Tag Archives: Memorial Music



 “You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor

A powerful and sweet song that would be the perfect tune to remember your loved one

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, beautiful song to play at a memorial service or funeral, consider playing “You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor. Taylor is a five-time Grammy Award winner, and was inducted into the Rock and … Continue reading

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“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder

Let Stevie Wonder's song bring strength and joy to your memorial ceremony

Gone are the days of somber memorials defined by a dreary black dress-code and a slew of sad songs. It’s important to create an atmosphere sensitive to the grieving process, and a memorial ceremony will always embrace that. But, in … Continue reading

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“Ol’ Man River” by The Beach Boys

The vocal version of the Beach Boys song is a calming, stripped-down version of a classic that makes a beautiful memorial song

No group harmonizes as well as the Beach Boys, whose songs have become American treasures thanks to their delicate and complex vocal arrangements. While the ‘Boys’ may be best known for hits like “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations,” their take … Continue reading

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 “Mama You Sweet” by Lucinda Williams

A beautiful memorial song that encapsulates the physical and emotional severity of a daughter’s grief and love for her mother

On her 2007 album, West, one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Lucinda Williams, released an intensely beautiful song about her love for her mother and her grief over her death called “Mama You Sweet.” “Mama You Sweet” starts with the repetition … Continue reading

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“Taps” by Major General Daniel Butterfield

One of the most prolific funeral songs in American history that brings back childhood memories of camp

When it comes to funeral music, there is one haunting melody that reigns supreme in the minds of Americans. Having origins in the 1800s, Taps goes by many names, including Day Is Done, Lights Out, Extinguish Lights and Butterfield’s Lullaby. … Continue reading

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 David Byrne Sings “Buck Naked” In Memory Of His Mother Emma

It's one of two memorial songs he sang at her memorial service

David Byrne of the famous Talking Heads recently lost his mother Emma Anderson Byrne on June 24th. He was inspired to put a memorial of her life story online. It’s wonderfully written with lots of personal photos and family history. … Continue reading

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