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Written by Mitch Tapner.
14 minute read
Choosing the right songs for your dad’s funeral is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make. Music can help capture who he was in a way that words sometimes can’t, bringing family and friends together through shared memories.
This guide includes more than 50 funeral song suggestions for fathers, organised by genre, mood and purpose. You’ll also find practical advice on choosing funeral music, planning a funeral playlist and understanding what can be played at a UK crematorium.
If you’re also planning a service for another parent, you may find our guide to funeral songs for mum helpful.
Take your time with it. The right song usually isn’t the one that sounds most like a funeral song. It’s the one that sounds most like him.
Key takeaways:
The best funeral songs for dads are the ones that mean something to your family. Before searching through lists, start by thinking about the music he genuinely loved.
Look through favourite albums, playlists, artists and concerts. A song your dad listened to regularly will often carry more meaning than one chosen simply because it appears on a funeral music list.
Some families want a quiet, reflective service. Others prefer a celebration of life. Think about the atmosphere you’d like the music to create and choose songs that support it.
Most UK funerals include three musical moments:
Choosing songs for each stage separately can make the process feel more manageable.
If you’re arranging the funeral with siblings or other relatives, share a shortlist before making a final decision. Music often brings back powerful memories and involving others can help create a service that feels right for everyone.
Always check the lyrics before confirming your choices. Some songs sound appropriate at first but include themes that may not feel suitable for the occasion.
A song doesn’t need to be about loss to work at a funeral. If it reminds people of your dad, it may be exactly the right choice.
These songs have brought comfort to families for decades and remain among the most popular choices for fathers’ funerals. Several of the songs below are popular 1960s funeral songs that continue to bring comfort to families today.
My Way – Frank Sinatra (1969)
A tribute to a life lived on his own terms. Best for exit music.
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross (2003)
A moving reflection on the bond between a father and child. Best for reflection.
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (1967)
Celebrates life’s simple pleasures and treasured memories.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (1988)
A tribute to someone whose support helped shape the lives of others.
Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman (1995)
An emotional farewell often chosen for the entrance.
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton (1992)
Reflective and heartfelt. Best suited to quieter moments.
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban or Westlife (2003)
A song of gratitude and appreciation.
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole (1951)
Warm, timeless and affectionate.
In My Life – The Beatles (1965)
A British favourite centred on memory and reflection.
Many of these tracks are regularly included in lists of the best funeral songs ever because they speak to love, remembrance and a life well lived.
Country music often speaks openly about family, remembrance and the legacy we leave behind.
Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill (1995)
A spiritual farewell with strong Christian themes.
The Living Years – Mike + The Mechanics (1988)
A reflection on conversations left unsaid.
Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn (1986)
Celebrates guidance, hard work and a father’s love.
Love Without End, Amen – George Strait (1990)
A song about unconditional love and acceptance.
You Should Be Here – Cole Swindell (2016)
A modern song about missing someone important.
He Walked on Water – Randy Travis (1990)
A tribute to family memories and admiration.
For dads who loved rock music, or families looking for something less traditional, these songs balance emotion with personality.
Fix You – Coldplay (2005)
One of Britain’s most requested funeral songs.
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran (2017)
A moving reflection on family loss and remembrance.
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd (1975)
A classic song about absence and memory.
Cats in the Cradle – Harry Chapin (1974)
A thoughtful look at father-child relationships.
Father and Son – Cat Stevens / Yusuf (1970)
A timeless song about family and generations.
Photograph – Ed Sheeran (2014)
Centred on memories and keeping loved ones close.
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth (2015)
A modern farewell song focused on remembrance.
Mad World – Gary Jules (2001)
Quiet, reflective and emotionally resonant.
If your dad preferred newer music, modern funeral songs can feel just as meaningful as traditional choices. The most important thing is choosing music that reflects who he was and the memories you shared.
If faith played an important role in your dad’s life, these hymns can offer comfort and familiarity.
These remain among the most commonly chosen hymns at British funerals and memorial services.
The relationship between a father and daughter is unique. For many daughters, choosing meaningful music can be one small way of coping with the death of a parent, helping you reflect on your relationship and the memories you’ll always carry with you.
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle (1996)
A well-known song about watching a daughter grow up.
My Little Girl – Tim McGraw (2006)
A heartfelt reflection on the father-daughter bond.
Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBA (1981)
A song about family, time and treasured memories.
Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton (1998)
A thoughtful reflection on family connections.
Daughters – John Mayer (2003)
Recognises the lasting influence fathers have on their daughters.
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross (2003)
One of the most popular choices for daughters remembering their dad.
Many daughters choose songs connected to personal memories rather than songs specifically written about fathers and daughters. Often, that’s what makes them so meaningful.
For sons saying goodbye to their father, music often focuses on legacy, respect and shared experiences.
Father and Son – Cat Stevens / Yusuf (1970)
The definitive song about a father-son relationship.
The Living Years – Mike + The Mechanics (1988)
A moving reflection on communication and family.
Cats in the Cradle – Harry Chapin (1974)
Explores the changing relationship between fathers and sons.
Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)
A song about wisdom and values passed between generations.
My Old Man – Mac DeMarco (2017)
A modern tribute to admiration and memory.
Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen (1984)
A celebratory choice built around shared memories.
Many sons choose songs that reflect their father’s character rather than focusing only on grief. A song that captures his resilience, humour or outlook on life can be just as meaningful.
