Celebration of Life Songs for Funerals

“I'm Gonna Live Until I Die” by Frank Sinatra

“I’m Gonna Live Until I Die” is an uplifting song about embracing and living life to the fullest. The lyrics describe dancing, flying, and a vow to laugh instead of cry. The message of this song is not to be afraid to take chances in life.

“I'm gonna live till I die! I'm gonna laugh 'stead of cry I'm gonna take the town and turn it upside down I'm gonna live, live, live until I die”

I'm Gonna Live Until I Die - Lyrics

“Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

This timeless song of hope is a heartwarming medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.” The song proclaims that life is beautiful and should be treasured.

Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams that you dreamed of Once in a lullaby Oh, somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dreamed of Dreams really do come true ooh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh”

Somewhere over the Rainbow - Lyrics

“Let It Be” by The Beatles

“Let It Be” is a song McCartney was inspired to write after having a dream of his mother, Mary, who died when McCartney was a teenager. In the dream, she reassured him that everything would be okay and to let it be.

“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, "Let it be" And in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, "Let it be”

Let It Be - Lyrics

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

"What a Wonderful World" is about appreciating life and your surroundings. Armstrong's Queens, NY, neighborhood inspired him to write this song after witnessing generations of families grow up around him.

“The colors of the rainbow So pretty in the sky Are also on the faces Of people going by I see friends shaking hands, saying, "How do you do?" They're really saying, "I love you"

What a Wonderful World - Lyrics

“My Way” by Elvis Presley

“My Way” is a song about looking back on life. The lyrics are about someone who’s lived life to the fullest. The song describes being proud of a life well lived on one’s terms despite some regrets and challenges.

“I've lived a life that's full I've traveled each and every highway And more, much more than this I did it my way”

My Way - Lyrics

“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban

“You Raise Me Up” is a song that can be interpreted in a few ways. One perspective is that God lifts people through faith, and the other is that family or friends offer support during hard times. So, no matter how you choose to interpret this song, it is powerful and uplifting.

“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up, to more than I can be”

You Raise Me Up - Lyrics

“Halo” by Beyoncé

“Halo” is a love song often played at a celebration of life. The lyrics describe someone comparing a love interest to an angel. Imagining a loved one who has passed away now with a halo over their head can be comforting.

“Everywhere I'm lookin' now I'm surrounded by your embrace Baby, I can see your halo You know you're my savin' grace You're everything I need and more It's written all over your face Baby, I can feel your halo Pray it won't fade away”

Halo - Lyrics

“Wake Me Up” by Avicii

“Wake Me Up” was written by Avicii, Aloe Blacc, and Mike Einziger. Blacc was inspired to write this song by his time on the road and by realizing that his life was an unbelievable dream come true.

“So wake me up when it's all over When I'm wiser and I'm older All this time I was finding myself And I didn't know I was lost So wake me up when it's all over When I'm wiser and I'm older All this time I was finding myself And I didn't know I was lost”

Wake Me Up - Lyrics

“Live Forever” by Oasis

“Live Forever” is an inspiring song about living life and following your passions. In doing so, the idea is that you can live forever in spirit.

“Maybe I just wanna fly Wanna live, I don't wanna die Maybe I just wanna breathe Maybe I just don't believe Maybe you're the same as me We see things they'll never see You and I are gonna live forever”

Live Forever - Lyrics

“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder

The song “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s wife, Syreeta. The lyrics describe a deep, undying love for someone special. The song declares this incredible love as the highlight or sunshine of someone’s life.

“You are the sunshine of my life, yeah That's why I'll always stay around, mmm (Baby) You are the apple of my eye Forever, you'll stay in my heart, yeah You are my sunshine of my life, oh, yeah”

You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Lyrics

“Shine” by Collective Soul

“Shine” is a song many have interpreted as a prayer to heaven. The lyrics describe asking for help from the heavens. The message is that with God’s guidance, you can overcome anything.

“I'm gonna let it shine, I'm gonna let it shine Heaven send a light, let it shine on me Hey, yeah, hey, yeah Heaven send a light, let it shine on me (Shine) Shine on me, hey, hey, yeah-hey-yeah (Shine) Well, come on and shine”

Shine - Lyrics

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley was Inspired by his faith in life when he wrote “Hallelujah.” The lyrics depict religious imagery and feature references to women in the bible, such as Delilah and Bathsheba.

