Music is the language of the heart, and there is no better time to express our emotions through song than at a Celebration of Life for a loved one. We gather to honor their memory and reflect on their beautiful life. And the perfect soundtrack can give us pause for thought and help us to cherish each memorable moment. Here we take a look at the standout celebration of life songs for funeral services. From timeless classics to heartwarming modern anthems – they are sure to evoke vivid memories and make your loved one’s memorial time meaningful.
Uplifting Funeral Songs Bring Hope
Uplifting funeral songs can be challenging to find, but they’re worth the search! The right songs can give funeral-goers a hopeful perspective amid the pain of loss. Popular memorial songs often bring grief to the surface as a song reminds us of a loved one’s life. The sweet memories of our loved one’s personality help us share our memories with others.
Part of grieving is often remembering the unique qualities of our loved one and speaking of our pain with others who understand. Sharing funeral songs at a celebration of life service is just what we need to help our hearts heal.
Popular funeral songs help us celebrate life: the happy, the heartbreaking, and the bittersweet. These always authentic emotions dwell in the deepest parts of our hearts.
Celebration of Life Songs for Funeral Services
The perfect song can make all the difference at the right moment in a Celebration of Life service. So, let’s get started helping choose songs for your celebration of life ceremony.
1- One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
One of the most popular and timeless celebration of life songs for funerals is “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. This emotional ballad was released in 1995 and is a moving tribute to a lost loved one. It captures both the heartache of loss and the hope of reunion in the afterlife.
The song’s lyrics express the grief and longing of someone who has lost a loved one, and the desire to reunite with them in the future. The opening lines are especially poignant: “Sorry I never told you all I wanted to say / And now it’s too late to hold you / ‘Cause you’ve flown away, so far away.”
The song’s chorus is incredibly uplifting and powerful, with soaring harmonies calling out to their loved one in the afterlife: “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.”
2- Time of Your Life by Green Day
“Time of Your Life” by Green Day is another popular celebration of life song often played at funerals and memorial services. The song, released in 1997, was an instant hit, capturing the hearts of millions of people worldwide with its poignant lyrics and simple yet powerful melody.
The song reflects on life’s journey and encourages us to appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones. The opening lines of the song are particularly touching: “Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road / Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go / So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why / It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time.”
3- To Where You Are by Josh Groban
Josh Groban’s voice soars as he sings “To Where You Are.” The song talks about living forever and how our loved ones watch over us. The song is an excellent reflection on the eternity of existence.
In the song, Groban sings about how our loved ones are still with us no matter how far away they may be. It speaks of having faith that as long as we carry their memory, they will always remain close to us: “If God has taken you back, I’ll find my way back too / To where you are.”
The song describes the journey to find solace and comfort in knowing their loved one will always be with them: “I know you’re shining down on me from Heaven / Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way.” Groban’s heartfelt performance of this beautiful song makes it an ideal selection for a celebration of life service.
4- My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
Celine Dion is a well-known powerhouse of a musician and has many moving songs for a funeral or celebration of life service. One of her most popular songs in this context is “My Heart Will Go On.”
The song’s lyrics are about moving forward after a loss, with lines like “Near, far, wherever you are / I believe that the heart does go on” and “You’re here, there’s nothing I fear / And I know that my heart will go on.”
Its themes of love, loss, and moving forward make it a popular choice for a funeral. It speaks to the idea that even though our loved ones may no longer be with us in physical form, they will always live on in our hearts.
5- I’ve Had the Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
“I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is an iconic celebration of life song often played at funerals as a poignant reminder to cherish the time spent with our loved ones.
The song’s stirring melody and heartwarming lyrics capture the essence of treasuring the fond memories of our loved ones and striving to make the most of our time on this earth.
Its uplifting chorus, “I’ve had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you,” has become synonymous with moments of celebration and gratitude.
Whether played as a slow dance or sung as a heartfelt tribute, “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of life’s precious moments.
6- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
One of the most timeless classics for celebrating life is the eternally happy song, “What a Wonderful World.” Armstrong’s soulful and warm voice captures the essence of appreciating life’s beauty, even amid grief.
This song has become a beloved anthem for celebrating the life of a loved one who has passed. It’s timeless lyrics and uplifting melody make it the perfect choice for a funeral service. Its message of hope and appreciation for the simple things in life reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always something to be grateful for.
7- The Last Song by Elton John
“The Last Song” by Elton John is a heartfelt tribute to lost loved ones. The song was written as a dedication to John’s close friend, Ryan White, who died of AIDS-related complications in 1990.
The Last Song captures the essence of a father-son relationship with the healing of a rift. The song references the afterlife, emphasizing that death isn’t the end but rather the beginning of an eternal journey.
8- Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
“Tears in Heaven” is a heart-wrenching ballad written by Eric Clapton after the tragic death of his four-year-old son, Conor, in 1991. Clapton’s emotional and raw vocals, combined with the haunting melody make this song a powerful choice for a celebration of life service.
The modern funeral song encapsulates the heartache of losing someone close to us while paying tribute to their memory. Clapton, who struggled with addiction throughout his life, found solace in his music and used “Tears in Heaven” to process his grief.
9- Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder
“Ribbon in the Sky” is a moving ballad released by Stevie Wonder in 1982. The song details the desire to reach out to a loved one who has passed away and connect with them once more.
Wonder offers a profoundly poetic and metaphorical tribute that has become one of the best songs to celebrate life. The ‘ribbon’ is a metaphor for the connection that binds us, as an eternal ribbon, forever wrapping around a lost love.
The beauty of “Ribbon in the Sky” lies resonates with anyone who has ever faced loss. It is an uplifting and powerful song that can help to ease the pain of grief.
10- I Look to You by Whitney Houston
“I Look to You” is a beautiful and touching tribute to the power of faith, hope, and resilience. The song was written as a prayer in difficult times and serves as an inspiring reminder that no matter how dark our days may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
The song’s poignant lyrics will bring comfort to mourners and serve as a reminder of the power of love and hope at a celebration of life service. Its uplifting melody will surely bring joy and peace in an otherwise difficult moment.
11- Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole is a classic celebration of life song that is often included in a traditional funeral service. The song’s lyrics, “Unforgettable, that’s what you are” perfectly capture the sentiment of remembering the unique qualities and personality of a loved one.
Cole’s smooth and soulful voice adds a warm nostalgia to the song, making it a touching tribute to the joys that our loved ones brought into our lives.
12-You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor
This is the song to remember a loved one who was always there for their friends, no matter what. It helps us remember to call on the special people in our lives and know that no matter what happens, we always hold a piece of their loving spirit with us as long as we live.
“You’ve Got a Friend” is a touching tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship. Taylor’s warm and comforting voice shines through in the song, offering solace to those grieving the loss of a loved one. The lyrics, “You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running to see you again” capture the essence of true friendship and the constant support that it brings.
13- My Sweet Lord by George Harrison
“My Sweet Lord” is a powerful and uplifting song that celebrates the spiritual side of life. The song was written and performed by former Beatles member George Harrison and released in 1970.
The song is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, with a stirring gospel choir and elements of Indian classical music.
In “My Sweet Lord,” Harrison sings, “I really want to see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord.” This lyric expresses many people’s longing for a connection with a higher power and the sense of searching and seeking that often accompanies spiritual exploration.
14- My Way by Frank Sinatra
One of Frank Sinatra’s best-known and most beloved songs that has become popular for funerals is “My Way.” This iconic ballad is a favorite song for a funeral. It’s message of self-assurance and individuality is a fitting tribute to a life well-lived.
The lyrics, “I did it my way,” celebrate a life lived on one’s own terms and the unique contributions a person makes to the world. This sentiment is especially poignant at a funeral, where mourners reflect on the legacy of the person they have lost.
Sinatra’s peerless vocal performance, combined with the song’s inspirational lyrics, make “My Way” a stirring and uplifting choice for a funeral.
