Funeral Music For An Elderly Parent

When planning a memorial service for an elderly parent, you want to be sure that the funeral music is appropriate, tasteful and meaningful. When your family has been impacted with a loss–expected or not–it can be difficult to think of favorite songs that would be appropriate. Listed below are we have provided some excerpts of some songs to consider here. We hope that these examples will be helpful to you as you search for just the right funeral music to memorialize your beloved parent.

In the Arms of an Angel, Sarah McLachlan

In the arms of an Angel fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here

Amazing Grace, Traditional Hymn

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

My Heart Will Go On, Celine Dion

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you’re here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Thanks for the Memory, Bob Hope and Shirley Ross

Thanks for the memory
Of rainy afternoons, swingy Harlem tunes
Motor trips and burning lips and burning toast and prunes
How lovely it was

Thanks for the memory
Of candlelight and wine, castles on the Rhine
The Parthenon, and moments on the Hudson River line
How lovely it was

We’ll Meet Again, Vera Lynn

So will you please say “Hello”
To the folks that I know
Tell them I won’t be long
They’ll be happy to know
That as you saw me go
I was singing this song

Just As I Am, Mahalia Jackson

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fighting and fears within without
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Nearer My God to Thee, Traditional Hymn

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to thee;
Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton

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 here in heaven

My Way, Frank Sinatra

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way

Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler

It must have been cold there in my shadow,
To never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
While you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Whether you choose a traditional hymn, a “golden oldies” tune or something a little more contemporary for your funeral music, keep your audience in mind and the personality of your loved one. This special time is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty that your loved one brought to life, and music is an evocative way to bring that feeling to your audience. If you have questions or need assistance, contact our caring and compassionate funeral directors. We would be honored to help with your funeral music selection.