Setting the Tone: Musical Tributes for Every Generation
Music has a unique ability to bridge the gap between what we feel and what we can say. At a funeral or memorial, the right song can serve as a final gift to the person who passed and a source of collective healing for those left behind.
Because every life has its own soundtrack, we have organized these suggestions by generation and style to help you find the melody that fits best.
The Classics (Silent Generation & Early Boomers)
These tracks are timeless choices that many older family members find deeply comforting. They focus on a life well lived and the grace of a final farewell.
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra (the ultimate anthem of independence)
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
- “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn
- “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
- “Moon River” by Andy Williams
- “Amazing Grace” (Traditional or the Alan Jackson version)
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
The Rock & Folk Icons (Boomers & Gen X)
For those who lived through the eras of vinyl and stadium rock, these songs offer a more soulful, guitar-driven tribute.
- “In My Life” by The Beatles
- “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
- “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
- “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
- “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
- “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum (for an upbeat, vintage vibe)
- “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits
The Modern Soul (Millennials & Gen Z)
Younger generations often lean toward acoustic covers, cinematic R&B, or indie tracks that feel intimate and raw.
- “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran (written specifically about losing a grandmother)
- “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
- “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
- “Memories” by Maroon 5
- “Saturn” by Sleeping At Last
- “To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra
- “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
- “Fix You” by Coldplay
- “Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon
Alternative & “A Little Different”
If the person you are honoring lived outside the mainstream, these songs provide a meaningful departure from traditional funeral music.
- “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
- “Do You Realize??” by The Flaming Lips
- “Asleep” by The Smiths
- “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel
- “Into My Arms” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
- “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python (for those with a dark sense of humor)
- “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space” by Spiritualized
- “The Funeral” by Band of Horses
Tips for the Service
When selecting music, consider how the song will be used. A slow, instrumental piece works well for a photo slideshow, while a powerful vocal track is often best for the final exit.
