Funeral Songs for Older Generation

Saying goodbye to loved ones is the most challenging thing to do in life. Nevertheless, it is imperative, as we all have to go through this pain at some point. Moreover, we all want to offer a send-off deservedly of the departed soul. Therefore, the choice of funeral songs for the older generation makes the gathering memorable.

Music is a creative way of paying tribute to the deceased; grief and pain are complemented when you have the right music playing in the background. 

However, it is a daunting task to find the right songs for a funeral ceremony. Many people could not find the funeral songs due to grief and stress. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the most sentimental funeral songs for the older generation.

So, stay with us; we will help you compile the best playlist for your loved one.

Popular Funeral Songs

Music can heal the pain of friends and family and evoke memories. Moreover, the right songs can make the funeral memorable for those attending. Likewise, the purpose is to ease the grief and mourning of the ones left behind and honor the departed soul.

To help you, we have curated a list of famous, traditional, religious, and contemporary songs to give the funeral a special touch.

• “Wind Beneath My Wings” - Bette Midler

Did you ever know that you’re my hero?

You’re everything I wish I could be.

I could fly higher than an eagle,

For you are the wind beneath my wings.

• “Time to Say Goodbye” - Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

Time to say goodbye

To countries I never

Saw and shared with you,

Now, yes, I shall experience them

I’ll go with you

On ships across seas

Which, I know,

No, no, exist no longer

It’s time to say goodbye…

• “The Long and Winding Road” - The Beatles

The long and winding road

That leads to your door

Will never disappear

I’ve seen that road before

It always leads me here,

Lead me to your door

• “Hero” - Mariah Carey and Various Artists

And then a hero comes along

With the strength to carry on

And you cast your fears aside

And you know you can survive

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong

And you’ll finally see the truth

That a hero lies in you

• “On Eagle’s Wings” - Michael Crawford

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear;

Under His Wings your refuge,

His faithfulness is your shield.

Contemporary Funeral Songs

The following are the best contemporary funeral songs that will make the gathering memorable and emotional.

• “Go Rest High On That Mountain” - Vince Gill

Oh, how we cried the day you left us

We gathered round your grave to grieve

I wish I could see the angels’ faces

When they hear your sweet voice sing

• “One Sweet Day” - Mariah Carey

And I know you’re shining down on me from heaven

Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way

And I know eventually we’ll be together

One sweet day

• “My Heart Will Go On” - Celine Dion

Near, far, wherever you are

I believe that the heart does go on

Once more you open the door

And you’re here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on

• “Supermarket Flowers” – Ed Sheeran

I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill

I threw the day-old tea from the cup

Packed up the photo album Matthew had made

Memories of a life that's been loved

• “Waiting for You” – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

All through the night we drove and the wind caught her hair

And we parked on the beach in the cool evening air

Well, sometimes it's better not to say anything at all

Your body is an anchor, never ask to be free

Just want to stay in the business of making you happy

Religious Funeral Songs

Here are the best funeral songs, you can use as part of your playlist.

• “Back in His Arms Again” - Mark Schultz

I believe that He never let you go

I believe that He wants you to know

I believe that He’ll lead you ’til

You’re back in His arms again

• “Angels” - Mary McLaughlin

For angels must walk before they can fly

And angels must learn to laugh and to cry

The angels are here, they’re among you and I

We’re all learning to be angels

• “Even the Darkness Is Light to Him” - Michael Card

The Father above does not slumber or sleep

He wakefully watches our ways

Then there’s no reason for you to weep

For the Father above neither slumbers nor sleeps

• “The Prayer” - Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go

And help us to be wise in times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer 

When we lose our way

Lead us to a place

• “Hallelujah” - Jeff Buckley

Well I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do you?

Well it goes like this

Frequently Asked Questions

What 1960s song is suitable for a funeral?

The following are the top five best songs for funerals from the 1960s.

• My Way by Frank Sinatra (1969)
• Stand by Me by Ben E. King (1962)
• I’ll Remember You by Elvis Presley (1966)
• Spirit in the Sky by Norman Green Baum (1969)
• You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & The Pacemakers (1963)

Can I play any song for the funeral?

Although there is no limit or specific choice for funeral songs, you must select the one that resonates with the occasion. Likewise, you can play the deceased’s favorite songs to honor their departure.

What is a funeral song called?

Dirge or earlier dirige is the name given to funeral songs. Dirge means “a song or hymn of mourning.” The word is connected to Latin chants used in church services for the dead.

Parting Thoughts

Songs can make a funeral emotional and memorable. Numerous pieces are perfect for paying honor to the deceased. Therefore, music and songs are a must-have for funerals.

Funeral songs for the older generation must complement their age and taste. Therefore, you can select songs from ancient times. Although there are no wrong choices, specific lyrics will make the funeral memorable and help heal your pain.

We have compiled a list of the most popular contemporary and religious songs. You can make a playlist from these songs and add the deceased’s favorite tunes to uplift the environment while paying homage to the departed soul. 

Moreover, you can amalgamate music as a transition between different parts of the funeral.

Think about what your old man loved to hear, and play it! We hope we made your song selection choice easier. Please leave feedback in the comments section, and let us know your preferred songs for older generations.