50 Best Funeral Songs for Mom

The 50 Best Funeral Songs for Mom is part of our series on the best and most popular songs for funerals. You can read the main article here, which includes a list of the top 100 funeral songs and much more.

You’re meeting with the funeral director during the arrangement conference for Mom’s service, going over all the many details.

You’ve got all the flowers picked out, the pallbearers lined up, and have even selected the menu for the catering.

The funeral director picks up his pen and asks you, “Next up is the playlist. What songs do you have in mind?”

So, what songs do you have in mind?

Maybe a couple tunes come to mind right away, especially if Mom had a favorite genre or perhaps a favorite artist or album.

But if you need a little help picking out the perfect tunes for her service, check out our comprehensive list below featuring 50 of the best, most beautiful and most timeless funeral songs for your mother.

Rest assured that all of the songs featured on our list are appropriate for a funeral, from the lyrics to the melodies to the acoustics.

No matter if you are looking for pop songs, country songs, or classic Christian hymns, it is our hope that you will find the perfect song for Mom’s funeral in the list below, or at least find some inspiration.

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Top 17 Funeral Songs for Mom

Here are the 17 best funeral songs for mothers, listed in alphabetical order.

10,000 Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground by Beth Rowley (1981)
Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill (1995)
Goodbye’s the Saddest Word by Celine Dion (2002)
Hallelujah by Susan Boyle (2010)
I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me (1999)
In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan (1997)
Jealous of the Angels by Donna Taggart (2013)
One More Day by Diamond Rio (2000)
Remember When by Alan Jackson (2003)
Send Me a Song by Celtic Woman (2005)
Sissy’s Song by Alan Jackson (2008)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1990)
There You’ll Be by Faith Hill (2001)
To Where You Are by Josh Groban (2001)
When I’m Gone by Joey+Rory (2012)
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban (2003)

Please see below for descriptions of each of the songs listed above. You’ll also find video/audio clips and options for downloading.

1. 10,000 Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter (1996)

Featured in the film “Fly Away Home,” 10,000 Miles echoes of a longing for some place or someone who is very far from home. The motherly, smokey voice of Mary Chapin Carpenter does the lyrics justice in a way that cannot compare to other artists who have sung it (including Nic Jones, Joan Baez and Burl Ives).

This song is actually a rendition of the old English folk song Fare Thee Well. Mary Chapin Carpenter’s haunting version remains true to the original lyrics.

2. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground by Beth Rowley (1981)

Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground was originally written and performed by country music artist Willie Nelson in 1981. While Willie’s version is arguably the preeminent recording, English artist Beth Rowley’s version has a certain softness to it that makes it fitting for the funeral of a beloved mother.

The song reflects the raw emotions that arise when remembering your mom or any loved one who has passed away after battling a long illness.

In Beth’s version of Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground, she features the distinct Celtic vocals of Irish singer Duke Special.

3. Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill (1995)

Now considered a classic in both country and contemporary Christian genres, Go Rest High On That Mountain is sung in the clear, strong voice of country singer Vince Gill. He wrote the song following the death of fellow country musician Keith Whitley, and later the death of his own brother.

The familiar vocals you hear in the background of Vince’s lead are none other than country singers Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless.

4. Goodbye’s the Saddest Word by Celine Dion (2002)

Perhaps the saddest song on this list, Goodbye’s the Saddest Word by Canadian artist Celine Dion features a soft yet crisp melody, and is the emotional center of her album “A New Day Has Come.”

The lyrics, which focus on a mother’s sacrificial love for her child, are pure and timeless, making this the perfect song for any mom’s funeral or memorial service.

5. Hallelujah by Susan Boyle (2010)

Hallelujah is another masterpiece of a song that is now considered a classic in many circles. With both a secular and religious fan base, this song has been covered by everyone from the late Jeff Buckley to Pentatonix.

The original version was released in 1984 by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, and all versions maintain something of the original’s feel that is both classic gospel and classic rock ‘n’ roll.

Boyle’s version tends toward a softer and more orchestrated sound, making it fitting for a mother’s funeral song.

