Do you love country music? If so, you likely have a favorite song. That song probably speaks to you in a certain way. Many country songs focus on heartache, love, and experiencing life. It is no wonder that often, those songs can be appropriate for a funeral.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Country Songs for Dad's Funeral
- Country Songs for Mom's Funeral
- Country Songs for Grandma or Grandpa’s Funeral
- Old Country Funeral Songs
- Sad Country Funeral Songs
Sometimes, people have a difficult time finding the right words to share their feelings. When this happens, music can help. Check out this comprehensive list for the best funeral songs that will suit the mood of your service.
If you are planning an in-person or virtual service, consider adding some country to the agenda. Country songs can be a great addition to your service. And with so many songs there is sure to be something that fits your need. And hopefully, provide some comfort.
Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.
COVID-19 tip: If you're hosting a Zoom funeral using a service like GatheringUs, test your audio before the service to ensure online guests can hear the music. If the music doesn't sound great, make a digital playlist and send it to your guests before the funeral.
Country Songs for Dad’s Funeral
There are a lot of country songs for dads out there. Prepare to feel some nostalgia, and love, while listening to these songs. These songs celebrate one of the most important men in your life.
Tip: Picking the music for the funeral may be just one small part of your post-death tasks and challenges. You can prioritize and work through those challenges with the help of our post-loss checklist.
1. “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
This song is about the sacrifice that dads make for their children.
2. “Arlington” by Trace Adkins
“Arlington” is a song of remembrance for those that served our country. This song selection may be appropriate for a father who has served in the military.
3. “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan perfectly conveys how sometimes mourning is simple and quiet. This song encourages you to take a moment and remember the things you did with a loved one.
4. “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson
This song is perfect for remembering the dads who spent a lot of time with cars. Use this song to celebrate a dad who loves his car.
5. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
“Live Like You Were Dying” is a song that focuses on always living life to the fullest.
6. “He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley
This song is a nod to all the step-dads out there. It celebrates the impression they had in the lives of their stepchildren.
7. “Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina
If you want a song that explains how much your dad meant to you, this is the perfect ballad.
8. “Country Roads Take Me Home” by John Denver
This is a slightly more upbeat tune. It is a great selection for a father who loved the outdoors or traveling.
9. “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood sings this beautiful song about how our earth home is not our true home. Instead, you will find your home when you reach heaven.
10. “When a Hero Falls” by Stephen Cochran
“When a Hero Falls” is an appropriate song to celebrate a father who lost his life while on active duty.
Check out our picks for the best funeral songs for dad for more inspiration.
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Country Songs for Mom's Funeral
Losing a mother is one of the most difficult things a person will experience. These songs not only discuss loss but also offer a little bit of comfort.
11. “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
So many of us believe that our mothers are, in fact, angels. If you feel this way about your mom, perhaps this song would be a wonderful choice.
12. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
This rendition of a timeless classic is a simple farewell for someone you loved dearly.
13. “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” by Patty Loveless
Patty Loveless’ beautiful song is about how to accept losing someone you love. It is told from the perspective of a mother teaching her children this hard lesson.
14. “If Heaven” by Andy Griggs
“If Heaven” attempts to explain how wonderful heaven truly is.
15. “There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill
This song discusses how you can keep your loved ones close through your memories. It may bring comfort to those left behind.
16. “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton
You can help those grieving by playing this song. It suggests our loved ones are meant to move on after a death. By moving on they can become angels and help other people.
17. “Roses for Mama” by C.W. McCall
This touching song tells a narrative of a young boy buying roses for his mother's grave.
18. “Never Alone” by Jim Brickman
The lyrics in this song remind us of the connectedness we feel to special people. And how that remains even after they pass away.
19. “Mama Sang a Song” by The Whites
This song provides a nostalgic look at how moms can impact the lives of their children. Play it to help you think of a fond memory of your mother while grieving.
20. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
This song is a reminder to live life to the fullest. Play this to honor a mother that was always exploring.
Country Songs for Grandma or Grandpa’s Funeral
Grandparents are often the patriarchs of the family. These country songs are best for remembering the most important people in the family. Especially if they seemed to leave a big impression on many people. If you need more inspiration, you can also take a look at our guide to the best funeral songs for grandma.
21. “If You Get There Before I Do” by Collin Raye
This song is told from the perspective of a grandfather who has lost his wife. He recalls points in their relationship where they had to wait for each other.
22. “I’ll Be There For You” by Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers sings this beautiful and uplifting song. It reminds you that someone who loves you will always be there for you.
23. “The Wings That Fly Us Home” by John Denver
This ballad is full of imagery about the transition from this life to the next.
24. “Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson
If you have a special woman in your life consider “Sissy’s Song.” It may be the perfect tribute for the good she brought to the world.
25. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
“The Dance” is a touching look at how lives can unfold. It can remind you that everything happens for a reason.
26. “In Color” by Jamey Johnson
“In Color” is a song that tells a story about the most important moments in a person’s life. This may be an excellent song to have played at a grandparent’s funeral. It can help celebrate how they lived their life.
27. “I’m Gonna Miss You” by Dolly Parton
Sometimes the simplest message is the most meaningful one.
28. “My Angel” by Kellie Pickler
A good choice for someone who had an especially close relationship with their grandmother.
29. “Grandma’s Garden” by Zac Brown
You might have a single thing about your grandparents that holds a special place in your heart. Play this song to remind you of those simple memories that mean so much.
Old Country Funeral Songs
Timeless songs such as these always seem to be the right choice for a funeral. The meaning behind each word offers a classic approach to what it means to celebrate life. But they also encourage us to mourn the death of those that matter.
Tip: Make sure to add each of the songs to a digital playlist and share the link with the funeral director. We recommend getting a premium streaming service so you can skip the ads, like Spotify Premium.
30. “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks
This song can remind you that time is precious.
31. “If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire
You never know when you’ll have our last moments with someone you love. This song serves as the perfect reminder of that.
32. “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio
Diamond Rio offers this perfectly worded song about the moment when you realize someone you love is gone.
33. “Holes in the Floor of Heaven” by Steve Wariner
This song offers some comfort in the idea that your deceased loved ones are watching over you.
34. “Please Remember Me” by Tim McGraw
Remembrance is everything. This song by Tim McGraw is about loving someone after they are gone. It would make an excellent addition to a funeral service.
35. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
A lifetime of love is something special. This song is about loving someone until your final breath.
36. “I’m Already There” by Lonestar
Sometimes, you have to be reminded that the people you love are closer than you may think.
37. “Lead Me Home” by Jamey Johnson
Jamey Johnson’s iconic voice offers a somber yet comforting addition to this song.
38. “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” by Ricky Van Shelton
Love is everything. That sentiment is captured in these lyrics. It can remind you that those who passed away gave you so much love.
Sad Country Funeral Songs
Sometimes, people need to sit with their emotions. These songs may be the solution for those that need the atmosphere to remain somber. Allow people time to connect with their loss.
39. “A Picture of Me Without You” by Lorri Morgan
Lorri Morgan’s song imagines a time when you can no longer create new memories with those you love.
40. “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood
Many people can relate to wishing that death wasn’t real.
41. “Life Without You” by Stevie Ray Vaughn
The hardest thing about living without your loved one is that life will never be the same.
42. “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney
Play this song to celebrate the life of a person who died unexpectedly.
43. “If Something Should Happen” by Daryl Worley
While waiting for a diagnosis a man asks his best friend to help his family if he gets bad news. Play this to honor someone who was a true friend.
44. “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio
Death is difficult, but living without a special person is even harder.
45. “I Can’t Write That” by Jeff Bates
Jeff Bates performs this moving song. It is about the difficulties of speaking or writing about someone who is no longer here.
46. “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts
This song moves people deeply. It imagines what could have been.
47. “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” by Travis Tritt
A beautifully written song, “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” pulls at the heartstrings. The lyrics share the difficulty of coming to terms with someone dying.
48. “God Only Cries” by Diamond Rio
This song will speak to religious people. It talks about how God only cries for those left behind.
49. “When I’m Gone” by Joey + Rory
This song is both touching and sad. The lead singer wrote it years before she was diagnosed with cancer. Play it as a moving tribute to losing someone close to you.
Country Music Songs That Move You
Country music is known for its ability to stir feelings in people. The songs listed here bring something specific to a funeral service. Choosing one of these songs can help people grieve. Or it could help them celebrate their loved one’s life. Either way, it will help them.