?Top 100 Memorial Songs For Remembering Loved Ones + Lyric Quotes

Updated on November 21, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

Music accompanies all phases of life. Birth. Graduation. Marriage. Holidays. Death.

Music is power. It communicates with our souls — our very being. Where words fail, music takes the lead.

Here is a list of the best memorial songs to remember loved ones.

Why Have Memorial Songs at a Wedding?

Unfortunately, life is complicated. Yes, a wedding day is one of the most important days for a bride. She has been planning it since her childhood.

However, not every wedding is a fairytale wedding — at least not the Disney kind.

Though you may have wished your father could walk you down the aisle, sadly, he has passed. Maybe you dreamed your mother would help plan all of the wedding details.

More than we’d like, life is not what is expected and special people close to us pass away, whether it be a parent, sibling, special relative, or friend.

Memorial songs allow you to make room on your special day to celebrate the life and memories of your lost loved one.

 

 

Top 3 Father Memorial Songs

1. “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
2. “In the Living Years” by Mike & the Mechanics
3. “Thank You for Being My Dad” by Jon Barker

Top 3 Mother Memorial Songs

1. “Two Of Us” by Louis Tomlinson
2. “Bye Mom” by Chris Janson
3. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran

Top 3 Child Memorial Songs

1. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
2. “Heaven Bound Balloons” by Granger Smith
3. “Who’d You Be Today” by Kenny Chesney

Top 3 Friend Memorial Songs

1. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
2. “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan
3. “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton

Top 3 A Loved One Memorial Songs

1. “Sad Song” by We The Kings featuring Elena Coats
2. “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith
3. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

Top 3 Military Memorial Songs

1. “Arlington” by Trace Adkins 
2. “The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home” by Justin Moore
3. “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus

Listen to Memorial Songs

100 Memorial Songs To Play At Weddings

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique memorial songs for a special dedication.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected memorial songs that include many different eras and music styles.

Country Memorial Songs

Red Bird – HunterGirl
2022, Country

‘Cause I could use a redbird right now
One from the other side of the clouds
I’m feeling lost and empty
Letting me know that you’re still with me

Beat You There – Will Dempsey
2022, Country

And just hold on to those moments
And the memories we shared
We’re both headed for the same place anyway
I just beat you there

Bye Mom – Chris Janson
2021, Country

And that’s a special kind of love
And it’s only there for a lifetime, then it’s gone
And it’s bye mom

Liam’s Song – Tainted Lyric
2021, Country

Do you feel pain because I hurt the same
I’d give anything for one more day

Heaven Right Now – Thomas Rhett
2021, Country

If you and God get to hanging out
I look forward to catching up when my time comes around
I wonder what you’re doing in Heaven right now

Show Me Around – Carly Pearce
2020, Country

And we’ll get to spend forever talkin’ ’bout whatever
When I get there, promise you’ll track me down
And show me around

Knowing You – Kenny Chesney
2020, Country

Holdin’ my breath ’til the moment
When you were gonna leave me too soon
But I’d do it all over
‘Cause damn, it was good knowin’ you

Drowning – Chris Young
2019, Country

How you were taken way too soon
It ain’t the same here without you
I gotta say, missing you comes in waves
And tonight I’m drowning

The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost – Craig Morgan
2019, Country

Pour a cup of wake-me-up and try to rouse up some ambition
Go outside, sit by myself but I ain’t alone
I’ve got the Father, my son, and the Holy Ghost

Heaven Bound Balloons – Granger Smith
2019, Country

Sometimes I guess you gotta see it to believe it
‘Cause right then I knew those blue sky prayers were gettin’ through
When we let go of those heaven bound balloons

The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home – Justin Moore
2019, Country

But they sure left a hole down here
We just go on livin’ and go on missin’ the ones
The ones that didn’t make it back home