6. I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me (1999)

Christian band Mercy Me’s song I Can Only Imagine brings to life the peacefulness of being in the presence of the Lord, at long last, after having fought the good fight.

Released by the Christian band Mercy Me in 1999, I Can Only Imagine charted on both Christian and mainstream lists and is now a favorite track listing of not only local Christian stations but also of secular ones. In 2018 was turned into a feature film.

The song is appropriate for Mom’s funeral as a wonderful illustration of being reunited with God after passing away from this earth.

7. In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan (1997)

A very melancholy song falling under the adult contemporary genre, Sarah McLachlan’s In the Arms of an Angel is one of those songs that pulls at your heart strings in just the right places.

It was written to honor and remember the life and death of the Smashing Pumpkins’ pianist Jonathan Melvoin, who passed away tragically from a drug overdose.

The song has been played at countless funerals since its release in 1997, at services for both women and men of all age ranges.

8. Jealous of the Angels by Donna Taggart (2013)

Another beautiful song featuring angels is Irish singer Donna Taggart’s 2013 release Jealous of the Angels.

With her pure voice and accent filtering through the lyrics, Donna offers a peaceful yet appropriately sorrowful take on the emotions one goes through after having lost someone very close.

9. One More Day by Diamond Rio (2000)

Country music band Diamond Rio recorded the harmonious One More Day in 2000. The title gives away the gist of the song… what would you do if only you could have one more day with the person whose loss you are now mourning?

If you mother was a country music fan, this may be just the song she would have picked herself to have played at her funeral.

10. Remember When by Alan Jackson (2003)

Remember When by country crooner Alan Jackson was released in 2003 and is considered one of his greatest hits.

The song does not depict the loss of a loved one per se, but it does follow through the stages of a couples’ life together as they begin their relationship, watch their kids grow up, and eventually grow old together.

As the title of the song suggests, Remember When may be played at Mom’s funeral as a bittersweet reminder of the full and blessed life she had.

More: 50+ Greatest Country Music Funeral Songs

11. Send Me a Song by Celtic Woman (2005)

Send Me a Song was released by the world-renowned Irish ensemble Celtic Woman in 2005. It is not a sad song at its core, and may therefore be a good pick for your mother’s funeral if she would have preferred her service to be on the happier side.

Consider picking this song too if your family is of Irish descent; Celtic elements such as the sea, the wind, music, and fire are represented in Send Me a Song.

12. Sissy’s Song by Alan Jackson (2008)

Another Alan Jackson melody to make our list of best tribute songs for mothers is Sissy’s Song.

From his album “Good Time,” this acoustic song is said to be an ode to his housekeeper, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident in 2007. Jackson initially wrote Sissy’s Song to be played at her funeral.

Not only is the song beautiful, but so is its accompanying music video, which shows an emotional Jackson singing to Sissy as he steps through an old church in comforting black and white scenes.

13. Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1990)

In 1990, the native Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole covered this song originally made popular by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” Iz’s version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow is not quite the ballad that the original was, but it is gorgeous nonetheless.

If your mother was a gentle, congenial woman by nature, this song may be perfect to play at her funeral. This Somewhere Over the Rainbow is about as relaxing as it gets, but it still remains true to the original lyrics.

14. There You’ll Be by Faith Hill (2001)

This is a beautiful country song by Faith Hill that has proven a popular choice as a funeral song since its release in 2001.

In There You’ll Be Faith sings about being happily reunited with her loved one who has passed away, if only in her dreams.

This song was featured on the soundtrack for the critically-acclaimed war drama “Pearl Harbor.”

15. To Where You Are by Josh Groban (2001)

A pop ballad that aches of classical undertones, To Where You Are is a Josh Groban original from his debut album. In it, he sings for a lost love and his longing to be wherever she is.

Josh Groban wrote this song for his grandmother, but it is suitable to be played at anyone’s funeral, especially Mom’s.

