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Written by Emily Cross.
20 minute read
Losing someone that meant a lot to you can stop the world in its tracks. Whether their death was expected or sudden, the days that follow can be filled with difficult decisions and heavy emotions. One of those decisions, perhaps surprisingly, is music–finding the right songs to honour them. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best funeral songs ever, to help you choose something that truly speaks to who they were.
Not everyone wants a service that’s sombre and formal. Many families today are choosing songs that reflect joy, humour, or the unforgettable quirks of the person they’ve lost. Sometimes it’s an Elvis tune; other times, it’s Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” And sometimes, it’s just a quiet reminder of happier days…something that feels like them.
This article explores how music can bring light into the darkest moments. Whether you’re planning a funeral, helping a loved one, or simply thinking ahead, you’ll find fun and uplifting funeral or memorial service song suggestions here, from feel-good classics to modern favourites, for Mums, Dads, young lives, and everyone in between.
If you’re planning a funeral and need help organising the details, our funeral arrangements checklist can help you feel more prepared and in control during a difficult time.
Key takeaways:
Funeral songs are more than a tradition: they’re a reflection of personality, memory, and meaning. They can bring peace, provoke laughter, or simply offer a moment to breathe during a difficult day.
In recent years, British funeral traditions have started to shift. While hymns and subdued music still have their place, many people now look to music that celebrates life, not just mourns it. From jazz and folk to pop and classic rock, families are picking songs that feel personal, vibrant, and true to the one they’ve lost.
For some families, choosing upbeat or humorous music helps them stay close to the true spirit of the person they’re remembering. If someone lived with joy, wit, or mischief, why not honour them in that same way?
There’s no single “right” choice. What matters most is the feeling the song brings. Does it sound like them? Does it help you remember who they were, in a way that feels real?
Some people leave instructions on paper or with a prepaid funeral plan, picking their own playlist in advance, often including songs near and dear to their heart. Others trust their family to choose music that captures their personality. Either way, the decision is an act of love, and a reminder that funerals can be about joy just as much as mourning loss.
“Abide with Me” is the most-played song at funerals in the UK. According to SunLife’s funeral music research, the traditional hymn has replaced Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” at the top of the list of songs actually played at funerals.
Interestingly, “My Way” is still the most popular choice among people deciding what they would like played at their own funeral. It’s a useful reminder that the most popular funeral songs aren’t always the most personal: sometimes the best choice is simply the song that feels most like the person you’re remembering.
Choosing music for a funeral, especially songs that feel upbeat, can feel overwhelming at first. Where to begin, what’s appropriate, and what they would have wanted can sometimes be challenging question marks to answer. It helps to take a moment, breathe, and write down memories. Think about the songs they sang in the kitchen, danced to at weddings, or turned up on long drives. Jotting ideas in a notebook can bring back tunes you’d forgotten, and speaking with friends or family often sparks stories that lead to the perfect track. You don’t have to figure it out all at once, simply start with what feels familiar and go from there.
Even if you’re also including hymns or classical funeral music, many families choose to mix modern funeral songs with the most popular UK funeral hymns, finding a balance between tradition and individuality.
A little humour is often exactly what’s needed. Choosing a funny or unusual funeral song can help lift the mood and break tension in the room. It can become a moment of connection—one that sparks knowing smiles or even gentle laughter.
Here are a few light-hearted funeral songs that you might consider using:
If you’re considering something like this, it’s worth checking in with the rest of the family first. Think about the setting, the guests, and the tone you’d like the service to have. A funny funeral song doesn’t take away from the moment, it just reflects a different side of love and remembrance.
Celebrations of life or end-of-life celebrations are becoming more common across the UK. These events focus less on mourning and more on memories, stories, and joy.
They often include music, readings, and sometimes feature traditional funeral poems or non-religious funeral poems—short pieces that reflect the person’s spirit or outlook on life. In these more personal ceremonies, music choices tend to lean towards the hopeful and upbeat.
