It’s no secret that music is powerful. Sometimes, it can be the only way for us to process emotions or moods, especially ones we don’t fully understand.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for Mom or Grandma
- Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for Dad or Grandpa
- Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for a Sibling
- Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for a Spouse or Partner
- Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for a Friend
Having these feelings validated can be an effective tool as you process and heal through difficulties like a loss.
When mourning or planning a memorial service, you’ll likely want to turn to some of your favorite music, as well as favorites of your deceased loved one. If those favorites include ‘90s grungy alt-rock group Pearl Jam, you’re in luck.
In this post, you’ll learn about more than 25 of the best Pearl Jam funeral songs for a mom or grandma, dad or grandpa, sibling, spouse or partner, or friend.
Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for Mom or Grandma
You might assume that funeral songs can only come from a finite category—but rock funeral songs are popular, and they can make for a moving and personal funeral for your mom or grandma.
1. “Come Back” from Pearl Jam
From a newer self-titled album, the mellow song “Come Back” expresses a deep longing for someone who has gone away, likely making it perfect for a late mom or grandma.
2. “Future Days” from Lightning Bolt
Starting off with piano, “Future Days” effectively covers loss and how much a person means to the singer.
3. “Parting Ways” from Riot Act
Though not the most somber in tone, “Parting Ways,” is about two people leaving each other and drifting away.
4. “All Those Yesterdays” from Yield
“All Those Yesterdays,” has lyrics such as, “Don’t you think you oughta rest, don’t you think you oughta lay your head down,” making it applicable for lying someone to rest.
5. “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” from Jeremy
This might seem a too-obvious choice, with “elderly woman” in the title. However, lyrically, this song talks about familiarity and connection.
Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for Dad or Grandpa
If you and your dad or grandpa bonded over rock music or Pearl Jam specifically, it’s only appropriate to include some of their songs in the funeral.
6. “Alive” from Ten
Pearl Jam’s number-one song on Spotify, “Alive,” features the lyrics, “I’m still alive.” Though it may sound contradictory for a funeral, you might view your dad or grandpa as still alive and like to think of them in this way.
7. “Release” from Ten
A slow, reflective song from Pearl Jam, “Release” is great for a funeral. Lyrics include, “Oh, dead dad, can you see me now? I am myself, like you somehow, I’ll wait up in the dark, for you to speak to me.”
8. “Off He Goes” from No Code
This song is a story of a man who moves on, with the singer and author reflecting on their memories together. It’s as mellow as many other options, so it should make a great addition to any playlist for a dad or grandpa.
9. “Thumbing My Way” from Riot Act
In this song, the singer describes “thumbing” his way back to heaven, making it appropriate for any funeral. He also expresses how he wants to hold the person he’s lost and who he’s searching for.
10. “Last Exit” from Vitalogy
Definitely not a mellow option, “Last Exit” talks about someone leaving for good, which still makes it applicable for your dad or grandpa’s funeral. It’s very rock-heavy and loud, so keep this in mind when it appears in the playlist or when you decide to switch it on.
Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for a Sibling
If you’re looking for funeral songs for a brother or sister, Pearl Jam has quite a few that should do the trick, whether they were a massive fan or not.
11. “Given to Fly” from Yield
“Given to Fly” has warm, positive energy and talks about someone getting out and seeing the world, making it a great pick for a sibling.
12. “The End” from Backspacer
An emotionally mellow pick, “The End” features lyrics like, “My dear, the end comes near, I’m here, but not much longer.” It’s non-specific enough to play at any loved one’s funeral.
13. “Parachutes” from Pearl Jam
“Parachutes” is mellow but slightly upbeat and describes both dying and wanting to stay close to someone. It also describes the love that these people had for each other, so it’d work well for a sibling or other loved one.
14. “Oceans” from Ten
A slow and mellow option, “Oceans” works especially well if your dad or grandpa had a love for the water.
15. “Low Light” from Yield
“Low Light” is a reflective, balladesque option that can be great for a sibling’s funeral.
Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for a Spouse or Partner
Many of Pearl Jam’s songs can easily be dedicated to a spouse or partner’s memory. Often romantic, reflective, and just a bit dark, they're the perfect addition to a funeral song playlist.
16. “Black” from Ten
“Black” is a great option for a late wife or partner, as it’s about a woman, but you don’t have to be restricted by this. The lyrics are quite poetic and include, “All five horizons revolved around her soul, as the earth to the sun,” and, “Ooh, I know she gave me all that she wore.”
17. “Last Kiss” from Last Kiss
It doesn’t get better than “Last Kiss” to dedicate to a spouse or partner at their funeral. Lyrics include, “The Lord took her away from me, she’s gone to heaven, so I got to be good, so I can see my baby when I leave this world.”
18. “Better Man” from Vitalogy
Another popular Pearl Jam hit, “Better Man,” features some lyrics that may contradict how you feel about a late spouse or partner, but you likely love this song all the same. For example, “She lies and says she’s in love with him.”
19. “Superblood Wolfmoon” from Superblood Wolfmoon
A relatively new release, “Superblood Wolfmoon,” is an upbeat, explicit jam that can easily be used for a late wife or partner. Lyrics are quite applicable and include, “I can hear you singing in the distance, I can see you when I close my eyes, once you were somewhere, and now you’re everywhere.”
20. “Soldier of Love” from Last Kiss
Lyrically, “Soldier of Love” is very much about a couple’s passion and love for one another, as it repeats sentiments of embracing and surrendering.
21. “Thin Air” from Binaural
This song speaks about how the singer feels when he holds someone he cares for and how she reaches his heart, making it a good pick for a late spouse or partner.
Pearl Jam Funeral Songs for a Friend
Perhaps you and your friend spent hours listening to Pearl Jam on road trips or rock music in general. There are some great options below to play at their funeral or celebration of life.
22. “Even Flow” from Ten
“Even Flow” is an upbeat song from Pearl Jam with lyrics including, “Oh, someday yet he’ll begin his life again, whispering hands gently lead him away.” This makes it a great pick for a friend, especially if thoughts of reincarnation are comforting to you and your loved ones.
23. “Yellow Ledbetter” from Jeremy
This song is a nice, mellow option with soothing lyrics to play at a friend’s funeral. It’s more acoustic and calming than some others on this list.
24. “Daughter” from Vs.
Though “Daughter” isn’t the best choice for a parent’s funeral, it might be the perfect choice for a strong female friend, especially if she loved Pearl Jam. Lyrics speak of her “rising above,” which is a lovely sentiment.
25. “Sirens” from Lightning Bolt
Though slightly romantic, this song can still be a great option for a friend as it talks about closeness, nothing lasting forever, and enjoying the company of someone else.
26. “Nothingman” from Vitalogy
Regardless of lyrics, the mood of “Nothingman” would be a great addition to a funeral by sound alone. Lyrically, too, it’s indicative of someone who left before their time.
Music is Powerful
As you play through this list, examine the lyrics, and make your own selections, you’ll likely be moved by the poeticism and emotion behind Pearl Jam’s music and feel it’s actually quite applicable to funerals.
The best funeral songs are the ones that move and comfort you and your loved ones, so why can’t they also be rock ‘n’ roll?