenny Chesney (2005) · 3:15 · Country, Sorrowful, 2000s. Imagines the life a young person never got to live; often chosen for a life lost too soon.
Humble and Kind — Tim McGraw (2016) · 3:40 · Country, Nostalgic, 2010s+. A parent’s life advice in song; fitting for someone remembered for their character.
Adagio for Strings — Samuel Barber (1936) · 8:00 · Classical, Sorrowful, Pre-1960s. One of the most moving pieces ever written for grief; deeply solemn.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough — Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967) · 2:30 · R&B / Soul, Uplifting, 60s–70s. A joyful up-tempo exit for a life worth celebrating.
Nimrod (Enigma Variations) — Edward Elgar (1899) · 4:00 · Classical, Sorrowful, Pre-1960s. A dignified, swelling piece used at many formal memorial services.
Morning Has Broken — Cat Stevens (1971) · 3:20 · Folk, Peaceful, 60s–70s. A gentle hymn-turned-folk-song about renewal and each new day.
Air on the G String — J.S. Bach (1730) · 5:20 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Calm, flowing strings; lovely for the processional, gathering, or reflection.
Remember When — Alan Jackson (2003) · 4:24 · Country, Nostalgic, 2000s. A lifetime of marriage in one song; especially moving for a long-married spouse.
Fly Me to the Moon — Frank Sinatra (1964) · 2:28 · Jazz, Nostalgic, 60s–70s. A buoyant standard for guests who want to celebrate a life well lived.
Daddy's Hands — Holly Dunn (1986) · 3:20 · Country, Nostalgic, 80s–90s. A daughter’s tribute to her father; a natural choice for a dad or grandfather.
Photograph — Ed Sheeran (2014) · 4:18 · Pop, Nostalgic, 2010s+. Keeps memory alive through pictures; a natural slideshow song.
One More Day — Diamond Rio (2001) · 3:38 · Country, Sorrowful, 2000s. The universal wish for one more day with someone we’ve lost.
Unforgettable — Nat King Cole (1951) · 3:18 · Jazz, Nostalgic, Pre-1960s. A timeless standard for someone who left a lasting impression.
Panis Angelicus — César Franck (1872) · 4:50 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A sacred classical piece often performed during communion at Catholic funerals.
Pie Jesu — Gabriel Fauré (1888) · 3:30 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A pure, prayerful soprano setting from the Requiem; often for a child or young person.
Have I Told You Lately — Rod Stewart (1991) · 4:00 · Folk, Nostalgic, 80s–90s. Originally a Van Morrison song of gratitude and love; gentle for a spouse.
Temporary Home — Carrie Underwood (2009) · 4:00 · Country, Hopeful, 2000s. Frames life on earth as a way station before home; quietly comforting.
Gracias a la Vida — Mercedes Sosa (1971) · 4:40 · Latin, Nostalgic, 60s–70s. A grateful hymn to life itself; fitting for a celebration of a full life.
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) — Don McLean (1971) · 4:00 · Folk, Sorrowful, 60s–70s. A poignant tribute to a misunderstood, gentle soul.
I Look to You — Whitney Houston (2009) · 4:16 · R&B / Soul, Hopeful, 2000s. A gospel-tinged ballad about finding strength beyond ourselves.
Jupiter (I Vow to Thee, My Country) — Gustav Holst (1918) · 3:20 · Classical, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. Its hymn-like central theme is a stately, hopeful choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good non-religious funeral songs?
Popular secular choices include "What a Wonderful World," "My Way," "Time to Say Goodbye," "In My Life," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" — all meaningful without religious themes.
How do I plan a funeral without religious music?
Focus on songs that reflect the person’s life, values, and favorites. A celebrant-led service with personal music, readings, and tributes can be deeply moving without any religious content.
Can I still use a song like "Amazing Grace" at a secular service?
Some families do, treating it as a cultural rather than religious piece. If you’d prefer to avoid religious references entirely, filter the library to secular songs only.