“Well I heard there was a secret chord That David played, and it pleased the Lord But you don't really care for music, do ya? Well it goes like this, the fourth, the fifth The minor fall and the major lift The baffled king composing "Hallelujah"

Hallelujah - Lyrics

“Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina

“Heaven Was Needing a Hero” was written as a tribute to the first fallen female soldier in Iraq. This song is often played in military funerals or for anyone who has lived a life of service.

“I guess Heaven was needing a hero Somebody just like you Brave enough to stand up For what you believe And follow it through When I try to make it make sense in my mind The only conclusion I come to Is Heaven was needing a hero Like you”

Heaven Was Needing a Hero - Lyrics

“Amazing Grace” by Chris Tomlin

“Amazing Grace” is a Christian hymn written in 1779 by English poet, John Newton. The lyrics describe God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

“My chains are gone, I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace”

Amazing Grace - Lyrics

“Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw

“Live Like You Were Dying”, offers anyone coping with a loss a new perspective on life. The lyrics are about a man learning he has limited time left, his opportunity to do the things he always wanted, and becoming a better man.

“I went sky divin' I went Rocky Mountain climbin' I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu And I loved deeper And I spoke sweeter And I gave forgiveness I've been denying And he said someday I hope you get the chance To live like you were dyin' ”

Live Like You Were Dying - Lyrics

“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

“My Heart Will Go On” was the theme song for the film Titanic. The lyrics describe seeing a loved one in a dream and feeling their presence. The message of the song is that loving someone continues despite death.

“You're here, there's nothing I fear And I know that my heart will go on We'll stay forever this way You are safe in my heart And my heart will go on and on”

My Heart Will Go On - Lyrics

“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python

“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” was written for the film Monty Python’s Life of Brian. This song is about being happy and optimistic even if things don’t turn out as expected.

“For life is quite absurd And death's the final word You must always face the curtain with a bow Forget about your sin Give the audience a grin Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow”

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Lyrics

“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

“I Hope You Dance” is a song about taking chances in life. The lyrics are about living life to the fullest with no regrets.

“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance Never settle for the path of least resistance Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin' Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin' ”

I Hope You Dance - Lyrics

“Greatest of These” by Hillsong United

“Greatest of These” is a song that references God’s love and the bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:13. The verse mentions, “The greatest of these is love.”

“I know there's a place I belong Where I'll see the fullness of love A child face to face with my God Lost in Your awesome wonder While I wait I will not be afraid My faith will remain all the same My hope in the things not yet seen Found in the greatest of these”

Greatest of These - Lyrics

“I'll Fly Away” by Johnny Cash

“I’ll Fly Away” is a song about looking forward to entering heaven. The lyrics describe flying toward heaven upon death. The song describes heaven as a place full of neverending joy.

“I'll fly away, oh glory I'll fly away When I die, hallelujah, by and by I'll fly away”

I'll Fly Away - Lyrics

“Flying Without Wings” by Westlife

“Flying Without Wings” compares happiness in life to flying without wings. The lyrics describe that “special thing” as the happiness we get from romantic relationships, friendships, and children.

“It's little things that only I know (Ahh) Those are the things that make you mine And it's like flying without wings (Ahh) 'Cause you're my special thing (Ahh) I'm flying without wings”

Flying Without Wings - Lyrics

“Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk

"Feels Like Home" is a moving song that equates being in love with someone to feeling like they're at home. The lyrics describe being lonely until a special person comes along.

“It feels like home to me It feels like home to me It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong”

Feels Like Home - Lyrics

“Drops of Jupiter” by Train

“Drops of Jupiter” is a song by lead singer Pat Monahan. The death of his mother inspired Monahan to write this song. The comforting message of the song is that nobody truly leaves us because they are always there in spirit.

“But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet? Did you finally get the chance To dance along the light of day And head back to the Milky Way? And tell me, did Venus blow your mind? Was it everything you wanted to find? And did you miss me while you were Looking for yourself out there?”

Drops of Jupiter - Lyrics

“Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

Norman Greenbaum was inspired to write “Spirit in the Sky” after listening to a gospel song. The song’s lyrics are about making it to heaven when you die.

“Goin' up to the spirit in the sky That's where I'm gonna go when I die When I die and they lay me to rest I'm gonna go to the place that's the best”

Spirit In The Sky - Lyrics

“You'll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins

“You’ll Be In My Heart” is a song about two people who share an unbreakable bond. The bond is so strong that when they’re not physically together, they are together in spirit.

“Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart From this day on Now and forever more”

You'll Be In My Heart - Lyrics