If that’s the kind of service you’re planning, these uplifting songs might suit:
These tracks speak to hope, connection, and love without ignoring the sadness. They offer comfort while still leaving room for light.
Coping with the death of a parent can be one of life’s deepest heartbreaks. Choosing music that reflects who they were, rather than just how we feel, can make that goodbye a little more gentle. For example, if your Mum or Dad grew up during the sixties, you might want to look at 1960s funeral songs–tracks that shaped their youth and stayed with them through the years.
If you’re looking for funeral songs for Mum, this list is a good place to start. Whether she was warm, witty, elegant, or fierce, the right song can say so much more than words ever could. Here are a few uplifting funeral songs for mums:
These songs express gratitude, admiration, and love–many of them through joyful or uplifting melodies. If your Mum was full of life, consider choosing a song that carries that energy.
The best funeral songs for Dad are those that bring his personality and your relationship with him to mind. Some families choose familiar classics, while others prefer modern funeral songs for Dad or music connected to a particular memory.
Here are some joyful songs families often choose for their dads:
If faith wasn’t important to him, non religious funeral songs for Dad can be especially fitting. A favourite rock song, an uplifting pop track or something he always played at home can create a tribute that feels much more personal than choosing music simply because it is traditionally associated with funerals.
When choosing funeral songs for an older generation, music from the person’s own era can often carry more meaning than a current song. A wartime favourite, classic crooner or song they danced to when they were young can bring back vivid memories for family and friends.
Some uplifting choices include:
The right choice doesn’t necessarily need to be a traditional funeral song. A track associated with their younger years, favourite dances or happy family occasions can make the service feel much more personal.
Uplifting funeral hymns can bring comfort, hope and a sense of togetherness to a service. While some hymns for funerals are reflective, others focus on reassurance, gratitude and the promise of peace, making them suitable for families who want the ceremony to feel hopeful as well as respectful.
For something different, more contemporary hymns can retain the spiritual meaning of a traditional service while giving the music a fresher feel.
The right exit music for funerals can leave mourners with a final feeling of warmth, hope or connection as they leave the service. Funeral exit songs, sometimes called recessional music, are often more uplifting or celebratory than entrance music, reflecting the personality and spirit of the person being remembered.
A good funeral exit song is meaningful, memorable and leaves people with the feeling you want them to carry away from the service.
Popular choices for upbeat funeral exit music include:
Think of it as the final note. What do you want people to feel as they leave the room? Hope, humour, comfort—all of these can be expressed with a single song.
There’s something especially tender and difficult about saying goodbye to someone whose life was still unfolding. The music chosen here can be especially emotional, but it can also be hopeful, vibrant, or even playful.
Here are some modern songs that may bring comfort while honouring a short but powerful life:
These songs can carry sorrow, commemoration and hope together…just like the memories they represent. They can reflect youth, dreams, and love without losing their sensitivity.
Not everyone wants a service full of tears. For some, the final goodbye is a chance to reflect on the fun, the laughter, and the strange little moments that made life unique.
Here are songs that strike that balance:
The right goodbye song doesn’t have to be heavy. It can just feel honest. If a certain track brings warmth or causes a knowing laugh, then it’s doing exactly what it should.
Funeral entrance songs help set the tone for the service as mourners gather and the coffin is brought in. Unlike exit music, which may leave people with a feeling of hope or celebration, songs for a funeral entrance are often more measured and reflective, with a steady tempo that suits the procession.
You might choose something deeply personal or simply a piece that creates the right atmosphere. Popular options include:
The best funeral entrance songs give people time to settle into the moment while reflecting the personality of the person being remembered. An uplifting choice can still work well at the entrance; it may simply feel gentler or more restrained than the music chosen for the end of the service.
A photo montage can be a moving way to look back on someone’s life, bringing together photographs from childhood, family occasions, holidays and everyday moments. The best funeral slideshow songs tend to have a gentle, steady tempo and a familiar melody that complements the photographs without distracting from them.
