No matter your age, the loss of a parent is one of the toughest emotional processes you’ll 
experience. When your dad dies, you may find yourself in the position of having to plan the funeral. Among the many responsibilities included in funeral planning as the next of kin, is selecting the funeral songs for dad, as well as for the memorial service and reception.
Choosing the right funeral songs for dad can be a daunting task. You want to find music that reflects his personality. At the same time, the funeral songs should pay a tribute to his life. Choosing music that your dad loved that is also appropriate for a funeral ceremony can be a challenge. You will want to select one or two of his favorite songs as well as songs of inspiration, hope, and healing, and songs that convey glimpses into the afterlife in Heaven.
When thinking about what songs to play at the funeral it helps to have the funeral service schedule. Here are some tips to help you.
TIPS FOR SELECTING FUNERAL SONGS FOR DAD
1) Look at when you will need music and pick songs that work best for that part of the ceremony.
- For example, classical music works well as background music as guests arrive and leave the funeral.
- Religious or spiritual music can be played once or twice during the service.
- Playing popular music or songs that your dad enjoyed listening to can be played before or after speeches.
2) Listen to the full song before the service to make sure that it is appropriate. This is especially important if you are unfamiliar with it.
3) Ask close friends and family members for their suggestions. Make sure they are all informed of the decisions made.
4) Review the selections with the church officials or funeral home directors before the service to make sure they approve.
5) Consider printing all or part of the lyrics to any song(s) on the funeral programs if the words in the song(s) have a significant meaning.
6) You may choose to use a disc or tape, but it may be a nice touch to have a singer or choir give their special renditions of the music instead.
7) Create a video montage to be played during the visitation or ceremony with your selected song(s). This will help reduce the awkward silence during the ceremony, while offering guests a glimpse into the life and memories you and your family have with your deceased loved one.
Selecting funeral songs for dad is an important part of the funeral. The songs you choose can be an extremely touching way to honor your loved one. The funeral songs we have listed below will provide you with some of the more popular funeral songs for dad. Remember, you can select any song(s) that is appropriate for a funeral. Choose music that your dad loved and songs with a significant meaning to him and you.
Some Meaningful Funeral Songs For Dad
Here are four of the more modern funeral songs for a dad and when they may be appropriate.
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
For many folks, fathers are protectors. Your father always has your best interests at heart – in good times or in bad. If your father was a supportive and encouraging force in your life, consider memorializing him with Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.”
Offering gratitude for the person to raise you up pays homage to his parenting, character and strength as a role model. It’s the perfect choice for paying tribute to a special man like your father. This popular ballad is a song of thanks to someone who has offered unconditional love through thick and thin.
When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary,
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be,
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong when I am on your shoulders,
You raise me up to more than I can be.
Hero – Mariah Carey
To most of us, our dad is our hero. From a very young age, we turn to him as the person to save us from our mistakes and fix all of our problems.
Although this illusion is usually shattered as we reach adulthood and have to take responsibility for ourselves, many of us still see our dad as that same hero that we did when we were small. Play this song to honor the hero that your father was, and always will be, to you and your family.
When you face the world alone,
No one reaches out a hand.
For you to hold,
You can find love,
If you search within yourself.
And that emptiness you felt,
Will disappear.
And then a hero comes along,
With the strength to carry on.
And you cast your fears aside,
And you know you can survive.
So when you feel like hope is gone,
Look inside you and be strong,
And you’ll finally see the truth,
That a hero lies in you, oh, oh.
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
This song was written by Eric Clapton following the death of his young son in a tragic accident. The lyrics can resonate with anyone who has felt the loss of a loved one. It is particularly touching given the message of loss between a father and son. Short, simple, and yet heart breaking. This song builds to a comforting resolution. Guests at the memorial service will likely be familiar with this tune, and it will resonate with all who knew your father.
This song provokes thoughts that can help you and other mourners through grief. The idea of meeting our loved ones in the afterlife is appealing for many folks, and this song is a comforting way to explore those thoughts at the service.
Beyond the door there’s peace I’m sure,
And I know there’ll be no more tears in heaven.
Would you know my name,
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same,
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on,
‘Cause I know I don’t belong there in heaven.
The Living Years – Mike & The Mechanics
This song has a somber, yet striking, melody. It sounds just like any stereotypical 1980’s song at first, which could be a perfect match for your father’s funeral, depending on his age.
In the song, the singer shares the differences he had with his father. He reveals his regrets for all their past arguments. He is wishing he could have shared with him how much he loved him “in the living years.”
If your father has passed away while the two of you weren’t on the best of terms, you may be feeling guilt or regret. This song can hopefully help you heal through those feelings and would be appropriate to play at the funeral.
I know that I’m a prisoner,
To all my Father held so dear.
I know that I’m a hostage,
To all his hopes and fears,
I just wish I could have told him in the living years.
Popular Funeral Songs For A Dad
We have asked for our readers input for Funeral Songs For Dad. Below is a list of Modern Funeral Songs, Traditional Funeral Songs, and Religious funeral Songs. Please feel free to add yours to this list.
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
Bright Eyes – Art Garfunkle
One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Go Rest High on That Mountain – Vince Gill
Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn
He Didn’t Have to be – Brad Paisley
I Love You Dad – Scott Dawson
Song For Dad – Keith Urban
Dad’s Song – Ron Meyers
Daddy’s Home – Daywind Studio Musicians
Drive (for Daddy Gene) – Alan Jackson
Grown Men Don’t Cry – Tim McGraw
Love Without End, Amen – George Strait
My Father’s Eyes – Amy Grant
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy
The Greatest Man I Never Knew – Reba McEntire
You Can’t Lose Me – Faith Hill
Amazing Grace – Susan Boyle
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Your Faith in Me – Jessica Simpson
I Believe – LeAnn Rimes
Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood
Thank You For Being My Dad – Jon Barker
One Wing In The Fire – Trent Tomlinson
** I have been asked for input for funeral songs for a dad from a daughter. Please send us your input on this. Scott
