Country Music Funeral Songs
Country music funeral songs can be a perfect choice to celebrate the life of a loved one. Here are 10 of the best country songs to use for funeral or memorial music.
American country music touches the heart of many Americans as it can help them feel at home, at peace, and where they belong. Often dealing with love, loss, family, hardships, travel and the comforts of home, country music appeals to the most basic needs of life. It can be both somber and comforting as it reminds us of the simplest times and treasures.
Country music songs touch the heart at a funeral
Some country songs have imagery that is beautiful for funerals, with songs about travel, heaven, God and loss. The music is heartfelt, soulful, and beautiful. Some country music artists perform older gospel music and spirituals, reminding us of the music of our heritage.
10 best country music funeral songs
Below are 10 of the best country music songs to use for memorial or funeral songs. They include older, classic selections by Johnny Cash and Randy Travis, gospel by Alison Krauss, nostalgic music from Alabama, and more modern pieces from artist like Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, and Brad Paisley.
There are so many country music funeral songs to choose from, this is not an exhaustive list. Please use our funeral song database to find your own perfect country music to use as memorial songs.
10. Mark Wills – “What Hurts the Most”
This country song has been covered by several artists but Mark’s rendition of the Jeffrey Steele and Steve Robson song is a beautiful piece. His smooth voice will remind us of those precious moments in life.
“What Hurts the Most” evokes love lost and heartbreak. The imagery of sadness and loss.
9. Kenny Chesney – “Don’t Blink”
This country song talks about how quickly time passes and would be a lovely memorial song. It is a reminder to live life to the fullest because anything can happen in the blink of an eye. Each moment is precious, for our own lives and in our loved ones’ lives.
“Don’t Blink” reminds us of what is really important in life: living in the moment and enjoying each precious second. This song may resonate with everyone present in the funeral, helping them evaluate their priorities in their own lives. The song was written by Casey Beathard and Chris Wallin.
8. Monk and Neagle – “Dancing with The Angels”
“Dancing with Angels” is a perfect funeral song, as it is a comforting and empathetic country song. “There’s so much that I don’t understand” is such a beautiful phrase discussing that incomprehensible feeling we have in the first hours after losing someone dear to us. And, picturing our loved ones dancing with angels after all the sorrow and uncertainly is a warm, comforting image.
7. Randy Travis – “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken” is a traditional funeral song. It is a reworked song by A.P. Carter from a hymn written by Ada R. Habershon in 1907. This song is heartbreaking as well as uplifting and comforting as it reminds us of the life that was and the life to come.
Lyrics like “Is a better home awaiting in the sky?” comfort us as we know our loved one is in a better place.
This song has been recorded by many artists with many different arrangements in different music styles. Randy’s lonesome country version for this song will make everyone stand up to praise and sing along to this beautiful hymn.
6. Alison Krauss – “I’ll Fly Away”
“I’ll Fly Away” is a beautiful song for memorial music. An old-school country song with beautiful harmonies celebrates the freedom after the spirit has left the body. It is one of my favorite songs as the old school harmonies just touch the soul.
Both comforting and uplifting, this song is also known for being one of the most recorded gospel songs ever. It can be found in many versions, and many musical styles.
5. Sarah McLachlan – “In the Arms of an Angel”
“In the Arms of an Angel” is a perfect funeral song. The music is a lovely piano ballad and the arrangement is emotional and touching. The lyrics are about the departure of a friend. The message it delivers is that of comfort.
This country song lets the listener know that they can let their beloved friend go in peace to a much safer place, wrapped in the arms of an angel.
4. The Dixie Chicks – “Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)”
Although there is no easy song for the funeral of a dear child, “Godspeed” is a beautiful and comforting option. The Texan group, The Dixie Chicks, dedicated this country song to a child that has passed away. Nostalgic imagery in the song includes references to children’s items such as Peter Pan, superheroes and pajamas.
This is a soft country ballad similar to a lullaby. It is so difficult when a child has passed, but this sweet song will help comfort those in this process. This song will remind you about love that should always remain within the memories of a new little angel.
3. ALABAMA – “Angels Among Us”
“Angels Among Us” is another comforting funeral song, letting us know that our loved one is in a better place.
The lyrics “Guide us with the Light of Love” says it all. At these times, we often feel lost and without hope, but are reminded that God will guide us. In these moments what we need the most is to stay in the light of the Lord and let it shine at all times.
2. Johnny Cash – “Meet Me in Heaven”
“Meet Me in Heaven” is a straightforward funeral song. It is a hopeful country song indicating we will see our loved ones again in a better place.
Johnny Cash’s baritone voice that will bring ease in this hardship.
1. Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton) – “When I Get Where I’m Going”
“When I Get Where I’m Going” is a very pleasant song with a sense of tranquility. This funeral song allows the listener’s heavy heart to be a little lighter. It will also help us endure the hardest times during the grieving.
Music can also help with the healing process, especially when it evokes good memories. Country music is perfect funeral and memorial music because it reminds us of love, memories and hope for tomorrow.
If you’re struggling with picking the music for the funeral of a loved one, don’t hesitate to listen to the above selections. Also, feel free to search in our funeral song database of over 500 funeral songs.
Funeral MusicHere is our list of over 70 country music funeral songs.
Or, check out our Youtube channel with hundreds of funeral songs.