I’ll Carry You Home – Trisha Yearwood
2019, Country

But if you wander too far into the great unknown
You know I will find you, I’ll carry you home

Broken Halos – Chris Stapleton
2017, Country

Seen my share of broken halos
Folded wings that used to fly
They’ve all gone wherever they go

Forever Loving You – Tanya Tucker
2017, Country

I don’t know why it has to be this way but there’s nothing I can do
So I’ll go on living, forever loving you

Fishing in the Sky – Travis Smith
2017, Country

I know my dad is happy
I wouldn’t wish him here
Oh, how I miss him so

You Should Be Here – Cole Swindell
2016, Country

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

Drink A Beer – Luke Bryan
2013, Country

So long my friend, until we meet again
I’ll remember you

If Heaven Was Needing A Hero – Jo Dee Messina
2010, Country

You’re such a part of who I am
Now that part will just be void
No matter how much I need you now
Heaven needed you more

People Are Crazy – Billy Currington
2009, Country

And I drop by today
To just say thanks and pray
And I left a six-pack right there on his grave
And I said
God is great, beer is good
And people are crazy

Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song) – Toby Keith
2009, Country

I’m going to miss that smile
I’m going to miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up
Id do it all again

When I Get Where I’m Going – Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton
2005, Country

I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
Don’t cry for me down here

Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way – LeAnn Rimes
2005, Country

God gave me a moment’s grace
‘Cause if I never see your face
I probably wouldn’t be this way

Arlington – Trace Adkins
2005, Country

We can rest in peace, ’cause we are the chosen ones
We made it to Arlington, yeah dust to dust
Don’t cry for us, we made it to Arlington

Remember When – Alan Jackson
2003, Country

We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad
For all the life we’ve had
And we’ll remember when

I Miss My Friend – Darryl Worley
2002, Country

The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

Song For Dad – Keith Urban
2002, Country

And he did the best that he could
And I only hope when I have my own family
That every day I see a little more of my father in me

One More Day – Diamond Rio
2001, Country

I’d hold you every second
Say a million I love you’s
That’s what I’d do with one more day with you

Angels In Waiting – Tammy Cochran
2001, Country

They were angels in waiting
Waiting for wings to fly from this world
Away from their pain

Wish You Were Here – Mark Wills
1998, Country

The weather’s nice, it’s paradise
It’s summertime all year and there’s some folks we know
They say, “Hello, I miss you so, wish you were here”

Holes In The Floor Of Heaven – Steve Wariner
1998, Country

‘Cause there’s holes in the floor of Heaven
And her tears are pouring down
That’s how you know she’s watching
Wishing she could be here now

I Miss You A Little – John Michael Montgomery
1997, Country

I miss you a little, I guess you could say
A little too much, a little too often
A little more every day

Go Rest High On That Mountain – Vince Gill
1995, Country

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

If You Came Back From Heaven – Lorrie Morgan
1994, Country

Oh, if you came back from Heaven
Would it be like it was then
Could we just pick up where we left off
And try it all again

Angels Among Us – Alabama
1993, Country

I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love

Some Gave All – Billy Ray Cyrus
1992, Country

And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some Gave All

Indie Memorial Songs

One More I Love You – Alex Warren
2021, Indie

‘Cause there ain’t nothing in this world
Nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
To say one more I love you

Sad Song – We The Kings featuring Elena Coats
2013, Indie

Without you, I feel broke
Like I’m half of a whole
Without you, I’ve got no hand to hold

Rock Memorial Songs

Lifetime – Three Days Grace
2022, EXPLOSIONS

You were the one that I wasn’t supposed to lose
I thought I’d have you for a lifetime

Birds – Imagine Dragons
2018, Rock

Love will never die, die, die
I know that, ooh, birds fly in different directions
Ooh, I hope to see you again

Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
2015, Rock

And it’s not a cry, that you hear at night
It’s not somebody, who’s seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Coming Back Down – Hollywood Undead
2011, Rock

