Top 143 Celebration of Life Songs

A celebration of life is a time to remember, reflect and share the reasons a loved one was special. Though losing someone is often a sad time, there are opportunities for laughter and joy, as friends and family remember happy moments.

Music has the power to move us, and choosing the right songs sets the mood and helps guarantee a memorable memorial. When words feel inadequate, but you seek a deep connection to those mourning and celebrating your loved one, choose from our list of top celebration of life songs.

Here are some suggestions for building a perfect playlist.

Funeral songs

Memorial service songs

Inspirational celebration of life songs

Light-hearted celebration of life songs

Celebration of life songs for dads

Celebration of life songs for moms

The most 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. “Ave Maria,” by Franz Schubert or Josh Groban
3. "Bless the Broken Road," by Rascal Flatts
4. "Blessed Assurance," by Alan Jackson
5. "Can the Circle Be Unbroken," by The Carter Family
6. “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” by Vince Gill
7. "Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You," by Darin and Brooke Aldridge
8. "Holes in the Floor of Heaven," by Steve Wariner
9. "Home," by Chris Tomlin
10. “How Great Thou Art,” by Carrie Underwood
11. "I Believe," by Brooks & Dunn
“I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe
"I Will Rise," By Chris Tomlin
“Angel,” by Sarah McLachlan
"In the Garden," by Alan Jackson
"It's True," by Ivan Parker
"I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You," by Alan Jackson
"Just a Closer Walk With Thee," Louis Armstrong & Mahalia Jackson
"Just as I Am," by Kristin Chenoweth
"On Eagle's Wings," by Michael Joncas
"Peace in the Valley," by Elvis Presley
"Precious Memories," by Jim Reeves
"Sweet Beulah Land," by Squire Parsons
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," by Johnny Cash
"The Old Rugged Cross," by Alan Jackson
"Well Done," by The Afters
“You Raise Me Up,” by Josh Groban

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For a more secular service, or funerals with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, you can choose from a wide range of musical eras and genres. When choosing songs 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. It will probably do the same for you.

A popular option 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 Is On," by Trace Adkins
9. "Free Bird," by Lynyrd Skynyrd
10. "Go Light Your World," by Chris Rice
"Goodbye My Friend," Linda Ronstadt
"Here Without You," by Three Doors Down
"Home," by Michael Bublé
"For Sentimental Reasons," by Ella Fitzgerald & The Delta Rhythm Boys
"I Will Always Love You," by Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston
"I Won't Let Go," by Rascal Flatts
"I'll Fly Away," by Johnny Cash
"I'll Be Missing You," by Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans & 112
"Into the Mystic," by Van Morrison
"Let It Be," by The Beatles
"Memories," by Maroon 5
"More Than Words," by Extreme
"My Heart Will Go On," by Celine Dion
"My Sweet Lord," by George Harrison
"My Way," by Frank Sinatra
"No Hard Feelings," by The Avett Brothers
"Nobody Knows Me," by Lyle Lovett
"One Last Cry," by Brian McKnight
"One More Day," by Diamond Rio
"Over the Rainbow," by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
"See You Again," by Carrie Underwood
"Sunshine on My Shoulders," by John Denver
"Suppertime," by Joey+Rory
"Tears in Heaven," by Eric Clapton
"Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)," by The Byrds
"Unforgettable," by Natalie Cole (duet with Nat King Cole)
"When I Get Where I'm Going," by Dolly Parton
"Wind Beneath My Wings," by Bette Midler
"What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong

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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. “Greatest of These," by Hillsong United
5. “Have a Little Faith in Me," by John Hiatt
6. “I Hope You Dance," by Lee Ann Womack
7. "Heaven Was Needing a Hero," by Jo Dee Messina
8. “In My Life," by The Beatles
9. “Landslide," by Fleetwood Mac
10. “Lean on Me," by Bill Withers
“Life," by Hillsong United
“Live Forever," by Oasis
“One Sweet Day," by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
"Remember Me This Way," by Jordan Hill
“Right Here Waiting," by Richard Marx
“Stand by Me," by Ben E. King
“The Best," by Tina Turner
"The End of the End," by Paul McCartney
"There You'll Be," by Faith Hill
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," by Green Day
“Wild Horses," by The Rolling Stones
“Yesterday," by The Beatles

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A moment of levity allows friends and family to relax, share a laugh and feel your loved one’s personality throughout the room. A break in the seriousness of the day may be just what Dad wanted.

Get a bit irreverent with these choices:

1. “A Thousand Miles," by Vanessa Carlton




2. “American Pie," by Don McLean
3. “Another One Bites the Dust," by Queen
4. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," by Monty Python
5. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)," by Simple Minds
6. “Don’t Worry Be Happy," by Bobby McFerrin
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
“(I've Had) The Time Of My Life," by Jennifer Warns and Bill Medley
“Only the Good Die Young," by Billy Joel
“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die," by Willie Nelson
“Spirit in the Sky," by Norman Greenbaum

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Do you look back fondly on your wedding day dance with dad? Or do your father’s small-town roots make you smile? Think about the concerts he attended, his record collection, whether he had a favorite band and use those to build playlist.

Popular selections for dads:

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




2. "Comin' Home," by Lynyrd Skynyrd
3. "Take Me Home, Country Roads," by John Denver
4. "Dance With My Father," by Luther Vandross
5. "Father and Son," by Yusuf and Cat Stevens
6. "Fathers and Daughters," by Michael Bolton
7. "Fire and Rain," by James Taylor
8. "Forever Young," by Rod Stewart
9. "Georgia on My Mind," by Ray Charles
10. “Hallelujah," by Jeff Buckley
"He Was a Friend of Mine," by Bob Dylan
"Hero," by Mariah Carey
"Hymn for My Father," by Collective Soul
"I'll See You Again," by Frank Sinatra
"I’m a Country Boy," by Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Lover Man," by Charlie Parker
"Lead Me Father," by Johnny Cash
"My Father’s Eyes," by Eric Clapton
"Simple Man," by Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Song for Dad," by Keith Urban
"The Dance," by Garth Brooks

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Strength, perseverance, tenderness—all qualities that describe her. But we all know she loved to have fun, too. You may still be able to hear her laugh ring throughout the room when you play her favorite hit.

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 Dixie 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
"Just the Way You Are," by Billy Joel
"Mama," by Il Divo
"Mama’s Song," by Carrie Underwood
"Mom," by Meghan Trainor, ft. Kelli Trainor
"My Girl," by The Temptations
"She's Always a Woman," by Billy Joel
"The Perfect Fan," by Backstreet Boys
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," by Stevie Wonder
"You Are So Beautiful," by Billie Preston
"You Can Finally Meet My Mom," by Train

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Plan an unforgettable tribute

Whether you’re planning a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning for yourself, start with a story, passion or pastime to provide inspiration. We'll help you weave those very special memories into a beautiful service with personal touches and lasting impressions.

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