Top 177 Celebration of Life Songs

There are no rules for what music to choose, and every family who plans with us gets the opportunity to personalize their loved one’s celebration of life with music. Families are often surprised to learn that almost any song can be played during a service. You can select any music that’s meaningful to your family and your loved one, regardless of whether it’s commonly associated with memorial services.

A traditional funeral may have funeral hymns and somber songs, but a celebration of life may include your loved one’s favorite genre or artists, whether that’s uplifting pop, power ballads or old-school R&B.

To discover which songs to play at your loved one’s celebration of life, ask yourself a few questions:

• What music did your loved one often listen to while driving or in a car?
• What songs or types of music did your loved one listen to while relaxing or doing hobbies?
• Is there a certain song that makes you instantly think of your loved one?
• What song captures how you feel about your loved one?
• What song speaks to how you feel about your loved one passing?

Your answers may provide all the guidance you need. But if you still want inspiration, here are some top celebration of life songs for building a perfect playlist.

Top funeral songs
Top memorial service songs
Inspirational celebration of life songs
Lighthearted celebration of life songs
Christian songs for celebration of life
Celebration of life songs for dads
Celebration of life songs for moms
More celebration of life songs

Top funeral songs

A frequently requested song for a traditional funeral service is “Amazing Grace,” a Christian folk hymn written by English poet John Newton. Many find the message of forgiveness and redemption a beautiful tribute to the mercy of God.

 

1. “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” by Chris Tomlin

A few other hymns and songs that will bring peace to you and your guests:

2. “Angel,” by Sarah McLachlan

3. “Ave Maria,” by Franz Schubert or Josh Groban

4. “Believe,” by Brooks & Dunn

5. “Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts

6. “Blessed Assurance,” by Alan Jackson

7. “Can the Circle Be Unbroken,” by The Carter Family

8. “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” by Vince Gill

9. “Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You,” by Darin and Brooke Aldridge

10. “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” by Steve Wariner

11. “Home,” by Chris Tomlin

12. “How Great Thou Art,” by Carrie Underwood

13. “I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe

14. “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You,” by Alan Jackson

15. “I Will Rise,” By Chris Tomlin

16. “In the Garden,” by Alan Jackson

17. “It's True,” by Ivan Parker

18. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” Louis Armstrong & Mahalia Jackson

19. “Just as I Am,” by Kristin Chenoweth

20. “On Eagle's Wings,” by Michael Joncas

21. “Peace in the Valley,” by Elvis Presley

22. “Precious Memories,” by Jim Reeves

23. “Sweet Beulah Land,” by Squire Parsons

24. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” by Johnny Cash

25. “The Old Rugged Cross,” by Alan Jackson

26. “Well Done,” by The Afters

27. “You Raise Me Up,” by Josh Groban

Top memorial service songs

For a more secular service, or a funeral that mixes traditional and contemporary elements, you can choose from a wide range of musical eras and genres. When choosing songs by which to remember your loved one, listen to each song’s lyrics—what evokes a sense of gratitude and love? You can also play songs you know comforted your loved one in hard times. They will probably do the same for you.

A few popular options to start with:

