When someone we love passes away, it feels like a part of us dies too. Our world turns upside down, and we are left reeling with shock, sadness, and grief. One way to find help through this challenging time is by honoring our loved one’s life with music. Music can speak to our hearts in a way that nothing else can, and often we have favorite memories involving songs or poems.
A funeral allows friends and family to come together and remember their loved one’s life. One of the important ways to remember someone at a funeral is through music. Songs can evoke powerful memories and emotions that help us process our grief.
If your Dad has just passed away, you want meaningful and memorable tributes to celebrate his life. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for music to soothe and heal yourself and your loved ones. Let’s look at 25 of the best funeral songs for Dad so you can pick the perfect tribute to a lifetime of love.
Best Funeral Songs for Dad
1- What a Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World
“I see skies of blue And clouds of white, The bright blessed day, The dark sacred night. And I think to myself, What a wonderful world.”
“What a Wonderful World” is a classic song by Louis Armstrong from 1967. It quickly became one of his signature songs.
The lyrics express gratitude for the simple things in life, and the song’s simple tune is a good choice for a funeral anthem. This song is a beautiful way to remember Dad because it celebrates the life and reminds us of everything we have to be thankful for.
2- Tears In Heaven: Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven (Official Video)
“Would you know my name If I saw you in heaven? Will it be the same if I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on ’cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven.”
“Tears in Heaven” is a classic rock song with a pleasing melody by Eric Clapton about the death of his son. The song is full of sadness and grief but also contains a message of hope honoring the memory of a life that was tragically cut short. You may feel more hope for the future and the chance to see your loved ones again after listening.
3- I’ll Be Missing You: Puff Daddy and Faith Evans ft 112
Puff Daddy and Faith Evans Feat. 112 – I’ll Be Missing You (Official Video)
“Every step I take, every move I make. Every breath I take, I’ll be missing you. Missing you… Yeah”
“I’ll Be Missing You” is a touching song by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans, featuring 112, written in tribute to rapper Notorious B.I.G. (killed in 1997). This song is a heart-wrenching funeral song that speaks to the pain of loss and the hope of reunion.
4- Because You Loved Me: Celine Dion
“You were my strength when I was weak, you were my voice when I couldn’t speak, you were my eyes when I couldn’t see, you saw the best there was in me. Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach, You gave me faith ’cause you believed. I’m everything I am because you loved me.”
“Because You Loved Me” is one of the great songs of the 1990s. You can interpret it as about the love and gratitude you feel for your Dad’s life and how he raised you. With its soothing feel, this song is the ideal funeral song because it celebrates how one person can make a difference in your life!
5- Wish You Were Here: Pink Floyd
“How I wish, how I wish you were here. We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,Running over the same old ground. What have we found? The same old fears. WIsh you were here.”
“Wish You Were Here” is a song about loss and longing. The lyrics express the speaker’s desire to be with someone they love who is no longer with them. This powerful song with contemplative lyrics captures the sadness and loss we feel when we lose a loved one.
6- Broken Halos: Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton – Broken Halos (Official Audio)
“All of us have a broken halo. Everyone’s got a story of their own. We’re all just walking wounded waiting for a better day.”
“Broken Halos” is about the trials and tribulations we all face in life. The deeply personal lyrics remind us that everyone has a story and we are all just trying to make it through. This song offers a message of hope and unity.
7- You Should Be Here: Cole Swindell
Cole Swindell – You Should Be Here (Official Music Video)
“You should be here, standing with your arm around me here. Cutting up, cracking a cold beer
“Saying cheers, hey y’all it’s sure been a good year. It’s one of those moments that’s got your name written all over it. And you know that if I had just one wish it’d be that you didn’t have to miss this. You should be here.”
“You Should Be Here” is a self-explanatory funeral song choice, reminding us that dad’s memory now holds loss. The lyrics express the speaker’s grief at not being able to share a special moment with someone they love.
8- Gone Tomorrow (Here Today): Keith Urban
Keith Urban – Gone Tomorrow Here Today (Official Audio)
“It’s Gone tomorrow, here today, I ain’t gonna waste it, Ain’t gonna waste it. No. it’s gone tomorrow But it’s here today… And I wanna believe that there’s something more, Another level to the dream, right through the door. But right now’s for real and it’s fading fast, Better live ’cause we’re never gonna get it back, It’s gone tomorrow, here today…I won’t let it slip away.”