So I guess you had to leave
You were born with wings
But you were never happy
Til the angels sing

So Far Away – Avenged Sevenfold
2010, Rock

Now and then I try to find
A place in my mind
Where you can stay
You can stay away forever

Goodnight, Travel Well – The Killers
2008, Rock

There’s nothing I can say
There’s nothing we can do now
Goodnight, travel well

Go On – Jack Johnson
2008, Folk Rock

There’s still so many things
I wanna say to you
Just go on

Call Me – Shinedown
2008, Rock

I’ll always keep you inside
You healed my heart and my life
And you know I’ve tried

Tangled up in You – Staind
2008, Rock

In this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you

Through Glass – Stone Sour
2006, Rock

When no one ever tells you that forever feels like home
Sitting all alone inside your head
And it’s the stars
The stars that shine for you

Breathe No More – Evanescence
2005, Rock

Lie to me, convince me that I’ve been sick forever
And all of this will make sense when I get better

The Last Song – Foo Fighters
2005, Rock

This is the last song (This is the last song)
That I will dedicate to you
Made my peace and now I’m through
(This is the last song) That I will dedicate to you

In Loving Memory – Alter Bridge
2004, Rock

But now I come home and I miss your face
So smiling down on me
I close my eyes to see

When I Look To The Sky – Train
2004, Rock

‘Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you’re here with me
And you make everything alright

Keep Me In Your Heart – Warren Zevon
2003, Rock

When the winter comes
Keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you

An Original Man (A Song for Keith) – Yardbirds
2003, Rock

In many ways
People copy
Take and steal
But my friend he was for real

Last Kiss – Pearl Jam
1999, Rock

Oh, where oh where can my baby be?
The Lord took her away from me
She’s gone to heaven, so I got to be good
So I can see my baby when I leave this world

August 7, 4:15 – Jon Bon Jovi
1997, Rock

I know tonight that there’s an angel
Up on Heaven’s highest hill
And no one there can hurt you baby
No one ever will

Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
1992, Rock

Beyond the door
There’s peace, I’m sure
And I know there’ll be no more
Tears in heaven

100% – Sonic Youth
1992, Rock

A 100% of my love up to you true star
It’s hard to believe you took off, I always thought you’d go far

I’ll Be There – Escape Club
1991, Rock

Because I’m on your side
And I still care
I may have died
But I’ve gone nowhere
Just think of me
And I’ll be there

The Living Years – Mike + The Mechanics
1988, Rock

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

One Tree Hill – U2
1988, Rock

The moon is up
And over one tree hill
We see the sun go down
In your eyes

Afterimage – Rush
1984, Rock

I learned your love for life
I feel the way that you would
I feel your presence
I remember

Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
1975, Rock

What have we found?
The same old fears
Wish you were here

Pop Memorial Songs

Let Somebody Go (Piano Version) – Coldplay X Selena Gomez
2022, Pop

Now turn off all the stars, ’cause this I know
That it hurts like so
To let somebody go

Visiting Hours – Ed Sheeran
2021, Pop

I wish that Heaven had visiting hours
And I would ask them if I could take you home

Million Miles – Angelina Jordan
2020, Pop

He said I’m watching you from the moon
I’m everywhere, see everything you do
I can’t see you but I know your here
It’s like you’re in my tears

Not Far Away – Love Street Lovers
2020, Pop

Ev?n after you’re gone
Your smil? remains
Everyday

Glitter – Patrick Droney
2020, Pop

See grief, it’s just like glitter
It’s hard to brush away
Bright light and it still shimmers
Like it was yesterday

Two Of Us – Louis Tomlinson
2019, Pop

So I will keep you, day and night
Here until the day I die
I’ll be living one life for the two of us
I will be the best of me

Heaven’s Not Too Far – We Three
2018, Pop

But Heaven’s not too far away
I know someday you’ll visit
And I didn’t think it’d go this way
Can I please have one more minute?

Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
2017, Pop

You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go

Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
2016, Pop

I hope you’re dancing in the sky
And I hope you’re singing in the angel’s choir
And I hope the angels know what they have
I’ll bet it’s so nice up in Heaven since you arrived

If You Could See Me Now – The Script
2012, Pop

I’m tryna make you proud
Do everything you did
I hope you’re up there with God
Saying, “That’s my kid”

Gone Too Soon – Simple Plan
2011, Pop

You’re a part of me
And I’ll never be the same here without you
You were gone too soon
Shine on

Are You Here – Corinne Bailey Rae
2009, Pop

Are you here, are you here?
Are you here ’cause my heart
Recalls that it all seems the same

Bye Bye – Mariah Carey
2008, Pop

Still, I’d give the world to see your face
And be right here next to you
But it’s like you’ve gone too soon and the hardest thing to do is say bye

Wonderful Life – Gwen Stefani
2006, Pop

It’s a wonderful, wonderful life (so wonderful)
Why’d you have to say goodbye?

Stop Crying Your Heart Out – Oasis
2002, Pop

‘Cause all of the stars
Are fading away
Just try not to worry
You’ll see them someday

For Always – Josh Groban
2001, Pop

Beyond here and on to eternity
For always
And ever
You’ll be a part of me

Being Boring – Pet Shop Boys
1999, Pop

Time would come to an end
We were always hoping that, looking back
You could always rely on a friend

My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
1997, Pop

We’ll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart and
My heart will go on and on

Candle In The Wind – Elton John
1997, Pop

And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did

Angels – Robbie Williams
1997, Pop

I know that life won’t break me
When I come to call, she won’t forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

Angel Standing By – Jewel
1995, Pop

So don’t you worry
I’m your angel standing by

Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) – Sarah Brightman
1995, Pop

Time to say goodbye
Countries that I never
Saw and shared with you
Now yes I will live them
I will leave with you

I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan
1995, Pop

I will remember you, will you remember me?
Don’t let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories

Gone Too Soon – Michael Jackson
1993, Pop

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight
Here one day
Gone one night
Like a sunset
Dying with the rising of the moon
Gone too soon

Wish You Were Here – Bee Gees
1989, Pop

Ah I wish you were here,
drying these tears I cry
They were good times

Life In A Northern Town – Dream Academy
1985, Pop

And though he never would wave goodbye
You could see it written in his eyes
As the train rolled out of sight
Bye-bye

R&B Memorial Songs

A Mother’s Prayer – K. Michelle
2013, R&B

Last night I prayed on a fallen star
That you never have a broken heart
Though the world is cold, please remember who you are

Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
2003, R&B

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

It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday – Boyz II Men
1991, R&B

How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad

Missing You – Diana Ross
1984, R&B

All those dreams we shared together
Where did you run to, boy?
I’m missing you

Hip Hop Memorial Songs

See You Again – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
2015, Hip Hop

We’ve come a long way (yeah, we came a long way)
From where we began (you know we started)
Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again (I’ll tell you)

Dance – NAS
2002, Hip Hop

But mom you could never be replaced
I’d give my life up
Just to see you one more day

I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
1997, Hip Hop

Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I’ll be missing you

Tha Crossroads – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
1996, Hip Hop

While you laughin we’re passing, passing away
So y’all go rest y’all souls
‘Cause I know I’ma meet you up at the crossreads

Folk Memorial Songs

Jealous of the Angels – Jenn Bostic
2021, Folk

God must need another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me
And I will hold on tight

21 Days – Brian Fallon
2020, Folk

We do the leaving
We do the crying
We do the healing
And they say
21 days ’til I don’t miss you

On Your Side – The Innocence Mission
2019, Folk

I have not gone
She’d say, The light is bright around you now
And I’m always on your side

