Every relationship has its own soundtrack. How many times have you heard a song and instantly been reminded of someone in your life? In romantic relationships, there is a certain significance given to meaningful songs in a relationship.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Funeral Songs for a Wife and Mother
- Pop and Rock Funeral Songs for a Wife
- Hip-Hop and R&B Funeral Songs for a Wife
- Country Funeral Songs for a Wife
- Religious Funeral Songs for a Wife
For instance, the first dance you share as a married couple is a song that resonates with you as a pair. Even when your spouse dies, music can be a great way to pay tribute to them. Here, we explore some of the best funeral songs you can play in honor of your wife.
COVID-19 tip: If you're hosting a Zoom funeral using a service like GatheringUs, ask your online guests to request songs them remind you of your wife, then play them during the virtual reception. Make a digital playlist of the requested songs and send the playlist's link out with your funeral thank you cards.
Funeral Songs for a Wife and Mother
If your wife was also the mother to your children, you’ll want to pick songs that honor both of those roles. These funeral songs for mom will honor a woman who was a beloved wife and mother:
1. “Roses for Mama” by C.W. McCall
Country music, above all, is a storytelling genre. This poignant song paints a clear-eyed portrait of a young boy who honors his mother even after her death.
2. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Is there anyone who lifts us up and supports us the way that mothers do? This song celebrates a wife and mother who was happy to let her loved ones shine.
3. “Mama Liked the Roses” by Elvis Presley
Mothers and roses are an iconic duo. In this song, the narrator speaks of the comfort his mother’s favorite flower brought him after her death.
4. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Sheeran is known for his love songs. This song isn’t about romantic love, though. It’s a tribute to a mother figure who meant so much in someone’s life.
5. “Mama” by Il Divo
This song by the classical singing group pays tributes to the sacrifices that wives and mothers make for their families. It’s a way to show you appreciate them for what they do.
6. “Like a River” by Carly Simon
Carly Simon is an iconic singer-songwriter. This autobiographical song celebrates her mother after she died. It shows you can still talk to and feel connected to a wife or mother after their death.
7. “My Angel” by Kellie Pickler
Pickler wrote this song about her late grandmother who raised her. It’s a beautiful tribute to a mother figure.
Pop and Rock Funeral Songs for a Wife
When people think about funeral songs, they often imagine solemn hymns. But the funeral industry is changing. Modern funeral services tend to focus more on honoring the interests and personality of the deceased. This includes playing music that might have been seen as inappropriate just a few years ago. Here are some pop and rock songs that are perfect for honoring a wife at her funeral.
8. “Hallelujah” by Pentatonix
There have been countless covers of this song, many of which have been played at funerals. The intricate harmonies and stunning arrangement make this version especially powerful.
9. “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
This iconic nineties rock song had a video that featured the death of a wife. It’s a lovely song from an unexpected source. Just don’t play the full-length version, as it’s a little long for a funeral.
10. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
When someone you love dies, you spend a lot of time wishing they could be there with you. This evocative song captures the wistfulness of that feeling.
11. “Fields of Gold” Eva Cassidy
Sting’s original version of this song is lovely, too. But Cassidy’s emotive, clear voice elevates this nostalgic tribute to lost love.
12. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
This song was originally written in memory of Marilyn Monroe and was later released as a tribute to Princess Diana. It serves as a fitting way to honor an iconic, unforgettable woman in your life.
13. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
Losing your wife is one of the most painful things you can experience in life. This song honors that pain but reminds you to keep holding on. It’s an important message at any funeral.
14. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
When you marry someone, you commit to supporting one another. If your wife always had your back throughout your lives, this song makes a sweet funeral tribute.
Hip-Hop and R&B Funeral Songs for a Wife
A lot of people have a very limited view of hip-hop music. They don’t realize that hip-hop songs can be as emotional and poignant as songs from any other genre. Here are some hip-hop and R&B tracks that also make lovely funeral tributes.
15. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
This song was written as a tribute to a friend who passed away. But it’s just as fitting for a wife. After all, your spouse could be your best friend and partner in life.