15- Amazing Grace by Alan Jackson
“Amazing Grace” is a beautiful and emotional tribute to the power of faith and redemption. Originally a Christian hymn written in the late 1700s by John Newton, the song has become an uplifting funeral song for those looking for hope at a memorial service.
Jackson’s version of the song is a simple and stripped-down interpretation, with just his voice and acoustic guitar. Jackson’s deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the solemnity and reverence of the song.
The lyrics of “Amazing Grace” tell the story of a person saved from a life of guilt and condemnation and delivered into the light of God’s grace. The opening lines, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound / That saved a wretch like me,” express a sense of awe and gratitude for the transformative power of faith. His rendition of the line, “I once was lost, but now am found / Was blind, but now I see,” is particularly moving, conveying a sense of liberation and rebirth.
16- On the Wings of An Eagle by John Denver
John Denver’s “On the Wings of An Eagle” is a poignant and uplifting tribute to the power of love and the eternal bond between loved ones. Released in 1990, it quickly became a popular choice for funerals and memorial services.
The song is a profoundly emotional testament to the feelings of grief and loss that follow the passing of a loved one. Its opening lines, “It’s just another morning / In a world that’s full of pain,” capture the profound sense of emptiness and longing many people experience during mourning.
The chorus, with its refrain of “On the wings of an eagle / My love will carry me,” is a powerful reminder that love transcends even the most incredible distances and can carry us through even the darkest times.
17- Meet Me in Heaven by Johnny Cash
“Meet Me in Heaven” is a poignant and reflective song by the legendary Johnny Cash. It was released in 2002 and quickly became popular for funerals and memorial services. This great song is a touching tribute to reunification with loved ones after death.
Cash’s voice grows soulful and vibrant at the chorus with its call-and-response structure and message of hope. “Meet me in heaven / We’ll join hands together / Meet me by the Savior’s side / Meet me in heaven.”
18- Will the Circle Be Unbroken by the Randy Travis
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken” was first recorded by the Carter Family in 1935 and has since been covered by countless artists.
Travis’ voice creates a sense of warmth and comfort, perfect for a funeral or memorial service. The chorus, with its repeating line of “Will the circle be unbroken / By and by, Lord, by and by,” is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death.
19- The Lord Is My Shepherd by Bobby Mcferrin
One of Bobby McFerrin’s most popular songs for a Celebration of Life service is “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” This song is based on the well-known Psalm 23 and is a soothing hymn that brings comfort and hope to those grieving.
This modern take on an old scripture opens with the line “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” which speaks of the comfort and confidence of placing our trust in God. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, conveying the message of hope and peace that is so important during a celebration of life service.
As the song progresses, the choir’s voices grow more robust, conveying hope and comfort to all gathered to remember their loved one. The song’s final lines sum up its central message: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
It IS a Wonderful World
Sometimes the pain of loss can make us forget that we live in a world full of hope and beauty, even amidst our struggles. When we’re in the valley without light, we often forget there was ever a sunny mountaintop.
Funeral goers are especially in need of remembering the good times with others. Celebration of Life songs can bring a loving and hopeful perspective to an otherwise dreary event. Choosing a happy funeral song to mix in with the more heartfelt songs can make any traditional funeral service feel more uplifting.
The right music can express what a special person you’ve lost. No one can say that life is easy or we don’t face pain and sorrow. However, finding what we can be grateful for, even amid pain, can help us cope with daily life after a death in the family.
We Can Help
We understand the importance of celebrating life at Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory. Our experienced and caring staff take special care to ensure that a Celebration of Life service reflects the spirit and personality of your loved one perfectly.
We believe that creating the perfect tribute for a loved one is essential to honoring their memory. And we are proud to offer our creative expertise in helping you create the perfect celebration of life service.
We offer a wide range of services, including pre-plan funeral services, a cremation tribute center, music selection assistance, and more. Please call us today to learn more about how we can help you make plans and gather with your family to celebrate a loved one.
