In memory
Funeral Songs for Dad: Songs to Remember Him By
Many families choose a song Dad loved, or one that says what he meant to them. Well-known choices include "My Way" (Frank Sinatra), "Go Rest High on That Mountain" (Vince Gill), "Dance with My Father" (Luther Vandross), "I Can Only Imagine" (MercyMe) and "Amazing Grace". Below are 26 songs, grouped by feel, with a line on when each one fits.
Choosing music for your dad's service is one of the hardest small decisions there is. You want a song that sounds like him, and you're making the choice on very little sleep.
These are songs families play again and again at fathers' funerals, celebrations of life and memorial slideshows. Each comes with one line on when it fits. Take what helps and leave the rest.
26 funeral songs for Dad
Timeless songs
My WayFrank Sinatra
For the dad who did things his own way and never apologized for it.
What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Gentle and hopeful; it works as people arrive or under the slideshow.
Dance with My FatherLuther Vandross
Written about the father he lost as a boy; for a son or daughter who would give anything for one more dance.
The Living YearsMike + The Mechanics
About the things a son wished he'd said to his father; honest for a complicated goodbye.
Butterfly KissesBob Carlisle
A father watching his daughter grow up; for a daughter saying goodbye to the man in that song.
Danny BoyFrederic Weatherly, set to the Irish tune Londonderry Air
For a dad with Irish roots, or anyone who loved the old songs; often sung live.
Country songs
Go Rest High on That MountainVince Gill
The country funeral song many families think of first, finished after he lost his brother.
Holes in the Floor of HeavenSteve Wariner
For a family that likes to think he's still watching over them.
The DanceGarth Brooks
About being glad for the time you had, even knowing how it ends.
My Old ManZac Brown Band
A son looking back on his father with new eyes; for the kids who grew up to be like him.
Daddy's HandsHolly Dunn
Written for her own father; for a daughter remembering the hands that worked and held on.
He Didn't Have to BeBrad Paisley
For a stepdad who chose to be Dad.
Drink a BeerLuke Bryan
Quiet and plain-spoken, for the dad who'd rather you raise a glass than make a fuss.
Humble and KindTim McGraw
A parent's advice to a child; for a dad whose lessons you still hear.
Rock and pop songs
Tears in HeavenEric Clapton
Written after the loss of his young son; tender, short and simple.
Knockin' on Heaven's DoorBob Dylan
For the classic-rock dad; Guns N' Roses' version suits a louder goodbye.
Wish You Were HerePink Floyd
For the dad who played this album on vinyl, loud.
Free BirdLynyrd Skynyrd
For a free spirit; many families play it as everyone leaves.
Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon & Garfunkel
For the dad who was always there when things got hard.
See You AgainWiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
Written for Furious 7 as a tribute to the actor Paul Walker; for a younger family, or a dad who was also a best friend.
HallelujahLeonard Cohen
Jeff Buckley's version is the one most people know; it fits a quiet moment of reflection.
Always Look on the Bright Side of LifeMonty Python
From Life of Brian, for the dad who'd want everyone laughing at his own send-off.
Hymns and faith songs
Amazing GraceJohn Newton (hymn)
Known by almost everyone in the room, so people can sing along.
How Great Thou ArtCarl Boberg and Stuart K. Hine (hymn)
Elvis Presley's recording won him a Grammy; for a dad whose faith was strong.
It Is Well with My SoulHoratio Spafford and Philip Bliss (hymn)
Spafford wrote it after his four daughters died at sea; a song of peace for a grieving family.
I Can Only ImagineMercyMe
Bart Millard wrote it after his own father died; for a family who believes they'll see him again.
How to choose the songs for the service
- Start with his music, not the perfect song. The one he sang along to in the car will mean more to the room than a song chosen only because it seems fitting.
- Most services have room for about three: one as people arrive, one for reflection or the slideshow, and one as everyone leaves. There's no rule; one is enough.
- If the service is in a church, ask the minister or priest which songs fit the service itself. Many families keep pop and country songs for the visitation, the slideshow or the gathering afterwards.
- Ask the funeral director how they play music: from a phone, a USB stick or a playlist. Test the sound in the room if you can.
- A song with a lighter feel is allowed. If he would have wanted people to smile, let them.
Or a song written just about them
Every song above was written about someone else. If you'd like one about your dad, with his name, the nickname only family used and the stories you tell about him, we write his song from what you share with us.
Families play it at the service, under the slideshow, or send it to relatives who can't be there. It's usually ready in about 1 hour with Priority delivery, or within 24 hours, so it can still be ready for the service.
- Tell us about them in a few sentences: who they were, what they loved, what they always said.
- Choose the sound: soft acoustic, country, Worship and more, with a male or female voice.
- It arrives by email as a private link that plays on any phone, so family who can't travel can hear it too. The MP3 for the venue's speakers comes with the Forever Memory Package at checkout.
- Free changes until every line sounds like them.
Questions people ask
Write to us any time at support@personalsonggifts.com.
What is a good funeral song for Dad?
What is a good country song for a father's funeral?
What song can a daughter choose for her dad's funeral?
How many songs are played at a funeral?
Can I play a pop or country song at a church funeral?
Can I have a song written about my dad for his funeral?
A song about your dad, in his own story.
When you're ready, tell us about him. We'll write a song with his name and your memories in it.
Tell us about him- Free changes until every line sounds like them
- Ready within 24 hours
- Plays on any phone