16. “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy featuring Faith Evans and 112
This is one of the most iconic hip-hop songs of the 1990s. It transcended its genre and helped push sampling into the mainstream. It is also deeply emotional.
17. “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
This lovely R&B classic features gorgeous harmonies and soaring vocals. It’s a beautiful reminder that one day, we’ll reunite with our loved ones in heaven.
18. “Coldest Winter” by Kanye West
West is a polarizing figure, but his musical talent is undeniable. This song, which was written after his mother’s death, would be a fitting tribute for any important woman in your life.
19. “Dance” by Nas
This song was written after the death of Nas’ mother. In it, he wishes they could dance together just one more time.
20. “Tha Crossroads” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
This hip-hop classic incorporates gospel elements, a compelling track, and impressive lyrical flow. It’s a great way to honor lost family members, including a wife.
21. “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” by Alicia Keys
While this was written as a breakup song, it has become popular at funerals as well. It reminds us to treasure what we have.
Country Funeral Songs for a Wife
Country music is well-known for being one of the most emotional genres of music. Country musicians often explore poignant topics, including heartbreak and loss. These country funeral songs would make a sweet tribute to your wife at her funeral.
22. “Remember When” by Alan Jackson
In this song, the narrator looks back on a long and happy life lived with his wife. This can be a hopeful, uplifting song for a celebration of life in honor of your wife.
23. “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” by Patty Loveless
One of the hardest things in life is learning how to handle losing people. In this song, a mother helps her family learn to cope with the reality of death. It’s a message that could help the mourners at your wife’s funeral.
24. “When I’m Gone” by Joey+Rory
This mournful yet hopeful tune reassures a husband that he’ll be okay once his wife has passed on. Sadly, the wife of this country duo passed away after recording this track. It lends extra poignancy to a funeral for a wife.
25. “Believe” by Brooks & Dunn
This bittersweet country classic tells the tale of an old man who has lost his wife and child. However, he has faith that they will be a family again when they are reunited in heaven.
26. “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
This song talks about angels who live on earth, guiding us through hard times. If you believe your wife was one of those angels, this is the perfect funeral song.
27. “If Heaven” by Andy Griggs
The poetic lyrics of this song paint an enticing picture of the comforts of heaven. It has an uplifting message if you believe your wife has gone to a better place.
28. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
This is one of the most emotionally moving country songs of all time. With lyrics like “I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance”, it reminds us that the good times are worth any grief.
Religious Funeral Songs for a Wife
Many people lean on their faith to get them through hard times. Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult things a person can go through.
29. “Amazing Grace” by Celtic Women
This hymn is a classic that has been interpreted countless times. This version, with its delicate feminine harmonies, is a beautiful tribute to a wife.
30. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
This song isn’t overtly religious, but it does have definitive spiritual themes. It’s a moving way to honor a wife who made you a better person.
31. “I’ll See You Again” by Westlife
This moving song by Irish pop group Westlife has a sweet message. Even after the people we love die, we still carry them with us.
32. “Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart
Most religious songs about death focus on the positive thought that our loved ones go to heaven. This song focuses on that but acknowledges it’s okay to have complicated feelings about your loss.
33. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
Gill’s clear tenor tone soars in this tribute to a loved one who has gon onto their eternal rest. It’s a beautiful funeral song and will be meaningful for a wife who worked hard caring for others.
34. “Heaven’s Now My Home” by Libby Allen
This song is told from the perspective of a narrator who has passed away. It reassures her loved ones she is no longer suffering and is happy to be home with God. That message can be very comforting for people.
35. “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
This modern Christian funeral song features sweet harmonies over a midtempo beat. It’s uplifting and ideal for a celebration of life ceremony.
Honor Your Late Wife Through Beautiful Funeral Songs
When you make a life with someone, you want to do everything you can to honor them and uplift them. That doesn’t end just because your partner dies. Long after they’re gone, you’ll do everything you can to pay tribute to them. That begins when you plan their funeral.
Whether you’re writing a eulogy for a wife or picking out songs to be played, everything is about honoring her memory. This list should help inspire you to find the perfect song to commemorate the woman you’ve shared your life with.