When you're planning a memorial service, choosing the right music can feel overwhelming. You want songs that honor your loved one's memory, comfort those who are grieving, and celebrate the life that was lived. Whether you're looking for traditional hymns, contemporary Christian music, or meaningful secular songs, this guide will help you select memorial service songs that create a beautiful, memorable tribute.

Why Music Matters at Memorial Services

Music has a unique power to express emotions that words alone cannot capture. During a memorial service, the right songs can:

• Provide comfort to grieving family and friends
• Celebrate the unique personality and passions of your loved one
• Create meaningful moments for reflection and remembrance
• Unite attendees in shared grief and celebration
• Offer hope and healing during a difficult time

Whether you're planning a funeral or memorial service, music selection is one of the most personal and impactful decisions you'll make.

Understanding Different Types of Memorial Service Songs

Memorial services today are as unique as the lives they celebrate. Your choice of music should reflect your loved one's personality, beliefs, and the tone you want to set for the service.

Traditional Hymns and Religious Songs

Traditional hymns remain popular choices for memorial services, especially for those with strong faith backgrounds. These timeless songs offer comfort through familiar melodies and messages of hope.

Popular Traditional Hymns:

• "Amazing Grace" - Perhaps the most beloved funeral hymn, offering themes of redemption and grace
• "How Great Thou Art" - A powerful hymn celebrating God's majesty
• "It Is Well With My Soul" - Written during profound grief, offering peace amid loss
• "The Old Rugged Cross" - Focusing on Christian hope and sacrifice
• "Abide With Me" - A prayer for God's presence during difficult times
• "Be Thou My Vision" - An ancient Irish hymn about faith and guidance

These songs work beautifully for funeral streaming, allowing distant family members to participate in meaningful worship moments.

Contemporary Christian Music

If your loved one preferred modern worship music, contemporary Christian songs can create an uplifting atmosphere while maintaining spiritual significance.

Meaningful Contemporary Christian Songs:

• "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe - Envisioning heaven's glory
• "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman - A song of praise and gratitude
• "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend - Affirming faith and hope
• "How He Loves" by David Crowder Band - Celebrating God's unconditional love
• "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United - Trusting through uncertainty
• "Goodness of God" by Bethel Music - Reflecting on God's faithfulness

Secular Memorial Songs

Not every memorial service is religious, and many families prefer songs that reflect personal memories, relationships, or life philosophies rather than faith traditions.

Beautiful Secular Memorial Songs:

• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole - Hopeful and peaceful
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong - Celebrating life's beauty
• "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler - Honoring someone who provided support
• "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton - Written after personal loss, deeply moving
• "The Dance" by Garth Brooks - About cherishing experiences even when they end
• "My Way" by Frank Sinatra - Celebrating an individual who lived life on their terms
• "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman - A beautiful farewell
• "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban - About support and inspiration

How to Choose the Right Memorial Service Songs

Selecting music for a memorial service involves balancing several factors. Here's how to make choices that feel right:

Consider the Deceased's Wishes

Did your loved one express preferences for their memorial service? Many people share thoughts about funeral music in:

• Written wills or estate planning documents
• Conversations with family members
• Pre-planned funeral arrangements

Honoring these wishes, when possible, creates a service that truly represents them. For guidance on planning, funeral planning resources can provide helpful checklists and advice.

Think About the Audience

While personal preference matters, consider who will attend:

• Multi-generational gatherings might appreciate a mix of traditional and contemporary music
• Faith-based communities may expect certain hymns or worship songs
• Diverse audiences benefit from songs with universal themes of love, loss, and hope

Balance Sadness and Celebration

The most effective memorial services acknowledge grief while celebrating a life lived. Your music selection should:

• Include some somber, reflective pieces that honor grief
• Feature uplifting songs that celebrate memories and legacy
• Create emotional variety throughout the service

A typical flow might be:

1. Opening - Peaceful, reflective song as guests arrive
2. During the service - Mix of meaningful songs between readings or eulogies
3. Closing - Uplifting or hopeful song as guests depart

Creating Your Memorial Service Music Playlist

Here's a step-by-step approach to building the perfect playlist:

Step 1: Brainstorm with Family

Gather close family members and ask about favorite songs, meaningful memories, and what the deceased would have wanted.

Step 2: Categorize Your Options

Sort songs into must-have, strong options, and possibilities.

Step 3: Map Songs to Service Moments

Assign each song to a specific moment: prelude, opening, midpoint, closing, or reception.

Step 4: Test Your Choices

Listen to the full playlist in order and ensure it creates the emotional flow you want.

Step 5: Prepare for Live Streaming

Choose a copyright-friendly streaming platform and test audio quality beforehand.

If you encounter technical difficulties, our guide on fixing common funeral live streaming problems can help ensure your service runs smoothly.

50 Beautiful Memorial Service Songs by Category

Here's a comprehensive list to help you find the perfect selections:

Peaceful & Reflective

• "Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen
• "Tears in Heaven" - Eric Clapton
• "The Rose" - Bette Midler
• "Songbird" - Eva Cassidy
• "Angel" - Sarah McLachlan

Hopeful & Uplifting

• "I Can Only Imagine" - MercyMe
• "What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong
• "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
• "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey

Traditional Hymns

• "Amazing Grace"
• "How Great Thou Art"
• "The Old Rugged Cross"
• "It Is Well With My Soul"
• "Be Still, My Soul"

Country & Folk

• "Go Rest High on That Mountain" - Vince Gill
• "The Dance" - Garth Brooks
• "I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack
• "See You Again" - Carrie Underwood
• "When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley

Rock & Pop Classics

• "Stairway to Heaven" - Led Zeppelin
• "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" - Bob Dylan
• "Fire and Rain" - James Taylor
• "In My Life" - The Beatles
• "Let It Be" - The Beatles

Contemporary Worship

• "10,000 Reasons" - Matt Redman
• "How He Loves" - David Crowder Band
• "Oceans" - Hillsong United
• "Blessed Be Your Name" - Matt Redman
• "Good Good Father" - Chris Tomlin

Classical & Instrumental

• "Ave Maria" - Franz Schubert
• "Canon in D" - Pachelbel
• "Clair de Lune" - Debussy
• "Adagio for Strings" - Samuel Barber
• "Nimrod" - Elgar

Gospel & Spirituals

• "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow"
• "I'll Fly Away"
• "Soon and Very Soon"
• "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"

Songs About Heaven

• "I'll See You Again" - Westlife
• "See You Again" - Wiz Khalifa
• "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" - Steve Wariner
• "Spirit in the Sky" - Norman Greenbaum

Songs About Memories

• "The Living Years" - Mike + The Mechanics
• "Remember When" - Alan Jackson
• "Photograph" - Ed Sheeran
• "100 Years" - Five for Fighting
• "Live Like You Were Dying" - Tim McGraw

Key Takeaways: Choosing Memorial Service Songs

Let's summarize the most important points for selecting music that honors your loved one:

• ✓ Start with personal meaning - Choose songs that reflect the deceased's personality, faith, and preferences
• ✓ Balance emotions - Include both somber reflections and uplifting celebrations
• ✓ Consider your audience - Select music that will resonate with attendees
• ✓ Plan for copyright - If live streaming, use a private live streaming  platform that won't interrupt your music
• ✓ Test everything - Listen to your playlist in order before the service
• ✓ Include distant family - Live streaming allows remote loved ones to experience the music
• ✓ Create transitions - Use music to move smoothly between service elements
• ✓ Don't overthink it - Trust your instincts about what feels right

The perfect memorial service music isn't about following rules, it's about creating a meaningful tribute that brings comfort, celebrates a life, and helps everyone begin the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memorial Service Songs

How many songs should I include in a memorial service?

Most memorial services include 4-6 songs total: one as guests arrive, one opening song, 2-3 songs during the service, and one closing song. For longer celebrations of life, you might have background music throughout, which could mean 15-20 songs total.

Can I play any song at a memorial service?

Yes, you can play any song that feels meaningful, regardless of genre or style. Memorial services today are highly personalized, and many families choose everything from rock music to jazz to Broadway show tunes.

What's the most popular funeral song?

"Amazing Grace" consistently ranks as the most popular funeral and memorial service song, especially in Christian services. For secular services, "My Way" by Frank Sinatra and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" are extremely popular.

Should memorial service music be sad or happy?

The best memorial services include both sad and uplifting music. Starting with reflective, somber songs honors grief and creates space for tears. Including more hopeful, celebratory songs later helps guests remember happy times.

How do I live stream a memorial service with copyrighted music?

To avoid music being muted or your stream being blocked, use a private streaming platform rather than YouTube Live or Facebook Live. EventLive specifically allows you to include meaningful music without copyright disruptions.

Can I hire a musician to play at a memorial service?

Absolutely! Live musicians add a personal touch. Popular options include solo vocalists, pianists, guitarists, or string quartets. The deceased's musician friends or family members often volunteer to play.

What are appropriate songs for someone who wasn't religious?

Many beautiful secular songs work perfectly, including "What a Wonderful World," "The Dance," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and "Wind Beneath My Wings." Focus on songs about love, memories, or life philosophy.

How long should each song be?

Most memorial service songs run 3-5 minutes. For instrumental prelude music (as guests arrive), you'll want 20-30 minutes of continuous music, which means 6-10 songs.

Can we include the deceased's favorite songs even if they're not typical funeral music?

Yes! Including favorite songs makes the service more personal and meaningful. Families have incorporated everything from Elvis Presley to AC/DC to Disney songs. If a song was important to your loved one, it belongs.

What if family members disagree about song choices?

Music selection can be emotional. Prioritize any wishes expressed by the deceased, include multiple songs so different preferences can coexist, and focus on the meaning behind choices.

Create a Beautiful Tribute That Everyone Can Experience

Choosing memorial service songs is a deeply personal process. The music you select will create lasting memories, provide comfort during grief, and help celebrate a life well-lived.

If you have family and friends who can't attend in person, don't let distance prevent them from experiencing these meaningful moments. Schedule your live stream NOW with EventLive and ensure everyone can participate in honoring your loved one, no matter where they are in the world.

During difficult times, we remove the technical barriers and let you focus on what matters: remembering and celebrating the life of someone special.