Favorite Songs for Memorial Services

Music is often an integral part of a memorial service. Music moves people emotionally, and it can help transition from one part of a ceremony to another. Most of us have a song or a type of music that we’re fond of. This type of music is often made part of a memorial service to help the mourners remember us in a favorable way. That being said, there are some common themes amongst memorial and funeral songs.

Here’s a list of favorite songs that may help you plan a memorable service for your loved one.

Favorite Contemporary Songs

1. Amazing Grace
2. Candle in the Wind – Elton John
3. Change The World – Eric Clapton
4. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Elton John
5. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
6. I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachalan
7. Imagine – John Lennon
8. In My Life – The Beatles
9. Lean on Me – Bill Withers
10. Memory – Barbra Streisand
11. Over The Rainbow
12. Simply the Best – Tina Turner
13. So Far Away – Carole King
14. Stand by Me – Ben E. King
15. Sunshine on My Shoulders – John Denver
16. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
17. The Rose – Bette Midler
18. The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand
19. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole
20. Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker, Jennifer Warnes
21. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
22. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
23. You Are So Beautiful To Me – Joe Cocker
24. You Are The Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
25. You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor

Favorite Classical Songs

1. Chopin Funeral March
2. Dance of the Blessed Spirits by Gluck
3. Preludes Chopin Op.28
4. Elegy by Faure
5. Ave Maria

This list is just the beginning of what’s possible. Consider the people attending the service as well as the deceased. What songs represent the connection? What songs can help people mourn and begin the process of healing? How can your music choice show respect, love, and sympathy? Choosing favorite songs for memorial services helps add a personal touch to the event.