Songs for a husband's funeral: music for the loss of a spouse
Are you looking for songs to play at your husband's funeral? We're here to help. Here are 8 varied selections to consider.
It's customary for there to be music at the funeral of a loved one – and the funeral of a husband is no exception.
It's not always easy, however, to decide on a song. Many people worry that they'll make the "wrong" choice.
The important thing to know is that there are no "right" or "wrong" music choices. If the type of funeral you're planning allows music, you're free to choose whatever feels like a good fit for you and your husband.
Nevertheless, many people look for guidance when choosing a song. We hope this list of 8 songs for a husband's funeral helps you make a choice that's right for you.
Funeral songs for the loss of a husband
1. "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
We begin with a soulful pop classic from the legendary Stevie Wonder. The music is breezy, and the lyrics are sincere:
You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always be around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
With its group vocals and burbling electric piano, "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" might work well as a celebration of your husband's life.
2. "If You Hadn't Been There" by Dolly Parton
Released in 2025, this heartfelt song by the Queen of Country was released in tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean. As she said on social media:
"We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."
It's a stirring country ballad about "The ups and downs / We've always shared" and how "I wouldn't be here / If you hadn't been there".
3. "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
In 1995, American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey lost her friend David Cole. That same year, she released this tribute with the vocal group Boyz II Men.
It's a big, bold R&B ballad that describes how much the person is missed – and how they know they'll be reunited after death:
And I know you're shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we've lost along the way
And I know eventually we'll be together
One sweet day
4. "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Life of Brian
Not all funeral songs have to be sombre. If the person who died had an irrepressible spirit – or a cheeky sense of humour – then a comedy song can be appropriate.
A classic in this genre is Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from their 1979 film Life of Brian.
Now a staple at football matches as well as funerals, it's a tongue-in-cheek tune about staying strong when things get tough:
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughin' as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you
And
Always look on the bright side of life
5. "Keep Me in Your Heart" by Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon was known for his dark sense of humour. But his 2003 track "Keep Me in Your Heart" is a simple and heartfelt song delivered with raw power:
Sometimes when you're doin' simple things around the house
Maybe you'll think of me and smile
You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse
Keep me in your heart for a while
It's a moving tune about love and loss that could be a suitable song for grieving the loss of a husband.
6. "You Can Close Your Eyes" by James Taylor
James Taylor's "You Can Close Your Eyes" is described by many listeners as a lullaby and by its writer as a "secular hymn". It's a gentle, elegant song made up from just acoustic guitars and vocals:
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's alright
I don't know no love songs
And I can't sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song when I'm gone
Taylor wrote the song for his third album, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon (1971). It has since been covered by Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Sheryl Crow, Sting and others.
7. "I Only Have Eyes for You" by The Flamingos
With its memorable "Shabop shabop" refrain, this classic love song by The Flamingos has a dreamlike feel and romantic lyrics:
Are the stars out tonight?
I don't know if it's cloudy or bright
I only have eyes for you
It's a simple and tender song that could convey love for a spouse at a funeral.
It was later a hit single for the folk singer Art Garfunkel.
8. "Death Is Not the End" by Bob Dylan
Taken from his 1988 album Down in the Groove, "Death Is Not the End" is a simple, gentle and consoling song.
When you're sad and when you're lonely and you haven't got a friend
Just remember that death is not the end
And all that you've held sacred, falls down and does not mend
Just remember that death is not the end
It's a modern-day spiritual song that offers comfort "In dark and empty skies". The song has also been covered by The Waterboys and Nick Cave.
We hope this guide helped you choose the right funeral song for your spouse. If you need support to arrange a funeral service in London, please don't hesitate to contact us. We offer gentle, step-by-step guidance to help you plan the funeral you want. Call whenever you're ready on 020 8355 7876 – our lines are always open.
