Fathers are one of the most important people in our lives. They’re always there to listen to our problems. They try to cheer us up with their ‘jokes’ when we’re down, they’re always there for you, no matter what. Losing them can be hard, and coming to terms with the loss is even harder. Honoring your dad’s memory with a song that was special could be the final farewell gift you can give him.
When choosing the funeral songs for dad to include in a playlist , it’s important to keep in mind that the song selections should be in accordance with his tastes, rather than just playing the popular ones. If there were any songs that were precious to him or describe him, be sure to include them in your playlist.
But with the vast variety of songs that exist, coming up with a mere 10 or 20 songs can seem like a daunting task. Which songs to include? Which ones would be apt? Well luckily for you, we’ve made a list of the 21 best funeral songs for Dad.
1) Wake Me Up When September Ends (Greenday)
Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong displayed his songwriting credentials through this song as he talks of moving on following the death of a loved one. The inspiration for the song came from Armstrong’s experience following the death of his father when he was 10.
2) Lay Me Down (Sam Smith)
A sad funeral song about coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, this Sam Smith ballad mourns their death, wishing that he too could be laid down with his beloved.
3) A Song For Dad (Keith Urban)
Fathers are often the supporting pillar that silently takes on all the hardships for the sake of their families. Urban’s song is a one amongst many tribute songs to all the fathers who always put family first.
4) Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole)
There’s a certain magical charm to this song that brings a smile to anyone’s face when they hear it. Perhaps it’s Israel’s singing, perhaps it’s the simple ukelele, or maybe it’s the beautiful lyrics. But what’s certain is that this song will remind you that it’s not all doom and gloom. It never is. Happy songs can also be included in a playlist of funeral songs.
5) Forever Young (Rod Stewart)
Stewart has said that Forever Young was one of his favorite songs due to the fact that it was a song about his children. For most parents, their children are a big part of their lives and are always on the back of their minds.
6) Smile (Nat King Cole)
Your parents play a major role in shaping who you are as a person. Cole sings about how this influence is carried through by singing about the advice that would be given to your younger selves.
7) Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw)
A song that was inspired by McGraw’s relationship with his father, Live Like You Were Dying is about living life to its fullest by treating every day like it was your last.
8) Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Guns N Roses)
Originally written by Bob Dylan, it’s this version with Axl Rose’s ripping voice and Slash’s slick solos that make the list.
9) You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban)
Dedicated to all parents worldwide, this song serves as a Thank You to all the parents who kept striving to keep their children going through the tough times.
10) Live Forever (Oasis)
This is a song that reminds us that our loved ones never truly leave us, for they live on through our memories of them.
11) There You’ll Be (Faith Hill)
Throughout our lives, there are some people that we grow to rely on. These people are with us throughout thick and thin and they could be your friend, parent, better half, or even your pet. This song is a ‘Thank You Note’ to those who have always been there for you.
12) Drive (For Daddy Gene)
A song for the dads who were all about their cars, Drive (For Daddy Gene) celebrates the motorhead that your loved ones once were.
13) Father And Son (Cat Stevens)
Growing up, our dad’s are the ones we look up to the most. He’s the pillar of strength that inspires you to be a better person. Father And Son is a song that is written in the form of a dad advising his son about life.
14) Broken Halos (Chris Stapleton)
Just like us, the ones we lost should also move on. Because life goes on. Broken Halos is a song about how your loved ones eventually become angels that guide others, just like dad’s do throughout their lives.
15) In My Life (The Beatles)
A song about introspection, In My Life talks of how everyone leads different lives that ultimately has some meaning.
16) Dance With My Father (Luther Vandross)
A mellow song about remembering your dad, Dance With My Father has Vandross celebrating the memories he shared with his beloved father.
17) My Way (Frank Sinatra)
Being your own person is the central theme of the song, and that could exactly be the send-off that your loved one deserved and needs. A popular funeral song for older generations, this song’s relevance makes it a perfect song that is apt for an older loved one.
18) Holes in the Floor of Heaven (Steve Wariner)
Sometimes, the ones who guided us through life might eventually leave us behind. Holes In The Floor Of Heaven is a sort of reassurance that even though they might’ve passed on, your loved ones are watching over you from the beyond.
19) You’ll Never Walk Alone (Judy Garland)
A song about having your loved ones by your side, even when it might seem like they’re not, Garland sings that whatever happens in life, you’ll never walk alone.
20) What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
Another classic and uplifting song, What A Wonderful World never fails to give you the hope that you would require following the death of a loved one. For all its flaws, humanity still has a way of redeeming itself. And that is the wonderful world that Armstrong is singing about.
21) Tears In Heaven (Eric Clapton)
This ballad by Clapton was written following the death of his 4-year-old son, Conor. Despite his loss, Clapton is hopeful about seeing his son again in heaven.
Funerals can be somber affairs, and it should be noted that creating a playlist and playing it is done in accordance with the deceased’s wishes from when they were alive. Now that you’ve read about best funeral songs for dad, check out the Top 30 Funeral Songs of All Time for a more comprehensive guide on creating a general playlist.
