Ed Sheeran funeral songs: 8 of his most meaningful tunes
Ed Sheeran has a knack for songs that express the complexity of grief. Explore 8 Ed Sheeran funeral songs that might suit the service you're planning.
People often think there are rules about funeral music – as if there's a strict list of songs you're allowed to choose from.
Hymns, perhaps, if it's a Christian funeral. Or maybe a stirring piece of classical music.
But that's not always the case. At many types of funerals in the UK, you can choose just about any song and any genre. The only exceptions are certain religious funerals, where there might be restrictions on what can be played or on playing music in general.
So, if the person who died was a fan of modern pop music, feel free to include it in the service. What matters most is that the music you choose feels like a fitting tribute.
One modern songwriter whose music is particularly popular at funerals is Ed Sheeran. In this guide, we share eight Ed Sheeran funeral songs that might help set the right mood.
Popular Ed Sheeran funeral songs
These songs were big hits or are fan favourites. Even if you don't know much about Ed Sheeran, you've probably heard one of these on the radio.
1. Supermarket Flowers
Best for: a mother, grandmother or other close family member
"Supermarket Flowers" is the most popular Ed Sheeran funeral song. In fact, it was the sixth-most-popular song at UK funerals in 2025 (Co-op).
It's easy to hear why. Supermarket Flowers captures something that few other songs do: the strangely ordinary feeling that sometimes comes with loss.
Despite his grandmother being gone, life goes on – including the mundane task of clearing out her hospital room. However, in that strange haze of shock and grief, even small things – like the supermarket flowers on her windowsill – become loaded with emotion.
2. Visiting Hours
Best for: a friend, mentor or father figure
"Visiting Hours" is a tribute to Sheeran's real-life friend, Michael Gudinski. He was an Australian music promoter who mentored Sheeran in the early days of the songwriter's career.
And even after Gudinski's death, Sheeran wishes he could call on his old friend's wisdom. "I wish that Heaven had visiting hours", he sings, "so I could just swing by and ask your advice."
It's a simple but powerful message. When a person dies, we don't just miss them. We also miss the conversations, the wise words and the enduring impact they had on our lives.
3. Afire Love
Best for: a grandparent or spouse
"Afire Love" might be a song about death, but it's as much a song about enduring, lifelong love.
Sheeran wrote the song about his grandfather, and finished writing it after he died. His grandfather had dementia – as Sheeran sings, "Things were all good yesterday, and then the devil took your memory." However, rather than focusing on the harsh reality of his condition, the chorus celebrates the love his grandparents shared throughout their long lives together.
4. Photograph
Best for: a photo montage or moment of reflection
Funerals often have a moment of reflection, where people can sit with their thoughts and feelings for a little while. And sometimes, there's music and a photo slideshow.
If that's what you're planning for the funeral, "Photograph" might be the perfect fit. Not only is the song very beautiful, but it also uses photographs as symbols of enduring love and cherished memories. "We keep this love in a photograph", the chorus goes, "where our eyes are never closin'… and time's forever frozen still."
Lesser-known tracks that are worth a listen
These songs weren't necessarily Sheeran's biggest hits, but they stand out for their meaningful lyrics and messages of hope. If you're looking for a musical tribute that feels unique, give them a listen.
5. Eyes Closed
Best for: a close friend, particularly a younger person
Like "Visiting Hours", "Eyes Closed" is a tribute to one of Sheeran's close friends.
And like many Sheeran songs, it captures a peculiar feeling that's familiar to anyone who has experienced grief. Why do the places we used to visit feel so strange now that you're gone?
In the song, Sheeran goes to a nightclub, but every song reminds him of his friend. So, he finds himself "Dancin' with my eyes closed, cause everywhere I look, I still see you."
6. Life Goes On
Best for: a friend or a person who died quite young
Sheeran wrote "Life Goes On" for the same friend he mourned in "Eyes Closed" – Jamal Edwards.
And it captures a similar feeling. When you're grieving, it can feel like the world has stopped turning. Isn't it strange that everyone and everything else seems to carry on as normal?
If you don't know the song straight away, you might recognise it from Emmerdale. "Life Goes On" was famously used for the on-screen funeral of teenage character Heath Hope.
7. End of Youth
Best for: acknowledging the darker side of grief
"End of Youth" isn't a typical Ed Sheeran funeral song. Many of his tracks are special because they find a twinkle of hope in the darkness of grief. However, "End of Youth" is different: it's a harsh, pain-stricken look at growing up and the loss of innocence.
In other words, it's about a different kind of grief – the sense that something you took for granted has been taken away. That's a feeling that will be familiar to many who have lost a loved one.
It's worth noting that the lyrics mention topics like depression, alcohol and drug use. Give this one a close listen before deciding to use it.
8. Boat
Best for: a less traditionally sombre service
After the bleakness of "End of Youth", here's a much more uplifting example of an Ed Sheeran funeral song.
"Boat" is all about staying strong, whatever life throws at you – whether that's loss, illness or anything else. "There's beauty when it's bleak", Sheeran sings. And while the voyage of life may be rough, no matter what, "The waves won't break my boat."
If you want to strike a more uplifting mood at the funeral, this one's a great pick.
More funeral music ideas
At Akshardham Funeral Directors, we work with families across Greater London, providing gentle, step-by-step support to help them plan the funeral they want.
It's important to us that the funeral service feels right for the person who has died. That's why we often share funeral ideas on our blog, including ideas for music and songs.
If you didn't find the right song today, why not take a look at these guides?
- Lionel Richie funeral songs: memorial music by the king of ballads
- Reggae funeral songs: 7 sad reggae songs about death and grief
- Songs for Mum's funeral: memorial music for a beloved mother