“Gone Tomorrow (Here Today)” is a song with contemplative lyrics about living in the moment. The lyrics encourage us not to take life for granted and to make the most of every day. It reminds us that life is precious and we should cherish every moment.
9- Dance with My Father: Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father
“If I could get another chance, Another walk, another dance with him. I’d play a song that would never ever end. How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again.”
“Dance with My Father” is a song about loving to spend time with a father and wishing for that time back. The lyrics express the speaker’s desire to dance with their father again. You can almost feel the pain of loss listening to this song.
10- Last Night When We Were Young: Frank Sinatra
“Last night when we were young, Love was a star, a song unsung. Life was so new, so real, so right, Ages ago last night. Today the world is old. You flew away and time grew cold. Where is that star that shone so bright? Ages ago last night?”
“Last Night When We Were Young” is a song about nostalgia and how quickly time passes us by. The lyrics express the speaker’s longing for a time when things were new, and life was full of possibility. We can see how life is so precious by listening to this song.
11- Hero: Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey – Hero (Official HD Video)
“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.”
“Hero” is a song by Mariah Carey about gaining hope and strength from a personal hero. The lyrics encourage the listener to find the strength to carry on, even when things are tough. This funeral song is perfect for those who are grieving because it offers a message of hope and resilience.
12- I Drive Your Truck: Lee Brice
Lee Brice – I Drive Your Truck (Official Music Video)
“And mamma asked me this mornin’ If I’d been by your grave. But that flag of stone ain’t where I feel you anyway. I drive your truck. I roll every window down And I burn up every back road in this town. I find a field, I tear it up ‘Till all the pain’s a cloud of dust. Yes, sometimes, I drive your truck”
“I Drive Your Truck” is a song by Lee Brice about grief and loss. The lyrics express the speaker’s love and longing for a lost loved one and how he copes by driving his Dad’s old truck and remembering.
13- Go Rest High: Vince Gill
Vince Gill – Go Rest High On That Mountain (Official Music Video)
“Oh, how we cried the day you left us. We gathered ’round your grave to grieve. Wish I could see the angels faces When they hear your sweet voice sing. Go rest high on that mountain. Son your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.”
This popular funeral song by Vince Gill is about the love and longing we feel for a lost loved one. This beautiful song brings hope and strength to those grieving and looking for music for Dad’s funeral.
14- Love without End Amen: George Strait
George Strait- A love without end, amen
“Let me tell you a secret about a father’s love. A secret that my daddy said was just between us. He said daddies don’t just love their children every now and then. It’s a love without end, amen.”
“Love without End, Amen” is one of the most-played country songs by George Strait about a father’s love. The lyrics express how a father can love you unconditionally. This is the perfect song for those grieving a close relationship with their late father. It captures the feeling of a cycle of love passing from a Father on to the next generations.
15- There You’ll Be: Faith Hill
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill (Lyric)
“Well, you showed me how it feels To feel the sky within my reach. And I always will remember all the strength you gave to me. Your love made me make it through, Oh, I owe so much to you. You were right there for me. In my dreams, I’ll always see you soar above the sky. In my heart, there’ll always be a place for you for all my life. I’ll keep a part of you with me And everywhere I am, there you’ll be”
“There You’ll Be” is a song with deeply emotional lyrics by Faith Hill. You can understand the lyrics as expressing the speaker’s love and how they will never forget what their Dad did for them. The singer understands how much their Father’s love made a difference in their life!
16- Forever Young: Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart – Forever Young (Official Video)
“May the good Lord be with you, Down every road you roam and may sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home. And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true, And do unto others as you’d have done to you. Be courageous and be brave and in my heart you’ll always stay forever young, forever young.”
“Forever Young” is a popular song by Rod Stewart with a steady rhythm expressing the speaker’s love for a faraway loved one. It could almost be like a song your Dad would sing over you now.
17- Butterfly Kisses: Bob Carlisle
Bob Carlisle – Butterfly Kisses
“There’s two things I know for sure, She was sent here from heaven and she’s daddy’s little girl. As I drop to my knees by her bed at night, She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes. And I thank God for all of the joy in my life, Oh, but most of all For butterfly kisses.”
“Butterfly Kisses” lyrics express the speaker’s love for his daughter and how she is the light of his life. It focuses on the Dad’s best memories of his daughter. And as a daughter mourning a Dad, it might help you remember how special your Dad thought you were!
