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Funeral songs for Mom

30 songs · Updated 27 September 2026

If you are here, you are probably planning a service for your mom while still taking in that she is gone. We are sorry. This page is meant to make one small part of it a little easier.

The songs are grouped by the part of the service they usually fill. Some are hymns, some are songs she might have sung along to in the car. There is no right answer: the best choice is usually the one that sounds like her.

Entrance and processional

Played as people take their seats or as she is brought in. Calm, steady and not too long.

  1. 1

    Ave Maria — Andrea Bocelli

    Schubert’s setting, sung simply. Right for a church service or a mom of faith.

  2. 2

    Time to Say Goodbye — Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli, 1996

    Grand but gentle. Often chosen when the family walks in behind the coffin.

  3. 3

    Amazing Grace — Judy Collins, 1970

    A clear, unhurried voice that lets the room settle.

  4. 4

    Morning Has Broken — Cat Stevens, 1971

    A hymn that feels like daylight. Good for a mom who loved mornings or gardens.

  5. 5

    Fields of Gold — Eva Cassidy

    Quiet and warm. Works as people arrive and find their seats.

  6. 6

    Unforgettable — Nat King Cole, 1951

    For a mom of that generation. Soft enough to talk over, lovely if people listen.

Reflection and slideshow

For the moment people look at her photographs or sit quietly after the eulogy.

  1. 7

    Supermarket Flowers — Ed Sheeran, 2017

    Written after his grandmother died, from inside the family’s grief. Many people choose it for a mother.

  2. 8

    Over the Rainbow — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

    Ukulele and a gentle voice. It lets people smile at the photos as well as cry.

  3. 9

    Wind Beneath My Wings — Bette Midler, 1988

    For the mom who carried everyone else. Leave space after it.

  4. 10

    Because You Loved Me — Celine Dion, 1996

    A thank-you, sung plainly. Suits a slideshow from childhood to now.

  5. 11

    Angel — Sarah McLachlan, 1997

    Piano and a hushed voice. One of the most requested songs at services.

  6. 12

    I Will Remember You — Sarah McLachlan, 1995

    About carrying someone with you. Gentle under photographs.

  7. 13

    Tears in Heaven — Eric Clapton, 1992

    Written from real loss, and quiet enough for a small room.

  8. 14

    Dancing in the Sky — Dani and Lizzy, 2012

    Two sisters singing about someone they lost. Often played at services for a mother.

  9. 15

    Who You’d Be Today — Kenny Chesney, 2005

    About wondering what the years would have held. For a mom taken too early.

  10. 16

    The Dance — Garth Brooks, 1990

    About being glad for the time you had, even knowing how it ends.

  11. 17

    In My Life — The Beatles, 1965

    Short and fond. A good choice if the family wants something less heavy.

  12. 18

    What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong, 1967

    For the mom who noticed the small good things. Many families end the slideshow with it.

A song about her life

Some families ask for a song written about her life: where she grew up, the people she loved, the things she always said. If that would help, TunedForYou can write one from what you tell us. There is no rush, and it can be played at the service, at a memorial later, or kept just for the family.

Tell us about her

You tell us about them, we write and sing it, and you hear a preview before you decide.

Hymns and songs of faith

Recordings of well-loved hymns, if you would rather play one than sing it.

  1. 19

    How Great Thou Art — Elvis Presley, 1967

    A hymn many older mothers knew by heart, in a recording they may have owned.

  2. 20

    In the Garden — Alan Jackson, 2006

    Plain country gospel. Suits a mom who loved her church and her garden.

  3. 21

    Precious Memories — Alan Jackson, 2006

    A gentle old hymn about remembering. Good before or after the eulogy.

  4. 22

    I’ll Fly Away — Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch, 2000

    Bluegrass and hopeful. Lets a service lift a little.

  5. 23

    Go Rest High on That Mountain — Vince Gill, 1995

    Written after a loss in his own family. A country-church staple.

  6. 24

    I Can Only Imagine — MercyMe, 2001

    For a mom whose faith was a big part of her. Builds slowly.

Leaving the service

The last song, as people walk out. It is often fine for this one to be a little brighter.

  1. 25

    Bridge over Troubled Water — Simon & Garfunkel, 1970

    About being there for someone. A steady song to leave the room to.

  2. 26

    You’ll Never Walk Alone — Gerry and the Pacemakers, 1963

    A reminder that the family has each other now.

  3. 27

    Here Comes the Sun — The Beatles, 1969

    For a mom who would want people to walk out into the light.

  4. 28

    Three Little Birds — Bob Marley & The Wailers, 1977

    Reassuring and light. Good if she was the one who always said it would be fine.

  5. 29

    Songbird — Eva Cassidy

    Tender and short. Works for a small family gathering after the service too.

  6. 30

    Smile — Nat King Cole, 1954

    Asks everyone to smile through it. Right for a mom who hated fuss.

A few practical things

Talk to the celebrant or funeral director first

Some churches only allow hymns or sacred music during the service itself; secular songs may be fine at the committal or the gathering afterwards. Ask what the venue can play and in what format.

Plan two or three songs, not more

A typical service has room for an entrance song, one song for reflection or a slideshow, and one to leave to. For a slideshow, around five seconds per photo means a four-minute song holds about fifty pictures.

Live or recorded

A friend singing live is beautiful but hard on the day. A recording is safer. If someone does sing, give them a backup track in case their voice goes.

Ask the family what she played

The song she sang while cooking can mean more than any list. Sisters, aunts and her friends often remember one nobody else thought of.

Bring the music on a USB stick and your phone

Venues differ. Send the files ahead, bring a copy, and ask who will press play so you do not have to.

Questions people ask

What is a good funeral song for a mother?

"Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler and "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan are among the most chosen. If she had a strong faith, "How Great Thou Art" or "Amazing Grace" are often right.

How many songs are played at a funeral?

Usually two or three: one as people come in, one during a reflection or slideshow, and one at the end. Check with the celebrant how much time the service allows.

Can we play non-religious songs at a church funeral?

It depends on the church. Many allow them at the start or end, or at the gathering afterwards, but not during the service itself. The minister or funeral director will know.

What song can be played for a slideshow at a mother’s funeral?

Something slow and steady: "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan or "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.

What is an uplifting song to end a funeral with?

"Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles, "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley and "I’ll Fly Away" are gentle ways to let people leave with some lightness.

Can a song be written about my mom for her memorial?

Yes. Some families share her story with TunedForYou and we write a song about her life. It can be ready in time for a service or made later for a memorial or anniversary.

More song lists

Looking for a song written just for them? Songs written for Mom · Mother’s Day songs

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.