Unlike entrance, reflection or exit music, songs for a funeral slideshow need to work across a sequence of images rather than accompany one particular moment. A track of around three to four minutes will often give you enough time to show a meaningful selection of photographs without the tribute feeling rushed. It can also help to choose a song with a consistent mood rather than one with dramatic changes in pace or tone.
Some songs that can work particularly well include:
For a celebration of life slideshow, you don’t have to choose something traditionally associated with funerals. A favourite song, a track from an important period in the person’s life or music that instantly reminds people of them can make the photographs feel even more personal.
In many instances, the hardest part of planning a funeral is not knowing what music to choose. Grief can cloud everything, and if your loved one didn’t leave clear instructions, it’s easy to second-guess every decision. Start small. Think about shared memories—songs they played in the car, sang along to while cooking, or always had on in the background. If they had a favourite place—a beach, a garden, a city—what music reminds you of being there with them? Even a single moment can guide you towards something that feels right.
If you’re looking through playlists or old records, notice what they returned to again and again. Think about what made them laugh, what they believed in, or the kind of energy they brought into a room. And if you’re thinking about how to plan your own funeral, take a moment to write thoughts and suggestions down…leave your loved ones with a playlist or a short note. It’s a small act that can make a big difference when the time comes.
If you’re someone who would like to set the music for your funeral in advance, Aura’s direct cremation plans give you the space to do just that: choosing songs, words, and details that feel like you, while lifting the pressure from those you love. Our attended direct cremation services and plans are designed for people who want their send-off to feel personal and thoughtful…whether that’s shaping the tone of the service, or simply knowing things will be handled with care, our team is here to guide you through it.
A funeral plan with Aura lets you arrange and pay for your funeral in advance, so your family doesn’t have to make difficult decisions or worry about how much funerals cost later on, when the time comes. Our plans are simple, fully guaranteed, and designed around what you want, not a fixed template. Whether you prefer a quiet cremation with no fuss, or a more personal service filled with your favourite songs, we help make it happen. And because we’re rated 5 stars by Fairer Finance, you can feel confident everything will be handled with care and clarity.
If you’re still exploring your options, you can always compare funeral plans to see what feels right for you. Planning ahead doesn’t just make things easier for your loved ones, it gives you the comfort of knowing your wishes will be followed, just as you imagined.
We hope you’ve found this article on fun and uplifting funeral songs helpful—whether you’re planning for someone else or thinking about your own wishes. If you’d like support with choosing the right music, or want to know more about how our prepaid funeral plans work, our team is always here to help.
You can contact us any time for a chat, or download our brochure to explore your options in your own time. Whatever you decide, we’ll help you plan a funeral that feels just right.
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Choosing upbeat or light-hearted songs can help reflect the personality of the person who has died, bring comfort to attendees, and offer a moment of shared joy or laughter during a difficult time.
Most funeral services include around three pieces of music: an entrance song, a piece for reflection and an exit song. A longer funeral or celebration of life may include more music, depending on the format. Your funeral director or celebrant can confirm what the venue allows, how long each music slot is and where songs can fit within the service.
Yes, many families find that humorous or unusual songs add a personal touch and celebrate the individual’s spirit. It’s always worth considering the tone of the service and the preferences of close family members.
Celebration of life services often include songs that are hopeful, joyful, or reflective. Popular options include tracks like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong or “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley.
Yes. Many families mix hymns with contemporary music to balance tradition with individuality, making the service feel more personal and meaningful.
Songs that express love and gratitude work well, such as “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, “Halo” by Beyoncé, or “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.
Families often choose tracks like “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart, and “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers to honour their father’s strength and character.
Think about the songs they loved in life—what they listened to at home, during car rides, or while celebrating. Talking with friends and family may also bring helpful suggestions.
Popular upbeat exit songs include “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, all of which leave a lasting, hopeful impression.
Songs like “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran, “Firework” by Katy Perry, or “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa offer a balance of emotion, reflection, and celebration of a life cut short.
Yes. Through a prepaid funeral plan with providers like Aura, you can choose the music and details of your service in advance, helping ensure your personality and wishes are honoured while easing the burden on loved ones.