18- I Hope You Dance: Lee Ann Womack
Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)
“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder, You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger, May you never take one single breath for granted, God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed, I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean, Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens, Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, Dance.”
“I Hope You Dance” is about living life to the fullest. The lyrics express the speaker’s hope that the person they love will never lose their sense of wonder and keep moving forward even when times are tough. This song captures the feeling of hope and love you have when you think about a life lived well!
19- You Raise Me Up: Josh Groban
Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up **Lyrics** [HD]
“When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary; When troubles come and my heart burdened be; Then, I am still and wait here in the silence, Until you come and sit awhile with me.You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up to walk on stormy seas; I am strong when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up to more than I could be.”
“You Raise Me Up” is about the speaker’s love for a lost loved one and how they will always remember them. This is a perfect classic-sounding funeral song for those grieving the loss of their father.
20- Wind Beneath My Wings: Bette Midler
Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings (Official Music Video)
“It might have appeared to go unnoticed, But I’ve got it all here in my heart, I want you to know I know the truth, I would be nothing without you.”
“Wind Beneath My Wings” is one of the more popular songs from the 1990s. It’s a deeply personal track where the singer expresses how they would be nothing without their loved one. This is a great song to capture feelings of love and appreciation for your Father.
21- Daddy’s Hands: Holly Dunn
“Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was crying, Daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong, Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle, But I’ve come to understand, There was always love in Daddy’s hands.”
“Daddy’s Hands” is a song about the speaker’s memories of their Dad. The lyrics express the speaker’s love and how they understand that even when his hands were hard, there was always love in their Father’s hands.
22- My Little Girl: Tim McGraw
Tim Mcgraw – My little Girl (Official Music Video)
“I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink, so soft and warm. You’ve had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born. You’re a beautiful, baby, from the outside in. Chase your dreams, but always know the road that’ll lead you home again. Go on, take on this whole world, but to me you know you’ll always be my little girl.”
“My Little Girl” is about the singer’s love for his daughter and how she always was and always will be the light of his life.
23- He Didn’t Have to Be: Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley – He Didn’t Have To Be (Official Video)
“Looking through the glass, I think about the man that’s standing next to me and I hope I’m at least half the dad that he didn’t have to be. And looking back, all I can say about all the things he did for me is, I hope I’m at least half the dad that he didn’t have to be…Because he didn’t have to be. You know he didn’t have to be”
“He Didn’t Have To Be” is a tribute to a stepfather who chose to be his stepson’s real and faithful father. The lyrics express the speaker’s appreciation for the stepdad’s care and concern and how it has made him a better person.
24- Unforgettable: by Nat King Cole
“Unforgettable, that’s what you are. Unforgettable though near or far. Like a song of love that clings to me, how the thought of you does things to me. Never before has someone been more unforgettable.”
“Unforgettable” is a song by Nat King Cole. After his death, his daughter, Natalie Cole, added in her own voice to make it a duet. The lyrics express the singer’s love and explain how they are unforgettable. This song can help you remember an unforgettable father and how much he meant to you.
25- Living Years: by Mike and The Mechanics
Mike + The Mechanics – The Living Years (Official Video)
“I wasn’t there that morning, When my Father passed away. I didn’t get to tell him All the things I had to say. I think I caught his spirit Later that same year. I’m sure I heard his echo In my baby’s newborn tears. I just wish I could have told him in the living years.”
“Living Years” is a song sung by a son who regrets not being able to say goodbye to his father before he passed away. The lyrics express the speaker’s regret and how he feels like his father’s spirit is with him.
Funeral Songs for Dad
There are many songs out there that capture the feeling of love and loss when looking for songs for Dad.
When it comes to the main male role model in your life, picking funeral songs may feel like a daunting task. But with the songs above and more out there, the perfect songs for Dad are only a click away.
A Father’s funeral song may feel difficult to select. However, if you imagine what your Dad would want to hear, you’ll pick the perfect songs to celebrate his life!
We Can Help
At Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory in Raleigh, North Carolina, our funeral directors can help you and your family through this tough time. If you’re worried about preparing for your Dad’s funeral, we can help you pick funeral music, plan for his funeral or memorial, and even handle details such as cremation or burial plans. We understand that losing a loved one is hard, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Give us a call today, and let us help you plan the perfect funeral or memorial for your Dad.
