Nathan Morris

Songs for a funeral

Funeral Songs

I’m a licensed funeral director in Kentucky. Fifteen years in the profession. I’ve watched what a song does to a room. The right one lets people finally breathe. The wrong one just fills time. These are the songs I’d hand a family who asked me where to start. Skip the ones everyone expects if they don’t fit. Pick the one that sounds like the person.

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01Songs

Songs for walking in

  • Spiegel im Spiegel

    Arvo Pärt

    Slow and simple. It lets people settle before anyone speaks.

  • Gymnopédie No. 1

    Erik Satie

    Quiet piano that fills the room without asking for attention.

  • Comptine d'un autre été, l'après-midi

    Yann Tiersen

    Gentle and a little bittersweet. Good while people find their seats.

  • Metamorphosis: Two

    Philip Glass

    Steady and patient. Works for a longer gathering time.

  • Intro

    The xx

    For a younger crowd. Modern and calm.

02Songs

Songs for the slideshow and the quiet middle

  • I'll Be Seeing You

    Billie Holiday

    A classic that says goodbye without saying the word.

  • If We Were Vampires

    Jason Isbell

    About how knowing time is short makes love matter more.

  • The Story

    Brandi Carlile

    For the person whose whole life was written on their face.

  • For a Dancer

    Jackson Browne

    Written about losing a friend. Honest about not having the answers.

  • Keep Me in Your Heart

    Warren Zevon

    A farewell he recorded near the end of his own life.

  • If I Should Fall Behind

    Bruce Springsteen

    A promise to wait for each other.

  • Northern Sky

    Nick Drake

    Soft and hopeful. Good under photos.

  • Godspeed

    Frank Ocean

    A blessing for someone you're letting go.

  • Names I'll Never Lose

    Nathan Morris

    I wrote this one. It's about the people you carry after they're gone.

    Stream it

03Songs

Songs for a celebration of life and walking out

  • “Heroes”

    David Bowie

    For the one who was bigger than life.

  • (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay

    Otis Redding

    Easy and warm. People smile at this one.

  • Ripple

    Grateful Dead

    For the free spirit.

  • Come On Up to the House

    Tom Waits

    An invitation. Rough around the edges, like a lot of good people.

  • Optimistic

    Sounds of Blackness

    Lifts the room when the family wants hope.

  • Life Goes On

    2Pac

    A tribute to friends who are gone. Use the clean version.

  • The Parting Glass

    The Wailin' Jennys

    An old farewell song. A strong way to end.

How to choose a funeral song

Start with the person. What did they play in the car? What did they sing badly? That’s usually your answer. Then think in three moments. One song as people come in. One or two in the middle, often under a slideshow. One as people leave. Ask the funeral home early how music is played and whether they need the files ahead of time. If the service is in a church, ask the clergy what’s allowed.

Funeral song FAQ

How many songs do you need for a funeral?
Most services use three to five. One as people arrive, one or two during the service, and one as people leave.
Can you play non-religious songs at a funeral?
Usually yes at a funeral home or a celebration of life. In a church, ask the clergy first. Some have rules about music.
What songs are good for a celebration of life?
Songs that sound like the person. Upbeat is fine. Laughter is fine. Start with the celebration of life list above.
Who picks the funeral songs?
The family, usually with help from the funeral director. If the person left wishes, start there.

Funeral directors: share this page with families who ask about music.

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