1. “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” by Procol Harum

2. “Angel,” by Jon Secada

3. “Angels,” by Robbie Williams

4. “Candle in the Wind,” by Elton John

5. “Clouds,” by Zach Sobiech

6. “Dancing in the Sky,” Dani and Lizzy

7. “Dreaming My Dreams With You,” by Waylon Jennings

8. “Every Light in the House,” by Trace Adkins

9. “For Sentimental Reasons,” by Ella Fitzgerald & The Delta Rhythm Boys

10. “Free Bird,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

11. “Go Light Your World,” by Chris Rice

12. “Goodbye My Friend,” Linda Ronstadt

13. “Here Without You,” by Three Doors Down

14. “Home,” by Michael Bublé

15. “I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston

16. “I Won't Let Go,” by Rascal Flatts

17. “I'll Be Missing You,” by Puff Daddy, feat. Faith Evans & 112

18. “I'll Fly Away,” by Johnny Cash

19. “Into the Mystic,” by Van Morrison

20. “Let It Be,” by The Beatles

21. “Memories,” by Maroon 5

22. “More Than Words,” by Extreme

23. “My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion

24. “My Sweet Lord,” by George Harrison

25. “My Way,” by Frank Sinatra

26. “No Hard Feelings,” by The Avett Brothers

27. “Nobody Knows Me,” by Lyle Lovett

28. “One Last Cry,” by Brian McKnight

29. “One More Day,” by Diamond Rio

30. “Over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

31. “See You Again,” by Carrie Underwood

32. “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” by John Denver

33. “Suppertime,” by Joey+Rory

34. “Tears in Heaven,” by Eric Clapton

35. “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season),” by The Byrds

36. “Unforgettable,” by Natalie Cole (duet with Nat King Cole)

37. “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong

38. “When I Get Where I'm Going,” Brad Paisley, feat. Dolly Parton

39. “Wind Beneath My Wings,” by Bette Midler

Inspirational celebration of life songs

Lift guests’ spirits with songs about a life well lived. For American military veterans, “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood or “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen are patriotic options. Give guests small flags to wave as the songs are played. Or look to powerhouse ballads from Celine Dion and Mariah Carey to remind guests how a lady really knew how to take on the world.

A few uplifting ideas:

1. “Closer to Fine,” by Indigo Girls

2. “Drops of Jupiter,” by Train

3. “Firework,” by Katy Perry

4. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” by Green Day

5. “Greatest of These,” by Hillsong United

6. “Have a Little Faith in Me,” by John Hiatt

7. “Heaven Was Needing a Hero,” by Jo Dee Messina

8. “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack

9. “In My Life,” by The Beatles

10. “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac

11. “Lean on Me,” by Bill Withers

12. “Life,” by Hillsong United

13. “Live Forever,” by Oasis

14. “One Sweet Day,” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men

15. “Remember Me This Way,” by Jordan Hill

16. “Right Here Waiting,” by Richard Marx

17. “Stand by Me,” by Ben E. King

18. “The Best,” by Tina Turner

19. “The End of the End,” by Paul McCartney

20. “There You'll Be,” by Faith Hill

21. “Wild Horses,” by The Rolling Stones

22. “Yesterday,” by The Beatles

Lighthearted celebration of life songs

A moment of levity allows friends and family to relax, share a laugh and feel your loved one’s vibrant personality. A break from the seriousness of the day may be just what's needed.

Get a bit irreverent with these choices:

1. “A Thousand Miles,” by Vanessa Carlton

2. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” by Monty Python

3. “American Pie,” by Don McLean

4. “Another One Bites the Dust,” by Queen

5. “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” by Bobby McFerrin

6. “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds

7. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” by Poison

8. “Highway to Hell,” by AC/DC

9. “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor

10. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” by Bon Jovi

11. “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life,” by Jennifer Warns and Bill Medley

12. “Only the Good Die Young,” by Billy Joel

13. “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” by Willie Nelson

14. “Spirit in the Sky,” by Norman Greenbaum

Christian songs for a celebration of life

The comfort offered by one’s faith is never-ending. If your loved one was a devout Christian, consider choosing songs with lyrics and music that reflect and honor the trust they placed in God.

Celebrate their faith with songs that highlight holy themes:

1. “Dancing in the Sky,” by Dani and Lizzy

2. “Footprints in the Sand,” by Leona Lewis

3. “Hallelujah,” by Pentatonix

4. “Heaven Song,” by Phil Wickham

5. “Heaven’s Garden,” by Kieran Brennan

6. “Heaven’s Now My Home,” by Libby Allen

7. “I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe

8. “It Is Not Death To Die,” by Sovereign Grace

9. “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me,” by The Doobie Brothers

10. “Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There,” by Jennifer Hudson

11. “Marvelous,” by Walter Hudson

12. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” by Hillsong United

13. “Scars in Heaven,” by Casting Crowns

14. “The Battle Is the Lord’s,” by Yolanda Adams

15. “The Garden,” by Kari Jobe

16. “When We All Get to Heaven,” by Richard Smallwood

Celebration of life songs for dads

Do you look back fondly on your wedding day dance with Dad? Do your father’s small-town roots make you smile? Think about the concerts he attended, his record collection and whether he had a favorite band; use those to inform a playlist for his celebration of life.