16. When I’m Gone by Joey+Rory (2012)

Husband-and-wife duo Joey+Rory released When I’m Gone in 2012, years before Joey Feek would pass away from cancer. It is a pretty sad tune all on its own, depicting the heavy sorrow a husband or wife would feel following the passing of the other.

But at the same time, the lyrics offer words of comfort to the survivor, earning this song a spot on our list of Best Funeral Songs for Mom.

17. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban (2003)

Last on our list, but certainly not least, is Josh Groban’s soulful rendition of You Raise Me Up. The song has been made popular by Groban and also by groups such as Selah, but was originally released in 2002 by the European duo Secret Garden.

You Raise Me Up continues to be a very popular funeral song. Its lyrics and melody (not to mention Groban’s vocals) have the ability to raise up the spirits of those who are in mourning.

Modern Funeral Songs for Mom

A modern classic that conjures up images of angels, Ed Sheeran’s Supermarket Flowers is a simple yet powerful ode to a mother who was thought of as an angel on earth but who has been taken back to heaven.

Sheeran wrote the song after the passing of his grandmother, and played it at her funeral. His grandfather then suggested that he add it to an album, so that he did with the release of “Division.” This song may be the one you end up going for if your mother was one for flowers.

Here are some more contemporary tunes to play in your mother’s memory.

Related: 21 Best Cremation Urns for Mom

Classic Funeral Songs for Mom

Sometimes a classic song is the perfect fit. Was your mom a lover of the golden oldies? Was she an Elvis fan? Then Mama Liked the Roses may be just the tune to play at her funeral service.

This song is a true classic in every sense of the word. Mama Liked the Roses was released by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley, in 1969. In it, he recalls with fondness and longing his late mother’s love for the beautiful flower.

More classic songs that may be an excellent choice to celebrate your mother:

Celebration of Life Songs for Moms

If your mother’s service has a “life celebration” theme, we have memorial songs just for that.

Carrie Underwood’s Don’t Forget to Remember Me tells the story of a young woman growing up and moving away from home, but whose mother still makes sure she’s well taken care of even though her daughter is seeking out her own independence.

While her mother is the first to say “Don’t forget to remember me,” the young woman will eventually say it back to her, and later to God as she says a prayer. A beautiful tribute to a loving mother.

More celebration of life songs:

Funeral Hymns for Mom

For the mother who was strong in faith to the very end, few things can be more stirring, powerful, and emotive than singing a favorite hymn at her funeral.

Amazing Grace has always been a favorite. Above, you can listen to Jennifer Hudson singing this classic funeral hymn at Aretha Franklin’s memorial service.

Here are some more beautiful hymns for your mother’s funeral:

Abide with Me
Because He Lives
Be Still My Soul
Blessed Assurance
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
How Great Thou Art
In the Sweet By and By
It Is Well with My Soul
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right

Best Songs for Mom’s Memorial Service

The Christian band Selah is known for their beautiful renditions of many classic hymns. They also cover several contemporary tracks that are just as moving. One such song is All My Tears, sung originally by Julie Miller.

The song starts off with an edgy sound that may at first seem out of character for Selah. However, the emotional chords and undertones provide a smooth, dynamic flow of harmony.

It’s a song that reminds us that as Christians, when we die, we’ll be in a much better place than anywhere this world has to offer.

There you have it, the 50 most popular funeral songs for Mom. We hope that this list will present the perfect choice for your mother’s funeral song to honor her life and legacy.

At the very least, we hope that browsing through them brought you a little peace and comfort as you continue to plan the service and process your loss.

If you enjoyed this reading and would like to listen through a further selection of funeral songs, we have an extensive list featuring the most popular music for funerals and memorial services.

Read Next: Beautiful Funeral Poems for Mom

2 thoughts on “50 Best Funeral Songs for Mom”

Linda

August 18, 2021 at 2:35 pm

There is another song.

‘GOING BACK” BY DUSTY SPRINGFIELD.

About making the most of time left and thinking of past times growing up.
Linda

August 18, 2021 at 2:35 pm

There is another song.

‘GOING BACK” BY DUSTY SPRINGFIELD.

About making the most of time left and thinking of past times growing up.