Memorial Music Guide: 200+ Songs for Services & Celebrations
Music has a way of saying what words cannot. Browse our curated collection of songs for funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life — searchable by genre, mood, and the moment you need them for.
Reviewed by
Linkora Editorial Team
Memorial care planning and bereavement support
Browse the Song Collection
Search by name, or use the filters to find songs that match the genre, mood, and moment you are looking for.
Genre
Mood
When to play
Amazing Grace
Traditional
Timeless hymn of redemption and hope — the most requested funeral song in America
How Great Thou Art
Traditional
Powerful expression of faith and awe at creation
Ave Maria
Schubert
Elegant, reverent classical hymn perfect for quiet moments
On Eagle's Wings
Michael Joncas
Popular Catholic funeral hymn about being carried by God
Be Not Afraid
Bob Dufford
Comforting hymn about God's presence through life's trials
In the Garden
C. Austin Miles
Peaceful, reflective hymn about walking with God
The Old Rugged Cross
George Bennard
Classic Protestant hymn about faith and sacrifice
Abide With Me
Henry Francis Lyte
Traditional evening hymn about God's constant presence
Nearer, My God, to Thee
Sarah Flower Adams
Hymn about drawing closer to God through adversity
It Is Well with My Soul
Horatio Spafford
Written after the loss of four daughters — a testimony of peace through grief
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Thomas A. Dorsey
Gospel classic written after the loss of the composer's wife and child
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Traditional Spiritual
Iconic African American spiritual about being carried home
Going Home
Dvorak (arr. William Arms Fisher)
Adapted from the Largo of Dvorak's New World Symphony — peaceful and transcendent
Pie Jesu
Andrew Lloyd Webber / Faure
Ethereal, sacred prayer for eternal rest
Be Still My Soul
Katharina von Schlegel
Hymn of trust in God's plan, set to Finlandia by Sibelius
Canon in D
Pachelbel
Elegant processional favorite — warm, familiar, and graceful
Clair de Lune
Debussy
Gentle, reflective piano piece that evokes moonlight and memory
Adagio for Strings
Samuel Barber
Deeply moving orchestral piece — one of the most performed funeral works
Air on the G String
J.S. Bach
Serene, graceful — a timeless choice for processionals
Nimrod (Enigma Variations)
Edward Elgar
Noble, deeply emotional — played at state funerals and remembrance ceremonies
Moonlight Sonata
Beethoven
Contemplative, beautiful piano that suits moments of quiet reflection
The Swan (Carnival of the Animals)
Saint-Saens
Graceful cello solo that evokes serenity and gentle farewell
Gymnopedie No. 1
Erik Satie
Gentle, melancholic piano — simple and deeply moving
Requiem: Lacrimosa
Mozart
Powerful, dramatic — for services that call for grandeur and solemnity
Showing 24 of 120 songs. Use the filters above or click “Show all” to see the complete collection.
When to Use Music During a Service
Music can anchor the most important moments. Here is a guide to where different types of songs work best.
Processional(Entering the venue)
Sets the tone as guests arrive and take their seats. Often instrumental, a gentle hymn, or a meaningful song played softly. Choose something that creates the atmosphere you want — reflective, warm, or uplifting.
Reflective Moment(During slideshows or candle lighting)
Accompanies visual tributes, candle-lighting ceremonies, or moments of silence. Instrumental or gentle vocal pieces work best here so the music supports the visuals without competing for attention.
Tribute(A song that held special meaning)
This is the most personal placement — a song they loved, "their song" with a partner, or a piece that captures who they were. Often the most emotional moment of the service.
Recessional(Leaving the venue)
The last song guests hear as they depart. Often uplifting or hopeful — a gentle send-off that leaves people with a sense of peace, love, or even a smile.
A note on music licensing: Most funeral homes and houses of worship have blanket performance licenses through ASCAP and BMI that cover music played during services. If you are holding the event at a non-traditional venue (park, restaurant, private home), personal use typically does not require a license. When in doubt, check with your venue.
Download as PDF
Get the full 200+ song list as a beautifully formatted, printable PDF you can share with family.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
Music tells their story. A memorial page preserves it.
Add their favorite songs, photos, and stories to a Linkora digital memorial — a beautiful page where family and friends can contribute memories and revisit the music that meant the most. It is a living tribute that grows over time.
See How It WorksSources & References
- [1]ASCAP — American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers — music licensing information (accessed Apr 2026)
- [2]BMI — Broadcast Music, Inc. — performance rights organization for music licensing (accessed Apr 2026)
- [3]National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) — Resources on music selection and licensing for funeral services (accessed Apr 2026)
Linkora strives to provide accurate, up-to-date information sourced from credible institutions. If you believe any information is inaccurate or outdated, please contact us so we can review and correct it.
Song selections in this guide are based on commonly requested music at funeral homes and memorial services across the United States. All song titles and artist names are the property of their respective rights holders. This guide is for informational and planning purposes only.
Create a Memorial That Sounds Like Them
A Linkora digital memorial lets you share their favorite songs, photos, and stories with everyone who loved them.
Send us a message
Fill out the form and we'll be in touch shortly.
By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy