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Written by Mitch Tapner.
9 minute read
Article reviewed by Emily Cross, Self-Employed Death Doula on November 21, 2025.
When someone we love dies, finding ways to remember them can bring both comfort and connection. Music often plays a special role in this, it can unlock memories, express feelings we can’t put into words, and help us honour a life in a deeply personal way. The right music can feel like a bridge between you and the person you miss, whether chosen for a funeral, a gathering, or a quiet moment alone.
In this guide, we’ll also look at how music can help when remembering a loved one at times when their absence is felt most. You’ll find inspiration for creating a meaningful tribute that feels true to them, and to you.
The song you choose should reflect both your feelings and the person you’re remembering. A gentle piano piece might bring comfort, while an upbeat acoustic track could capture their joyful spirit. The most meaningful choice will feel deeply personal, perhaps it’s a song they loved, something you shared together, or music that captures the emotions you want to express.
When deciding, think about:
The right song will feel as if it was written for your memories, even if it was recorded long before you knew it.
Across cultures, music has been central to remembering a loved one. It has marked farewells, celebrated lives, and helped families through grief. For many, it is more than background sound, it is an offering, a final gift to the person who has died, and a bridge between past moments and present love.
Therapists talk about how music can unlock memories and emotions, making it a powerful tool for healing. Spiritual leaders may see it as a form of prayer or meditation. Families often say that a particular song becomes their connection, a way of remembering a friend who has died or keeping the memory of a loved one alive at milestones such as the first death anniversary or Christmas.
Grief can be overwhelming, with emotions coming and going in waves. Music offers a steady place to rest those feelings. A gentle guitar line or a soft string arrangement can soothe, while lyrics that mirror your own thoughts can make you feel less alone.
For many, singing along to a favourite remembrance song, or simply listening in stillness, allows emotions, sadness, gratitude, longing, to flow without needing to explain them. In this way, music can be both comforting and quietly therapeutic.
Funeral songs for Mum are often chosen to reflect warmth, love, and deep gratitude. Whether your mother was gentle, spirited, or full of humour, the right song can feel like a way of holding her close – especially when words fall short. The following timeless choices speak to lasting bonds, and may offer comfort no matter the mood you want to set.
Some songs endure because they speak so clearly to love and loss:
Many of these tracks also feature among the most popular funeral hymns, carrying a sense of tradition and comfort.
Modern artists continue to write heartfelt remembrance songs, often inspired by their own experiences of loss. These can be deeply personal yet resonate widely, whether chosen for a funeral, a direct cremation service, or simply played at home while remembering loved ones at Christmas or on a significant date.
For those seeking a non-religious tribute, many non religious funeral poems have been adapted into song. This can offer a beautiful, inclusive way to remember someone while reflecting their beliefs and values.
You might also consider poems for remembering loved ones in their spoken form, either read aloud during the service or shared quietly at home. Whether spoken or set to music, poems can capture feelings that are otherwise hard to express, offering comfort and connection.
If you enjoy writing music, creating your own song can be a powerful way to remember a loved one. Start with moments you never want to forget, shared laughter, a favourite phrase, or a special place.
Consider:
Even if it’s only ever sung to yourself, it can be a treasured keepsake, your own voice carrying their memory forward.
Choosing music for a funeral plan is about more than what sounds “appropriate”, it’s about capturing the person’s character. A favourite rock ballad might suit someone vibrant, while a hymn may reflect a strong faith. Cultural influences, generational preferences, and personal wishes all play a part, whether you’re following British funeral traditions or exploring more modern end of life celebration ideas.
You might also want to compare funeral plans to see which options allow for live musicians, bespoke playlists, or recorded dedications. *Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase.*
When planning, think about:
Music doesn’t have to be limited to the day of the service. Families sometimes make playlists to share, hold listening gatherings, or commission performances in tribute. Some combine spoken memories with a favourite song, blending words and melody into a lasting dedication.
The most moving remembrance songs use language that stirs the heart, imagery that brings moments to life, repetition that deepens the message, and a balance of detail and universality so others can see their own experiences reflected.
Sometimes a single line holds a lifetime:
These words and melodies can stay with us, whether sung aloud at a funeral, whispered in a private moment, or replayed each year when remembering a loved one.
At Aura, we’re here to support you in creating a farewell that feels personal and meaningful. Whether you’d like a simple service or something more traditional, we’ll guide you with warmth and clarity. We can also help you plan ahead and find gentle ways to remember your loved one on anniversaries, at Christmas, or in quieter moments. With Aura, you’ll always have compassionate support by your side.
If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.
The best songs are the ones that feel most personal to you and the person you’re remembering. For some, this might be timeless classics often chosen at funerals or memorials, such as gentle ballads or popular hymns. For others, it could be a favourite track they loved. What matters most is that the song reflects their spirit and brings you comfort.
Many people find that certain songs bring a sense of calm and connection during difficult times. Soft, reflective music can soothe heavy emotions, while uplifting pieces can remind you of joy and warmth. Singing along or simply listening in stillness can help you release feelings of sadness, gratitude, or longing, without needing to put them into words.
Music can be a powerful source of comfort after a loss. It often acts as a bridge between memory and emotion, helping you stay connected to the person who has died. Families use music in many ways, at funerals, anniversaries, or even private moments of reflection. A single lyric or melody can carry love forward, offering reassurance and helping you feel less alone.