By The Tribute Plan Editorial Team · Reviewed June 2026
Choosing the right music to honor your mother is one of the most personal decisions in planning her service. The songs below are ones families return to again and again when remembering a mom — from tender ballads like "Wind Beneath My Wings" and "A Song for Mama" to gentle hymns and modern tributes such as Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers."
Think about the music that filled your mother's life. A favorite hymn from church, a song she sang in the kitchen, or a piece that simply captures her spirit can mean far more than the "expected" choice. You can lean toward peaceful and reflective songs for quiet moments in the service, and more uplifting ones for a celebration of her life.
Preview any song below, then add the ones that feel right to a complete, moment-by-moment service playlist with our free Funeral Songs Picker. You can save it, share it with family, and print an order of service for your officiant or musician.
Amazing Grace — Traditional (1779) · 4:10 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. The most-requested funeral hymn; near-universally known and easy for any congregation to sing.
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.
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.
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.
Supermarket Flowers — Ed Sheeran (2017) · 3:42 · Pop, Sorrowful, 2010s+. Written about Sheeran’s grandmother; tender and modern, ideal for a mother or grandmother.
See You Again — Carrie Underwood (2012) · 4:00 · Country, Hopeful, 2010s+. A promise of reunion rather than goodbye; gentle and hopeful.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Traditional (1905) · 4:05 · Gospel, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. Reassurance that God watches over each life; a gospel staple.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good funeral song for a mother?
Popular choices include "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler, "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men, "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran, and the hymn "Amazing Grace." The best song is one that reflects your mother’s personality and the music she loved.
How many songs should I choose for my mom’s service?
Most services use three to five songs: something for the prelude or processional, one or two for reflection or a slideshow, and a closing or recessional song. Our picker helps you build this moment by moment.
Should I pick a religious or secular song for my mother?
Either is appropriate. Match the song to your mother’s beliefs and the tone of the service. You can filter the list by faith tradition or choose secular songs that simply meant something to her.