By The Tribute Plan Editorial Team · Reviewed June 2026
Every year, certain songs rise to the top of families' choices for funerals and memorial services — a mix of timeless hymns and modern tributes that speak to grief, hope, and love. The list below ranks the most-requested funeral songs of 2026, from "Amazing Grace" and "Go Rest High on That Mountain" to "I Can Only Imagine," "You Raise Me Up," and "Wind Beneath My Wings."
These songs are popular for a reason — they're widely known, easy for families and congregations to connect with, and flexible enough to fit many kinds of services. They make a reliable starting point if you're not sure where to begin.
Preview any song below and add your favorites 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 the day.
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.
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.
How Great Thou Art — Traditional (1885) · 4:05 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A soaring hymn of awe; a frequent closing song that lifts the room.
I Can Only Imagine — MercyMe (1999) · 4:49 · Christian, Hopeful, 2000s. Contemporary Christian standard imagining the moment of meeting God; a slideshow favorite.
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.
On Eagle's Wings — Michael Joncas (1979) · 4:30 · Christian, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A cornerstone of the Catholic funeral Mass; its refrain promises being held and raised up.
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.
It Is Well with My Soul — Traditional (1876) · 4:00 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Written in grief, its refrain of peace amid loss speaks directly to mourners.
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.
How Great Is Our God — Chris Tomlin (2004) · 4:28 · Christian, Uplifting, 2000s. A modern worship anthem for congregations that prefer contemporary praise.
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.
Take My Hand, Precious Lord — Thomas A. Dorsey (1932) · 4:20 · Gospel, Sorrowful, Pre-1960s. A pillar of the gospel funeral tradition, asking to be led home.
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.
The Old Rugged Cross — Traditional (1912) · 4:15 · Hymn, Nostalgic, Pre-1960s. A beloved old hymn, especially meaningful for traditional congregations.
Clair de Lune — Claude Debussy (1905) · 5:00 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Gentle, luminous piano for the processional, quiet reflection, or gathering.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness — Traditional (1923) · 3:55 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A hymn of steadfast comfort, well suited to honoring a long, faithful life.
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.
In the Garden — Traditional (1912) · 3:50 · Hymn, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. A tender, old-time gospel favorite, especially for older Southern congregations.
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.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Traditional (1905) · 4:05 · Gospel, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. Reassurance that God watches over each life; a gospel staple.
Gymnopédie No. 1 — Erik Satie (1888) · 3:30 · Classical, Peaceful, Pre-1960s. Spare, contemplative piano that leaves room for grief and thought.
Here I Am, Lord — Dan Schutte (1981) · 4:40 · Christian, Hopeful, 80s–90s. A widely loved Catholic hymn of answered calling and surrender.
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.
Because He Lives — Bill & Gloria Gaither (1971) · 4:10 · Gospel, Hopeful, 60s–70s. A resurrection-focused gospel anthem of hope beyond death.
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.
I Will Rise — Chris Tomlin (2008) · 4:37 · Christian, Hopeful, 2000s. Written explicitly about death and resurrection; a modern closing choice.
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.
Blessed Assurance — Traditional (1873) · 3:40 · Hymn, Hopeful, Pre-1960s. A confident hymn of faith and belonging; comforting and familiar.
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.
When We All Get to Heaven — Traditional (1898) · 3:10 · Hymn, Uplifting, Pre-1960s. An upbeat reunion hymn that ends a service on a note of joy.
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 is the most popular funeral song?
"Amazing Grace" remains the single most-requested funeral song. Other perennial favorites include "Go Rest High on That Mountain," "I Can Only Imagine," "Wind Beneath My Wings," and "My Way."
How do you choose a funeral song if you have no idea where to start?
Start with a song the person loved, or a widely known favorite from this list. Then build out the rest of the service moment by moment with our free picker.
Do popular funeral songs change each year?
The classics stay remarkably steady, but modern tributes move in and out of favor. We refresh this ranking annually to reflect current choices.