The Most Popular Song Sung at Funerals, Ranked

Choose the song sung you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:50
Choosing the right song for a funeral can significantly impact the atmosphere and emotional response during the ceremony. It's a decision that often reflects the personality and preferences of the departed, as well as the sentiments of the bereaved. Therefore, understanding which songs resonate most with people can be a meaningful resource for many during times of loss. By participating in this community-driven ranking, you contribute to a valuable compilation of popular funeral songs, helping others make informed choices during challenging times. Your votes ensure that the list remains reflective of current preferences and emotional trends, providing a supportive tool for those planning memorial services.

What Is the Most Popular Song Sung at Funerals?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    This song has become a classic funeral song due to its reflective and introspective lyrics that often resonate with mourners.
    My Way is a classic song originally performed by Frank Sinatra in 1969. It has since become one of his signature songs and is often regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time. The song speaks of a person reflecting on their life, expressing a sense of self-assurance and pride in the choices they have made.
    • Year: 1969
    • Composer: Claude François and Jacques Revaux
    • Lyricists: Paul Anka
    • Genre: Pop
    • Duration: 4:36
    "My Way" by Frank Sinatra in other rankings
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Amazing Grace
    John Newton · Public domain
    This traditional Christian hymn is often sung at funerals as a tribute to the deceased and a symbol of hope and redemption.
    Amazing Grace is a timeless Gospel song that has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful message of redemption and grace. It is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved hymns in the Christian tradition. The song's lyrics express gratitude for God's mercy and forgiveness, and its haunting melody evokes a sense of solace and peace.
    • Lyrics: The song's lyrics are deeply reflective and explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God's grace.
    • Melody: The melody of Amazing Grace is simple yet profound, with a gentle and contemplative quality that resonates with listeners.
    • Popularity: Amazing Grace is widely recognized and cherished by people of diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs, making it one of the most universally loved Gospel songs.
    • Historical Significance: The song played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, serving as an anthem of hope and freedom for enslaved African Americans.
    • Authenticity: The emotional honesty and personal testimonial nature of the lyrics have contributed to the enduring popularity and impact of Amazing Grace.
    Amazing Grace in other rankings
  3. 3
    13
    votes
    This sentimental ballad has become a popular funeral song due to its themes of love, loss, and remembrance.
    The Rose is a heartfelt and emotionally powerful ballad that was popularized by Bette Midler. It was originally written by Amanda McBroom in 1977 and has since become one of the most beloved and iconic songs of all time. The song explores themes of love, resilience, and the fragile beauty of life. Its moving lyrics and powerful melody make it a perfect choice for singers looking to convey deep emotions.
    • Year: 1977
    • Genre: Pop
    • Length: 3 minutes and 40 seconds
    • Album: The Rose (Soundtrack)
    • Label: Atlantic Records
    "The Rose" by Bette Midler in other rankings
  4. 4
    7
    votes
    This emotional ballad is often played at funerals as a tribute to lost loved ones and the enduring power of love.
    Unchained Melody is a classic romantic ballad by The Righteous Brothers. It was released in 1965 and has since become one of the most beloved and widely recognized love songs of all time. The song starts with a gentle piano melody accompanied by a haunting and soulful vocal performance. As the song progresses, the intensity builds, adding layers of orchestration and harmonies, creating a passionate and emotional atmosphere. The lyrics speak of longing, devotion, and the yearning for a deep connection with a loved one. The combination of heartfelt vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and sweeping musical arrangement makes Unchained Melody a timeless anthem of love and longing.
    • Release Date: 1965
    • Genre: Pop, Rock
    • Duration: 3 minutes 39 seconds
    • Songwriters: Alex North, Hy Zaret
    • Producer: Phil Spector
    "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers in other rankings
  5. 5
    5
    votes
    This iconic love song has also become a popular funeral song due to its themes of eternal love and remembrance.
    "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston in other rankings
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    This inspirational ballad has become a popular funeral song due to its themes of gratitude, appreciation, and love.
    "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler in other rankings
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    This beautiful and uplifting duet has become a popular funeral song due to its themes of farewell, hope, and peace.
    Time to Say Goodbye is a powerful and emotional song performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. It is often considered one of the most impressive songs to sing due to its beautiful composition and the extraordinary vocal abilities of both artists. The song explores themes of farewell and moving on, resonating with listeners on an emotional level.
    • Genre: Classical crossover
    • Language: Italian and English
    • Released: 1996
    • Album: Romanza
    • Songwriters: Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto
    "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This poignant ballad was written as a tribute to Clapton's young son who died tragically, and has become a popular funeral song due to its themes of loss, grief, and healing.
    "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton in other rankings
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    This classic ballad has become a popular funeral song due to its themes of comfort, support, and friendship.
    "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel in other rankings
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    This uplifting ballad has become a popular funeral song due to its themes of strength, resilience, and hope.
    "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban in other rankings

Missing your favorite song sung?

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Ranking factors for popular song sung

  1. Lyrics and meaning
    The song's lyrics should be appropriate and meaningful for a funeral service, with themes of loss, remembrance, and hope.
  2. Cultural and religious significance
    Depending on the cultural background and religious beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones, certain songs may hold more significance and be more commonly played at funerals.
  3. Emotional impact
    The song should have a strong emotional impact and resonate with mourners, helping them to remember the life of the deceased and find comfort in the music.
  4. Personal relevance
    Sometimes, a song may be chosen because it was the deceased's favorite song, or it has a special meaning to the family and friends.
  5. Timelessness
    Some classic songs have remained popular choices at funerals because they transcend generations and speak to universal emotions and experiences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular song sung at funerals. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1285 views
  • 146 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular song sung at funerals

Funerals are often a time of mourning and remembrance, and music plays an important role in the grieving process. Choosing the right song can help to honor the memory of the deceased and bring comfort to those in attendance. Over the years, many songs have become popular choices for funerals, with some even being referred to as “funeral classics”. From traditional hymns to contemporary ballads, the most popular funeral songs can vary depending on cultural and personal preferences. StrawPoll provides a platform for people to share their favorite funeral songs and discover new ones, helping to create a meaningful and personalized funeral experience.

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