Thank You for Being My Dad – Jon Barker
2011, Folk

Thank you for giving me life
Thank you for showing me good from bad
I guess I’m only really trying to say
Thank you for being my Dad

Other Memorial Songs

With Me – Sum 41
2007, Punk

I’ll hold on to this moment, you know
As I bleed my heart out to show
And I won’t let go

The Lucky One – Alison Krauss
2001, Bluegrass

You’re the lucky one, I know that now
Don’t ask you why, when, where, or how
No matter where you’re at, it’s where you’ll be
You can bet your luck won’t follow me

Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
1990, World

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top that’s where you’ll find me

 

Have a favorite, not on our list? Be sure to share your song at the bottom of the list.

Listen to our podcast about the memorial songs.

When Can a Memorial Song Be Played at My Wedding?

At wedding ceremonies or receptions, a memorial song can be played in remembrance of a special person who has passed away. When is up to you? As always, we recommend chatting with your wedding planner and professional DJ.

When remembering a loved one during a wedding, we recommend having a special object at the wedding ceremony and wedding reception in their honor. An example would be to have a lit candle in remembrance.

How Do I Choose A Good Memorial Song To Play at My Wedding?

When selecting memorial songs, we suggest finding a song that was special between the wedding couple and the person no longer living. It can be any song you like. It doesn’t have to be a slow or sad song either. It’s a time set aside to honor your parent, friend, or family member. If you do not have a specific song in mind, we have listed our Top 100 Memorial Songs. Maybe one of these songs will We have songs from all genres to meet your needs. We have rap, rock, country, jazz, r&b, and much more.

Looking Down From Heaven

If you would like to think of someone who has passed away looking down on the bride and groom and/or looking over them, we would suggest the following songs: “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” by Steve Wariner and “Angels Among Us” by Alabama. If it was a child that passed away, we suggest “Angels In Waiting” by Tammy Cochrane or “Tears In Heaven” by Eric Clapton. Eric Clapton wrote the song after he lost his son.

If you would like to remember a soldier, we suggest “Arlington” by Trace Atkins or “Live Like We Were Dying” by Tim McGraw. The song played for Princess Diana, “Candle In The Wind” by Elton John, would be great for remembering a classy woman.

People come and go, but their memories will live on. It is very difficult for you, as the wedding couple, to have a special loved one pass early and not be able to attend your wedding. Honoring them in song helps.

What Music Is Appropriate for a Funeral?

What songs should you play at a funeral or celebration of life? We have some suggestions of how you can celebrate a loved one’s passing with one of these memorial songs.

1. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion This was the main theme song of the movie Titanic. The song is about how to carry on after the death of a loved one.
2. People Are Crazy – Billy Currington This is our oddball pick but one of our favorites. The song is about a man meeting a second man in a bar and the second man passes away.  The chorus of the song is said by the second man at the bar – God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.  The first man leaves a six-pack on the dead man’s grave out of respect.
3. When I Look To The Sky – Train This song is a great current mainstream rock song. A great phrase in the song “When I look to the sky,  something tells me you’re here with me and you make everything alright”.
4. Arlington – Trace Adkins This is a great military-themed song. Our soldiers are our heroes and should be remembered and never forgotten.  They have provided us with our freedom.
5. Gone Too Soon – Michael Jackson This song was dedicated to the memory of Micheal’s friend Ryan White, who was expelled from school for having HIV/AIDS.
6. One More Day – Diamond Rio This is a great generic song for all the loved ones lost too early.  One More Day is themed around having just one more day with a deceased friend or loved one and what we would do if we had the day.
7. Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton Eric wrote this song after the passing of his son. Our favorite phrase in the song is as follows: “Beyond the door, there’s a peace I’m sure, and I know there’ll be no more, tears in heaven”.

Similar song lists for further reading:

• Angel songs
• Heaven songs
• Ceremony Unity songs

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Wedding Songs For The Ultimate Party!

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About Matthew Campbell