We understand that discussing end-of-life plans with your family may not always feel easy, but it can provide peace of mind once it’s done. Our guide is here to offer you helpful advice on how to talk to your loved ones about direct cremation in a simple, clear way.
For tips on how to make these conversations easier, click the link below to download our guide.
Not every funeral needs to feel sombre. Many families choose music that celebrates the life their dad lived, the joy he brought to others and the memories that still make them smile.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python (1979)
A famously British funeral choice that brings warmth and gentle humour.
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (1967)
A celebration of life’s beauty and simple pleasures.
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley (1977)
Relaxed, optimistic and reassuring.
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles (1969)
A hopeful song about brighter days ahead.
Lovely Day – Bill Withers (1977)
Full of gratitude, positivity and affection.
Mr. Blue Sky – ELO (1977)
Energetic and uplifting without feeling out of place.
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (1979)
A popular choice for dads who lived life to the full.
Some families worry that upbeat music might feel disrespectful. If the song reflects who your dad was, it’s a fitting tribute to his life.
For families who aren’t religious, there’s no shortage of meaningful funeral music that focuses on memory, gratitude and love rather than faith.
Popular non-religious funeral songs include My Way, Fix You, Supermarket Flowers, In My Life, Photograph, Wish You Were Here, What a Wonderful World, Three Little Birds and Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.
These songs work well because they focus on relationships, memories and the impact someone had on the people around them. They can help families create a deeply personal farewell without relying on religious themes.
Many funerals in the UK are now secular or humanist, making personalised music choices more important than ever.
Not all funeral music needs words. Instrumental pieces create space for reflection and allow mourners to focus on their own memories.
Many families choose these songs to remember a loved one and create space for quiet reflection during the service.
Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy
Gentle, elegant and reflective.
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
A familiar piece that creates a calm atmosphere.
Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber
One of the most emotional classical compositions.
Nimrod (Enigma Variations) – Edward Elgar
A British funeral favourite associated with dignity and remembrance.
Spiegel im Spiegel – Arvo Pärt
Minimalist, peaceful and contemplative.
These pieces work particularly well during photo tributes, moments of reflection or quiet entrances and exits.
For families honouring a father who was also a grandfather, these songs can resonate across generations.
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Celebrates a life rich with family memories.
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
A heartfelt message of love and good wishes.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
A tribute to someone whose support touched many lives.
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
A reminder of reliability, kindness and family connection.
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
A timeless song about loyalty and support.
These songs can feel equally appropriate whether the room is filled with children, grandchildren or both.
Most UK funerals include three pieces of music:
The entrance song helps set the tone for the service. The reflection song is often one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony. The exit song is the final thing people hear and often leaves a lasting impression.
Most crematorium services last between 20 and 30 minutes, which naturally limits how much music can be included. Three songs is usually enough, although longer services may allow additional music or hymns.
Music has long been an important part of British funeral traditions, helping families honour the person who has died in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
Most UK crematoria use specialist music systems such as Wesley Media Music or Obitus. These provide access to thousands of licensed tracks, from classical music and hymns to modern chart hits.
In practice, almost any song can be played.
Families usually submit their music choices before the funeral, allowing the crematorium to prepare everything in advance. Many venues also allow live music, including singers, pianists and pipers, although this may require additional booking.
If you’re planning to use a specific recording that’s difficult to source, check with the crematorium beforehand. Some still accept music supplied on USB devices.
The main limitation is time. Most crematorium services have fixed slots, so choosing three carefully placed songs is usually the most practical approach.
If you’ve chosen a direct cremation for your dad, music can still play an important role in remembering him.
With an unattended direct cremation, the cremation takes place without mourners present. Some providers allow families to choose music that is played during the cremation itself, creating a personal moment of remembrance.
An attended direct cremation includes a short service before the cremation and often allows music, readings and a brief tribute. For many families, this can provide a balance between simplicity and personalisation.
Some families choose to hold a separate memorial gathering after the cremation. This could be at home, in a favourite pub, somewhere meaningful to your dad or any place that feels right for those closest to him. Music often becomes an important part of these gatherings, helping people share memories and celebrate his life together.
Choosing funeral music can feel like a small decision, but for many families it’s one of the most meaningful parts of saying goodbye. The right song can bring back memories, reflect your dad’s personality and help create a farewell that feels personal.
If you’re arranging a funeral and aren’t sure where to start, Aura can help. Our team can guide you through the process, answer your questions and support you in creating a service that feels right for your family.
Whether you’re planning a traditional funeral, an attended direct cremation or an unattended direct cremation followed by a memorial gathering, there are many ways to include music, readings and personal touches that honour your dad’s life.
We’re here to make funeral planning simpler, with clear guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.
My Way by Frank Sinatra remains one of the most commonly chosen funeral songs for fathers. Other popular choices include Time to Say Goodbye, Fix You and Dance With My Father.
Start with the music he genuinely loved. Then think about the atmosphere you want to create and where the song will fit within the service.
Most UK funerals include three songs: one for the entrance, one for reflection and one for the exit.
Yes. Modern funerals are highly personal and many families choose secular, contemporary or uplifting music.
Yes. A favourite song often means far more than a conventional funeral choice because it reflects who he was and the memories people have of him.
Popular choices include Butterfly Kisses, Dance With My Father, My Little Girl and Daughters.
Many sons choose Father and Son, The Living Years, Simple Man or Cats in the Cradle.
Absolutely. Many families choose celebratory music that reflects their dad’s personality and outlook on life.
In most cases, yes. Modern crematorium music systems provide access to a wide range of licensed music.