BEAUTIFUL FUNERAL SONGS
Beautiful Funeral Songs | Music to Honour a Life with Grace and Love
Funeral songs are more than background music — they are the emotional heartbeat of the ceremony. The right song can express sorrow, love, gratitude, or even hope. If you’re looking for beautiful funeral songs to honour your loved one, this guide from eziFunerals will help you find the perfect soundtrack for saying goodbye.
Whether it’s a deeply spiritual hymn, a gentle ballad, or a timeless classic, beautiful songs create a moment of reflection and remembrance that lingers long after the service ends.
Why Choose a Beautiful Funeral Song?
A well-chosen song helps:
- Set the tone for the ceremony
- Reflect your loved one’s personality or spirit
- Offer comfort to family and friends
- Express emotions words alone can’t convey
- Create a lasting and moving tribute
Whether you are planning a funeral or memorial service, eziFunerals can help you find a meaningful funeral song from our list of the most popular funeral songs to play at the funeral.
How do you decide on a funeral song for a parent?
There are many options for funeral songs suitable for a parent, so selecting the right song can seem overwhelming! Here are some simple tips to help you find the right song.
Consider The Type Of The Service
If your parent’s funeral is a traditional service, you might want to stick with more traditional song choices (for example, ‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘The Prayer’). If the service is a celebration of your parent’s life, it might be more appropriate to choose a song that is more representative of your parent (such as your parent’s favourite music or a song whose lyrics remind you of them or how they lived their life.
Make a Short List Of Appropriate Songs
With the type of service in mind, do some research and make a list of potential songs that you prefer and that you think would be a good fit for your parents.
Listen To The Words
The lyrics of a song are just as important as the melody. It’s important to listen carefully to the lyrics of each song & make sure that the lyrics match the message you’re trying to convey about your parent. It’s helpful to have the lyrics to the songs open while you’re listening. Remove any songs from your list that don’t represent the life of your parent.
Ask Your Family For Advice
Once you have narrowed down a list of potential songs, play each song for close family members & friends who know your parents well. Ask which song they think best honours them. You can also ask if they have any song suggestions you may have missed.
Top 15 Beautiful Funeral Songs in Australia
1. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
A peaceful and uplifting version of a timeless classic.
2. “You Raise Me Up” – Josh Groban
An inspirational ballad that speaks to strength, support and unconditional love.
3. “Tears in Heaven” – Eric Clapton
A touching expression of grief, longing and love.
4. “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan
Ethereal and tender — ideal for quiet reflection and remembrance.
5. “Supermarket Flowers” – Ed Sheeran
A heartfelt tribute to mothers and grandmothers, full of love and loss.
6. “Amazing Grace” – Traditional
A spiritual and moving hymn, especially powerful when sung live or with bagpipes.
7. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley or Leonard Cohen
Beautiful, poetic and contemplative — a modern funeral favourite.
8. “The Prayer” – Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
Elegant and spiritual, often chosen for Catholic or religious funerals.
9. “Time to Say Goodbye” – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A dramatic and emotional farewell, often used for the closing or exit.
10. “Fields of Gold” – Eva Cassidy
Warm and nostalgic, perfect for remembering a gentle soul.
11. “Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac or Eva Cassidy version
Soft, sincere and personal.
12. “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole
A timeless classic that honours the deep bond of love and memory.
13. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston or Dolly Parton
A powerful message of eternal love and goodbye.
14. “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
An emotional and soulful song for heartfelt farewells.
15. “Pie Jesu” – Sarah Brightman or other classical artists
A beautiful classical piece, often used in traditional and religious services.
Choosing the Right Song for the Right Moment
Different parts of the funeral service may call for different tones and tempos.
For Arrival or Processional:
- “Canon in D” – Pachelbel
- “The Swan” – Saint-Saëns
- “Songbird” – Eva Cassidy
For Reflection or Slideshow:
- “Fields of Gold” – Eva Cassidy
- “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan
- “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
For Farewell or Recessional:
- “Time to Say Goodbye” – Andrea Bocelli
- “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Live vs Recorded Music
Beautiful songs can be played as recordings, or performed live by:
- Vocal soloists
- Pianists or guitarists
- String quartets
- Choirs (especially for hymns)
Live performances can create an emotional, intimate experience — especially in small or private services.
Personalising the Music
Consider songs that reflect:
- The person’s favourite artist or genre
- Their faith or spiritual beliefs
- Lyrics that reflect their life, legacy, or values
- Music that was meaningful to their family or culture
You can also create a funeral playlist that continues playing at the wake or post-service gathering.
How eziFunerals Can Help
Planning a funeral involves many decisions — and we’re here to guide you through all of them, including:
- Music selection and ceremony planning
- Comparing local funeral directors
- Creating a personalised funeral service
- Planning ahead with prepaid options
- Offering support with checklists and resources
We’re 100% independent and here to help you plan a farewell that’s heartfelt and beautiful.
Start planning a Beautiful Farewell
Whether you’re planning now or preparing for the future, let eziFunerals support you in creating a truly memorable and meaningful goodbye.
- Visit ezifunerals.com.au/get-a-quote
- Or call 1300 236 402 for personal assistance
eziFunerals — Helping Australians say goodbye with grace and love.