Tag Archives: Beautiful Funeral Songs

Paul K. Joyce’s musical adaptation of Mary Elizabeth Frye’s “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep.”

A composer sets the popular bereavement poem to music with hauntingly beautiful results

Since 1932, when florist and Baltimore-based homemaker Mary Elizabeth Frye wrote “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,” quite a few musicians have felt compelled to set the poem to music. Frye’s wise, comforting lines have been transformed into … Continue reading

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Gillian Welch’s Neo-Traditional Hymn “I’m Not Afraid To Die”

A simple tune, a deep well of comfort

The first time I heard Gillian Welch’s achingly lovely neotraditional folk song “I’m Not Afraid To Die”, I heard it sung in harmony by my dear friend and her dying father. He was in hospice at home in Santa Fe, lying … Continue reading

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Beautiful Funeral Song: “Morningside” by Neil Diamond

This hauntingly beautiful song paints a picture of the lasting gift an elderly man, who died alone, gave his children

In 1972, Neil Diamond released a very touching song he wrote called “Morningside” on his album, Moods. “Morningside” was heavily inspired by Neil Diamond’s own reflections about his grandparents’ deaths. In his own words, “Morningside is a very sad song. … Continue reading

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Touching Funeral Song: “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen



A hauntingly beautiful funeral song that encapsulates the fear, suffering, isolation and pain that those dying from AIDS experience

In 1993, Bruce Springsteen wrote and performed the hauntingly beautiful song, “Streets of Philadelphia” for the critically-acclaimed movie about life with and eventual death from HIV and AIDS, Philadelphia. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in … Continue reading

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Beautiful Funeral Song: “Dance with Life (The Brilliant Light)” by Bryan Ferry

A beautiful funeral song encapsulating the unbreakable bond of two lovers

In 1996, this wonderful song — written by Bernie Taupin (best-known for his work with Elton John) and Martin Page — appeared in one of my favorite films, Phenomenon. Sung by the incredibly talented Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music fame, … Continue reading

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 “Touched By An Angel” by Stevie Nicks

A beautiful funeral song inspired by the singer-songwriter’s belief in an angel awaiting us upon death

In 2001, this gem of a song appeared in one of my favorite films, Sweet November, written and sung by the gifted Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and solo fame. In Stevie Nicks’ own words, “Touched By An Angel” was … Continue reading

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