Funeral soundtrack: Top 15 funeral songs to say goodbye

We know what you’re thinking: creating a funeral playlist feels a tad morbid, right?

While we hope you won’t need it anytime soon, planning ahead can help make things easier for your loved ones after you’re gone. As it turns out, many of your fellow Canadians haven’t considered what songs they’d like played at their funeral either.

According to Greenstone’s An Ounce of Prevention Report, 70% of Canadians have never considered what music they want to be remembered by. Plus, 74% of respondents said they don’t have a funeral playlist ready in case of the unexpected.

Whether you’re planning your own funeral soundtrack or selecting funeral songs for your loved ones, we want to make things a little bit easier during a difficult and emotional time. Keep reading to discover the most popular song choices from your fellow Canadians.

Canadians' top 15 music selections for funerals

Music can be a powerful tool to connect with others and relive shared memories. While every funeral soundtrack should be unique to your loved one, it can help to learn what songs other Canadians are choosing to play at their funeral.

Many of the respondents surveyed in Greenstone’s An Ounce of Prevention Report shared that “Amazing Grace” would be on their funeral songs list—performed by a range of different artists from Elvis Presley to the Dropkick Murphys.

To help you curate a meaningful playlist, consider Canada’s favourite funeral songs, from classic funeral songs for an older generation to contemporary funeral songs.

Classical funeral songs

Celebrating the life of a partner, friend or loved one is never easy and can bring up a whole range of emotions. When in doubt, curating a playlist of classical funeral songs can help to create a reflective atmosphere to mourn the passing of someone special in your life.

According to those surveyed, these are the top three classical funeral songs to consider:

• “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven: Dating back to the early 1800s, Beethoven composed this masterpiece during a challenging time in his own life—losing his hearing. Even while slowly going deaf, Beethoven was able to compose an incredible piece of music that continues to resonate with people around the world today.
• “Fourth Symphony” by Gustav Mahler: Following a three-year break from writing music, Mahler composed his Fourth Symphony at a lakeside resort in Austria during the summer. The result is a piece of music that’s said to capture a child’s vision of heaven and the afterlife, with angelic tones and a celebratory ambience.
• “Requiem” by Mozart: Written by Mozart in the final weeks of his own life, this piece of music feels reflective of its name (requiem, also known as a mass for someone who has passed) and is a fitting tribute to honouring the life of a loved one.

Sad and emotional funeral songs

Funerals and end-of-life celebrations are an emotional occasion. It’s a chance for families and friends to come together, remember the years gone by and bond over memories made.

For a particularly poignant moment, consider picking a song by your loved one’s favourite artist to celebrate their life. Alternatively, these emotional funeral songs could set the right tone:

• “My Way”, which was adapted from a French song by Ottawa-born Paul Anka, and popularized by Frank Sinatra.
• “Hallelujah”, written by Canadian Leonard Cohen and covered by more than 300 different artists.
• “What A Wonderful World”, first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released in 1967.
• “Knocking On Heaven’s Door”, particularly the Guns N’ Roses and Eric Clapton cover versions of the Bob Dylan original.
• “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, offer a poignant reflection on the complexities of human connection, loss and absence.
• "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton, a moving tribute to Clapton’s four-year-old son Conor, who tragically died after falling from the window of a New York City apartment.
• "Angels" by Robbie Williams , captures a passionate, emotional tone while exploring reflective themes of life, love and loss.

Lighthearted, contemporary funeral songs

While funerals are traditionally somber occasions, celebrating the life of a loved one can also be a joyful occasion. These unconventional contemporary songs can bring moments of joy and nostalgia while honouring a loved one’s life.

• “Stairway To Heaven”, a classic rock staple written and performed by Led Zeppelin.
• “Don’t Stop Me Now” or “We Are The Champions” by the legendary rock band Queen, with lyrics that explore themes of life and loss.
• “Your Song” or “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John are two iconic songs that have proved popular choices for their reflections on romantic love.
• “Highway To Hell” by AC/DC is an off-beat choice that’s perfect for loved ones with a strong connection to the rock band AC/DC.
• "Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright" by Bob Marley is a hopeful tribute to a loved one that can help to lighten the mood and offer a sense of optimism.

How to decide on the right song

The best funeral soundtracks are personalized to suit the person you’re celebrating. If you’re unsure what funeral songs to include, consider:

• Your loved one’s taste in music: What records, albums or artists did they play on repeat? Think about including the songs or tracks that jump to mind when you think about them.
• Including a mix of classic and contemporary tracks: Funerals are serious occasions, but these services are also a celebration of your loved one’s life. Consider offering a mix of both emotional and upbeat tracks to create a sincere, welcoming funeral atmosphere.
• The style of funeral you’re organizing: More relaxed outdoor ceremonies may benefit from an upbeat soundtrack, while formal church funerals might be better suited to a playlist of classical funeral songs—including your loved one’s favourite artists, of course.

Struggling to talk about death and dying with your loved ones? Dive into our practical end-of-life conversations guide.

Taking the stress out of arranging a funeral

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to select what songs to play at a funeral. If you’re planning an end-of-life celebration for a loved one, think about what kind of music they liked to listen to and curate a soundtrack that feels authentic to their preferences.

If you’re looking to prepare for your own funeral, planning for your final wishes can be a smart thing to do. Find out how North Cover Final Expenses Insurance can help.