Memorial songs for a service or celebration of life
24 songs · Updated 4 October 2026
Choosing music for a memorial is one of the few parts of a service that can sound like the person. If you are doing it now, we are sorry for your loss, and we hope this makes the choice a little easier.
The songs are grouped by the kind of gathering and the part of it they usually fill: hymns, songs about loss, songs for someone gone too soon, and lighter songs for a celebration of life. They work for a parent, a partner, a friend or a grandparent. If you are planning a service for your mother, we also have a list just for that.
Hymns and songs of faith
For a church service, or a family where faith mattered.
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For reflection or a tribute slideshow
Slow and steady. A four-minute song holds about fifty photos.
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A song about their life
Some families ask for a song written about the person: where they grew up, what they loved, the things they always said. If that would help, TunedForYou can write one from what you tell us. It can be played at the service, at a memorial later, or kept for the family.
You tell us about them, we write and sing it, and you hear a preview before you decide.
For someone who died too young
For a child, a teenager, a young parent or a friend.
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For a celebration of life
Lighter songs for a gathering that remembers the joy as well as the loss, and for leaving the service.
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A few practical things
Check what the venue allows
Some churches only allow hymns during the service itself; secular songs may be fine at the start, the end or the gathering afterwards. The celebrant or funeral director will know.
Two or three songs is enough
A typical service has room for one song as people come in, one for reflection or a slideshow, and one to leave to.
Ask the people who knew them best
Friends often remember the song they always put on at parties. Family remembers the one from the car. Ask both.
Have someone else press play
Send the files to the venue ahead, bring a copy on a USB stick, and give the job of starting the music to someone who is not giving a eulogy.
Questions people ask
What songs are played at a memorial service?
Hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "Abide with Me" for a church service. "Hallelujah", "Tears in Heaven" and "Time to Say Goodbye" are common for reflection, and "My Way" or "The Dance" are often played at the end.
What is a good song for a celebration of life?
"My Way" by Frank Sinatra, "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw and "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum. For someone with a sense of humour, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".
What is a good memorial song for a young person?
"If I Die Young" by The Band Perry, "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and "Dancing in the Sky" by Dani and Lizzy are often chosen.
What song is good for a memorial slideshow?
Something slow and steady: "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran, "One Sweet Day" or "Tears in Heaven". Allow around five seconds per photo.
Can a song be written about someone who has died?
Yes. Families share stories with TunedForYou and we write a song about the person's life, with their name in it. It can be ready for a service or made later for an anniversary.
More song lists
Looking for a song written just for them? Songs written for grandparents · Songs written for Mom
We are sorry for your loss. If a song about her would help, whether for the service or later, we are here: tell us about her.