Memorial Service Songs for Elderly Loved Ones
Many songs capture the spirit of a memorial service. To help you streamline your search, these are seven songs for an elderly loved one’s memorial service.
As cremation service in Biddeford, ME, we appreciate helping families find the right songs to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones. Music evokes memories and emotions that help mourners grieve their loss.
The right music is different for each person and family. Nonetheless, we’ve compiled a list of personal favorites and popular ones below. We hope they inspire you.
Living Years - Mike + the Mechanics
Mike + the Mechanics, a British rock band, recorded this soft rock ballad in 1988. It became a massive hit in 1989 and has captured the spirit of many memorial services ever since.
It is about the remorse a child feels having not said the words he wanted to his father before he died.
Dance with My Father - Luther Vandross
Though released in 2003, Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father is an all-time classic. The story of a young man who misses his father but prays for his mother to have another chance with him instead expresses the emotions of losing a beloved father and husband.
Smile - Nat King Cole
This song transports you to your childhood and teenage years through the words and advice your parents offered you.
Nat King Cole delivers the words in his signature rich, pleasant voice. It is an excellent song for periods of positive reflection during the memorial.
You’ll Never Walk Alone - Judy Garland
Judy Garland’s rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone is a spiritual conviction of Oscar Hammerstein II’s famous lyrics. He wrote it to comfort a character in a musical after her husband died, but it has left a lasting impact till today.
The words are reassuring, life-affirming, and remind us that we are not alone, even in the greatness of our grief.
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
There’s hardly a funeral service that doesn’t play this song. The smoothness of the words out of Jeff Buckley’s mouth, how he shows he’s feeling the pain along with you, and the gentle melody make it a crowd favorite.
It may be a common go-to, but this is the song if you want your guests to cry at the memorial service.
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Memorial services evoke memories, and Louis Armstrong’s 1967 but timeless What a Wonderful World will help with that. It reminds you of the joyful years with your family at different times of the year.
The jazz song’s reflective lyrics and rhythm carry a sense of hope that connects with people everywhere.
You are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder does an excellent job of capturing the memories of an elderly loved one in this 70s-style jazz ballad.
It evokes memories of songs a father or mother sings at bedtime and talks about the lasting, happy love that stems from it, in your heart, and heaven.
The song is one of Rolling Stone’s greatest songs of all time and one of the best songs for a memorial service.
But like others, maximizing its impact depends on proper planning. Our Biddeford, ME cremation services include direct cremation and memorial service planning. Reach out to us for additional questions, or call us now to get started.
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