A celebration of life is a time to remember, reflect and share. Though losing someone can be a sad time, there are opportunities for 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 your loved one, you may want to turn to your special person’s favourite songs.
There are no rules for what music to choose, and every family who plans with us gets the opportunity to personalize their loved one’s celebration of life with music. Families are often surprised to learn that almost any song can be played during a service. You can select any music that’s meaningful to your family and your loved one, regardless of whether it’s commonly associated with memorial services.
A traditional funeral may have funeral hymns and somber songs, but a celebration of life may include your loved one’s favourite genre or artists, whether that’s uplifting pop, power ballads or old-school R&B.
To discover which songs to play at your loved one’s celebration of life, ask yourself a few questions:
- What music did your loved one often listen to while driving or in a car?
- What songs or types of music did your loved one listen to while relaxing or doing hobbies?
- Is there a certain song that makes you instantly think of your loved one?
- What song captures how you feel about your loved one?
- What song speaks to how you feel about your loved one passing?
Plan every detail
Let Imagine: A Memorial Inspiration Guide inspire your perfect service.
Your answers may provide all the guidance you need. But if you still want inspiration, here are some top celebration of life songs for building a perfect playlist.
Top funeral songs
Top memorial service songs
Inspirational celebration of life songs
Lighthearted celebration of life songs
Christian songs for celebration of life
Celebration of life songs for dads
Celebration of life songs for moms
More celebration of life songs
Top funeral songs
A frequently 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. “Angel,” by Sarah McLachlan
3. “Ave Maria,” by Franz Schubert or Josh Groban
4. “Believe,” by Brooks & Dunn
5. “Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts
6. “Blessed Assurance,” by Alan Jackson
7. “Can the Circle Be Unbroken,” by The Carter Family
8. “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” by Vince Gill
9. “Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You,” by Darin and Brooke Aldridge
10. “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” by Steve Wariner
11. “Home,” by Chris Tomlin
12. “How Great Thou Art,” by Carrie Underwood
13. “I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe
14. “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You,” by Alan Jackson
15. “I Will Rise,” By Chris Tomlin
16. “In the Garden,” by Alan Jackson
17. “It's True,” by Ivan Parker
18. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” Louis Armstrong & Mahalia Jackson
19. “Just as I Am,” by Kristin Chenoweth
20. “On Eagle's Wings,” by Michael Joncas
21. “Peace in the Valley,” by Elvis Presley
22. “Precious Memories,” by Jim Reeves
23. “Sweet Beulah Land,” by Squire Parsons
24. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” by Johnny Cash
25. “The Old Rugged Cross,” by Alan Jackson
26. “Well Done,” by The Afters
27. “You Raise Me Up,” by Josh Groban
Top memorial service songs
For a more secular service, or a funeral that mixes traditional and contemporary elements, you can choose from a wide range of musical eras and genres. When choosing songs by which 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. They will probably do the same for you.
A few popular options 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,” by Trace Adkins
9. “For Sentimental Reasons,” by Ella Fitzgerald & The Delta Rhythm Boys
10. “Free Bird,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
11. “Go Light Your World,” by Chris Rice
12. “Goodbye My Friend,” Linda Ronstadt
13. “Here Without You,” by Three Doors Down
14. “Home,” by Michael Bublé
15. “I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston
16. “I Won't Let Go,” by Rascal Flatts
17. “I'll Be Missing You,” by Puff Daddy, feat. Faith Evans & 112
18. “I'll Fly Away,” by Johnny Cash
19. “Into the Mystic,” by Van Morrison
20. “Let It Be,” by The Beatles
21. “Memories,” by Maroon 5
22. “More Than Words,” by Extreme
23. “My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion
24. “My Sweet Lord,” by George Harrison
25. “My Way,” by Frank Sinatra
26. “No Hard Feelings,” by The Avett Brothers
27. “Nobody Knows Me,” by Lyle Lovett
28. “One Last Cry,” by Brian McKnight
29. “One More Day,” by Diamond Rio
30. “Over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
31. “See You Again,” by Carrie Underwood
32. “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” by John Denver
33. “Suppertime,” by Joey+Rory
34. “Tears in Heaven,” by Eric Clapton
35. “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season),” by The Byrds
36. “Unforgettable,” by Natalie Cole (duet with Nat King Cole)
37. “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong
38. “When I Get Where I'm Going,” Brad Paisley, feat. Dolly Parton
39. “Wind Beneath My Wings,” by Bette Midler
Inspirational celebration of life songs
Lift guests’ spirits with songs about a life well lived. Canadian musician Tom Cochrane's “Life Is a Highway” is a pep talk with a beat, a reminder that the human experience is a beautiful universal journey. Powerhouse ballads from Celine Dion and Mariah Carey remind guests to take on the world while they can.
A few uplifting ideas:
1. “Closer to Fine,” by Indigo Girls
2. “Drops of Jupiter,” by Train
3. “Firework,” by Katy Perry
4. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” by Green Day
5. “Greatest of These,” by Hillsong United
6. “Have a Little Faith in Me,” by John Hiatt
7. “Heaven Was Needing a Hero,” by Jo Dee Messina
8. “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack
9. “In My Life,” by The Beatles
10. “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac
11. “Lean on Me,” by Bill Withers
12. “Life,” by Hillsong United
13. “Live Forever,” by Oasis
14. “One Sweet Day,” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
15. “Remember Me This Way,” by Jordan Hill
16. “Right Here Waiting,” by Richard Marx
17. “Stand by Me,” by Ben E. King
18. “The Best,” by Tina Turner
19. “The End of the End,” by Paul McCartney
20. “There You'll Be,” by Faith Hill
21. “Wild Horses,” by The Rolling Stones
22. “Yesterday,” by The Beatles
Lighthearted celebration of life songs
A moment of levity allows friends and family to relax, share a laugh and feel your loved one’s vibrant personality. A break from the seriousness of the day may be just what's needed.
