Memorial Songs: 12 Beautiful Tribute Songs (and a Personal Way to Honour Them)

Choosing music for a memorial is one of the hardest tasks anyone takes on. Below are twelve gentle, well-loved songs that families return to again and again — and a quieter option some families are choosing: a personalised tribute song written just for their loved one.

The picks

1. "Tears in Heaven" — Eric Clapton

Tender and universal. Suitable for almost any service.

2. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Hopeful, gentle, and beloved.

3. "Time to Say Goodbye" — Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman

Powerful for a moment of reflection.

4. "My Way" — Frank Sinatra

For a life lived on their own terms.

5. "What a Wonderful World" — Louis Armstrong

Quietly hopeful. A favourite for celebrations of life.

6. "You Raise Me Up" — Josh Groban

A staple for a reason.

7. "Amazing Grace" — Traditional

A universal hymn of comfort.

8. "Bring Him Home" — Les Misérables

For a parent or spouse who carried the family.

9. "See You Again" — Carrie Underwood

A modern country tribute that lands gently.

10. "Wind Beneath My Wings" — Bette Midler

For a mother, sister or quiet hero.

11. "Supermarket Flowers" — Ed Sheeran

Written about Sheeran's grandmother. Devastating and beautiful.

12. "In the Arms of an Angel" — Sarah McLachlan

A gentle, well-loved choice.

Why a personalised song hits harder than a playlist

The songs we know carry someone else's story. A personalised tribute song can carry theirs — their name, the work they did, the family they raised, the way they laughed. Families play these at the service, at the wake, on the anniversary, and on the days when missing them is too quiet to bear.

How to create one in under 5 minutes

Choose a gentle, reflective music style (acoustic, soft piano, hymn-like, gentle folk). Tell us about your loved one — who they were, what mattered to them, a memory. We produce a respectful, beautifully arranged tribute song delivered privately to you, typically within minutes.

Create a personalised tribute song in their memory — gentle, respectful, and entirely your own.

Create a Tribute Song →

Frequently asked questions

Is the song suitable for a funeral service?

Yes — we offer gentle, reflective musical styles specifically suited to memorial and funeral use. You can download the MP3 for the funeral director to play.

How discreet is the process?

Entirely private. Your song is delivered to your email only — nothing is shared publicly.

Can I include the person's full name and life details?

Yes. The more meaningful detail you provide, the more the song honours who they actually were.

Can I get this quickly if the service is soon?

Most tribute songs are delivered within 5–10 minutes of ordering, so it can be ready the same day if needed.

Ready to make something they'll keep forever? Create a Tribute Song with Celebrate Magic Moments.