Popular selections for dads:

1. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” by Willie Nelson

2. “Comin’ Home,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

3. “Dance With My Father,” by Luther Vandross

4. “Father & Son,” by Yusuf and Cat Stevens

5. “Fathers & Daughters,” by Michael Bolton

6. “Fire and Rain,” by James Taylor

7. “Forever Young,” by Rod Stewart

8. “Georgia on My Mind,” by Ray Charles

9. “Hallelujah,” by Jeff Buckley

10. “He Was a Friend of Mine,” by Bob Dylan

11. “Hero,” by Mariah Carey

12. “Hymn for My Father,” by Collective Soul

13. “I’ll See You Again,” by Frank Sinatra

14. “I’m a Country Boy,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

15. “Lead Me Father,” by Johnny Cash

16. “Lover Man,” by Charlie Parker

17. “My Father’s Eyes,” by Eric Clapton

18. “Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

19. “Song for Dad,” by Keith Urban

20. “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver

21. “The Dance,” by Garth Brooks

Celebration of life songs for moms

Strength, perseverance, tenderness—all qualities that describe her. But she loved to have fun, too. When you play her favorite hit, you may be able to picture her dancing a silly dance or belting it out at karaoke.

Popular selections for moms:

1. “A Song for Mama,” by Boyz II Men

2. “Ain’t No Sunshine,” by Bill Withers

3. “Baby, I Love Your Way,” by Peter Frampton

4. “Because You Loved Me,” by Celine Dion

5. “Cowboy Take Me Away,” by The Chicks

6. “Don’t Take the Girl,” by Tim McGraw

7. “Emotions,” by Brenda Lee

8. “Every Mother’s Son,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

9. “Grandma’s Hands,” by Bill Withers

10. “Have I Told You Lately,” by Van Morrison

11. “Just the Way You Are,” by Billy Joel

12. “Mama,” by Il Divo

13. “Mama’s Song,” by Carrie Underwood

14. “Mom,” by Meghan Trainor

15. “My Girl,” by The Temptations

16. “She’s Always a Woman,” by Billy Joel

17. “The Perfect Fan,” by Backstreet Boys

18. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” by Stevie Wonder

19. “You Are So Beautiful,” by Billie Preston

20. “You Can Finally Meet My Mom,” by Train

More celebration of life songs

A celebration of life gives family and friends the opportunity to remember the unique life of a loved one. Great song choices will include those with lyrics that reflect the impact of their legacy on those they’ve left behind.

A selection of songs about life, love and warm remembrance that fit any celebration:

1. “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay

2. “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” by The Verve

3. “Free as a Bird,” by The Beatles

4. “I Will Wait,” by Mumford & Sons

5. “I’ll Be Missing You,” by Puff Daddy, feat. Faith Evans and 112

6. “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die,” by Frank Sinatra

7. “Halo,” by Beyoncé

8. “How Great Thou Art,” by Alan Jackson

9. “Kind and Generous,” by Natalie Merchant

10. “One,” by U2

11. “See You Again,” by Wiz Khalifa, feat. Charlie Puth

12. “Shower the People,” by James Taylor

13. “Song for Guy,” by Elton John

14. “Soulshine,” by The Allman Brothers Band

15. “Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin

16. “Take It Easy,” by Eagles

17. “Terry’s Song,” by Bruce Springsteen

18. “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” by Gladys Knight & the Pips

Plan an unforgettable tribute

Whether you’re planning a funeral, memorial or celebration of life for a loved one or pre-planning for yourself, we’re here to guide you. Dignity Memorial planners believe each service should be as unique as the person it honors. We take the time to personalize final arrangements to celebrate each life like no other.

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