Get a bit irreverent with these choices:
1. “A Thousand Miles,” by Vanessa Carlton
2. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” by Monty Python
3. “American Pie,” by Don McLean
4. “Another One Bites the Dust,” by Queen
5. “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” by Bobby McFerrin
6. “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds
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
11. “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life,” by Jennifer Warns and Bill Medley
12. “Only the Good Die Young,” by Billy Joel
13. “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” by Willie Nelson
14. “Spirit in the Sky,” by Norman Greenbaum
Christian songs for a celebration of life
The comfort offered by one’s faith is never-ending. If your loved one was a devout Christian, consider choosing songs with lyrics and music that reflect and honour the trust they placed in God.
Celebrate their faith with songs that highlight holy themes:
1. “Dancing in the Sky,” by Dani and Lizzy
2. “Footprints in the Sand,” by Leona Lewis
3. “Hallelujah,” by Pentatonix
4. “Heaven Song,” by Phil Wickham
5. “Heaven’s Garden,” by Kieran Brennan
6. “Heaven’s Now My Home,” by Libby Allen
7. “I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe
8. “It Is Not Death To Die,” by Sovereign Grace
9. “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me,” by The Doobie Brothers
10. “Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There,” by Jennifer Hudson
11. “Marvelous,” by Walter Hudson
12. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” by Hillsong United
13. “Scars in Heaven,” by Casting Crowns
14. “The Battle Is the Lord’s,” by Yolanda Adams
15. “The Garden,” by Kari Jobe
16. “When We All Get to Heaven,” by Richard Smallwood
Celebration of life songs for dads
Do you look back fondly on your wedding day dance with Dad? Do your father’s small-town roots make you smile? Think about the concerts he attended, his record collection and whether he had a favourite band; use those to inform a playlist for his celebration of life.
Popular selections for dads:
1. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” by Willie Nelson
2. “Comin’ Home,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
3. “Dance With My Father,” by Luther Vandross
4. “Father & Son,” by Yusuf and Cat Stevens
5. “Fathers & Daughters,” by Michael Bolton
6. “Fire and Rain,” by James Taylor
7. “Forever Young,” by Rod Stewart
8. “Georgia on My Mind,” by Ray Charles
9. “Hallelujah,” by Jeff Buckley
10. “He Was a Friend of Mine,” by Bob Dylan
11. “Hero,” by Mariah Carey
12. “Hymn for My Father,” by Collective Soul
13. “I’ll See You Again,” by Frank Sinatra
14. “I’m a Country Boy,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
15. “Lead Me Father,” by Johnny Cash
16. “Lover Man,” by Charlie Parker
17. “My Father’s Eyes,” by Eric Clapton
18. “Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
19. “Song for Dad,” by Keith Urban
20. “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver
21. “The Dance,” by Garth Brooks
Celebration of life songs for moms
Strength, perseverance, tenderness—all qualities that describe her. But she loved to have fun, too. When you play her favourite hit, you may be able to picture her dancing a silly dance or belting it out at karaoke.
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 The 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
11. “Just the Way You Are,” by Billy Joel
12. “Mama,” by Il Divo
13. “Mama’s Song,” by Carrie Underwood
14. “Mom,” by Meghan Trainor
15. “My Girl,” by The Temptations
16. “She’s Always a Woman,” by Billy Joel
17. “The Perfect Fan,” by Backstreet Boys
18. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” by Stevie Wonder
19. “You Are So Beautiful,” by Billie Preston
20. “You Can Finally Meet My Mom,” by Train
More celebration of life songs
A celebration of life gives family and friends the opportunity to remember the unique life of a loved one. Great song choices will include those with lyrics that reflect the impact of their legacy on those they’ve left behind.
A selection of songs about life, love and warm remembrance that fit any celebration:
1. “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay
2. “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” by The Verve
3. “Free as a Bird,” by The Beatles
4. “I Will Wait,” by Mumford & Sons
5. “I’ll Be Missing You,” by Puff Daddy, feat. Faith Evans and 112
6. “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die,” by Frank Sinatra
7. “Halo,” by Beyoncé
8. “How Great Thou Art,” by Alan Jackson
9. “Kind and Generous,” by Natalie Merchant
10. “One,” by U2
11. “See You Again,” by Wiz Khalifa, feat. Charlie Puth
12. “Shower the People,” by James Taylor
13. “Song for Guy,” by Elton John
14. “Soulshine,” by The Allman Brothers Band
15. “Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin
16. “Take It Easy,” by Eagles
17. “Terry’s Song,” by Bruce Springsteen
18. “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” by Gladys Knight & the Pips
Plan an unforgettable tribute
Whether you’re planning a funeral, memorial or celebration of life for a loved one or pre-planning for yourself, we’re here to guide you. Dignity Memorial planners believe each service should be as unique as the person it honours. We take the time to personalize final arrangements to celebrate each life like no other.
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