No parent is prepared for his or her baby or toddler to die — there are certainly never enough soothing words during this traumatic time. But there are certainly small gestures that may bring the smallest amount of reassurance. The funeral itself can give your family the opportunity to grieve together and family members can lend their support to each other.
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The details are often what matters most in funeral planning. Everything from the venue to the words that are spoken, and to the memorial slideshow or virtual funeral experience, can certainly have a positive impact on the mourning process. Song selection can be one of the most critical components because music can bring people together and express emotions that you or other relatives may not be able to.
Song selection for the funeral service is one of the ways that the grieving parents and family may find even a moment of peace. Sometimes, the words of a song can speak to people in a way that even the most powerful eulogy can’t. Here’s a compilation of the best funeral songs, which may be most appropriate for this incredibly difficult ceremony.
Tip: For more help and guidance through the entire post-loss process, check out our post-loss checklist.
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Funeral Songs for a Baby Girl
This diverse list of songs may be just what you are looking for for your baby girl’s funeral. The genre and meaning all vary, but they can each bring something beautiful to the service. Each song captures the heart and meaning of the special bond you had with your daughter. Consider the meaning of each song and how it may express what words never will.
COVID-19 tip: If you're hosting a Zoom funeral using a service like GatheringUs, make sure to test your audio beforehand so online and in-person guests can listen to the songs together.
1. “Goodnight My Angel” by Billy Joel
“Goodnight My Angel” offers a bit of comfort because lullabies last forever — maybe there is always a little piece of the child still with those who grieve their passing.
2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
This timeless classic reminds us that there is somewhere more beautiful and peaceful than what this earth has to offer. It often helps to know that a child is somewhere better.
3. “There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill
Faith Hill’s hit “There You’ll Be” has been remade in nearly every genre, which can allow you the opportunity to find the best option for your musical tastes.
4. “Come Some Rainy Day” by Wynnona Judd
You might only consider the adults who are grieving, but this song may be able to help siblings who may be hurting as well.
5. “Fly” by Celine Dion
Celine Dion wrote this precious song after she lost her own niece. It’s a tender take on what happens when we pass away and go to heaven.
6. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride
A beautifully composed song, “In My Daughter’s Eyes” reflects on the special relationship between a mother and her daughter.
7. “Baby Mine” by Bette Midler
This sweet song pulls at the heartstrings and clearly depicts what it means to love a child. The melody is soft, sweet, and suits the tone for a funeral.
8. “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s voice reminds you that you’ll see your lost loved one again. This ballad is full of hope and reminds you that being apart isn't going to last forever.
9. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
This song reminds us that our dreams can keep the memory alive of someone who is most dear to us.
10. “Borrowed Angels” by Kristin Chenoweth
“Borrowed Angels” is a perfectly written song that reminds us that children are sometimes only here for a short time.
Funeral Songs for a Baby Boy
The loss of a baby son is certainly a very specific grief experience. Sometimes people struggle so much with what could have been or how they can move forward in their own life. Here are a few songs that may capture that loss and also provide some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
11. “When the River Meets the Sea” by John Denver
This moving ballad not only captures listeners with its beautiful melody and lyrics, but it also offers some comfort and understanding of death.
12. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
This song sounds like it comes straight from the heart and that’s because Clapton wrote it after he lost his own child in an accident.
13. “In Dreams” by Roy Orbison
This song allows offers you the comfort of knowing that you may still see your little one in your dreams. It offers you a sense of hope that it’s not really the last time you may see your precious baby.
14. “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney
“Who You’d Be Today” takes a moment to mourn the loss of a future that will never be and allows you the opportunity to take a moment to reflect and mourn.
15. “He’s My Son” by Mark Schultz
This particular song was written for a family whose son was diagnosed with leukemia. It may resonate more with people who have experienced a loss due to an illness.
16. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
“Forever Young” was written with Rod Stewart’s children in mind, and the lyrics certainly can hit home for anybody who has lost a child. It’s a song about freezing a moment in time and holding on to that moment forever.
17. “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You” by N*Sync
This pop hit actually could serve as a beautiful song that reminisces on how perfect your child was. Originally written as a love song, the lyrics can easily be used in the context of love for a child.
18. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Groban’s rendition of this classic song is a lovely way to describe the impact that a child’s life may have on anybody who knew him.
19. “Smile” by Judy Garland
A song about strength, “Smile” may be the ideal song if you want to focus on your grief in a slightly different way.
20. “God’s Will” by Martina McBride
This song discusses the very specific loss of a son and how children are a gift from God.
Funeral Songs for a Stillborn
The loss of a child may mean never getting to experience him or her in this life. If that’s the case, a service may require something with a very distinct message about loss, love, and hope. Here are a few songs that may be just what the service needs to bring people together and offer a bit of extra support.
21. “I Will” by The Beatles
Searching for a song that epitomizes endless love? This is the perfect one for you.
22. “Small Bump” by Ed Sheeran
“Small Bump” was written by Ed Sheeran when his close friend lost a baby at five months’ gestation. This song likely has special meaning if you lost your child before he or she was even born.
23. “Gone Too Soon” by Daughtry
This song discusses how so much is left to wonder about when a child is taken too soon and how many people experience grief in different ways.
24. “Precious Child” by Karen Taylor-Good
“Precious Child” simultaneously discusses the loss, but also the remembrance of, a child who never got a chance to live.
25. “Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan’s voice evokes a level of emotion that no other song can convey.
26. “A Mother’s Prayer” by Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s song clearly expresses what a mother wants for her child. Parents everywhere will be able to relate to this one.
27. “See You Again” by Carrie Underwood
So many of us just want to be reminded that we’ll be reunited with a loved one, and this song offers that hope.
28. “Lullabye” by Billy Joel
This song may have been written as a love song, but it can certainly connect with so much of the emotion you feel when you lose your child.
29. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
A timeless song, “Wind Beneath My Wings” confirms that your children are your purpose — even when they pass away.
30. “Baby Mine” by Alison Krauss
This simple yet fitting song is an excellent selection for remembering a precious baby. The melody is incredibly beautiful and the lyrics resonate.
Choosing the Right Song
Choosing the “right” song to play at a child’s funeral may seem overwhelming. However, it is certainly a decision that must be made with care and consideration. Take a moment to consider how you might prefer to handle the grieving process — it may help navigate this decision. While certainly not an easy choice, small details such as song selection may very well play a critical role in helping others mourn.
Music can bring people together in a way that comforts and reassures you. The great thing about music is that it can vary as far as melody, lyrics, and genre -- but can unify and offer strength during such a difficult time. All of the songs here can provide a glimmer of peace or a moment of reflection that you may not have experienced otherwise.