Funeral songs to Dad from his daughter: 8 beautiful tracks

Are you looking for music to play at your father's funeral? Here are 8 beautiful tracks to choose from.



Taken from Randy Newman's 1977 album Little Criminals, this song combines wistful lyrics with a rich piano accompaniment.

Although the title is specific, the lyrics are general, asking us to "Sing a sad song for a good man / Sing a sad song for me". It finishes with the beautiful line, "Papa, we'll go sailing".

2. Johnny Cash: "You Are My Sunshine"

This song has been covered by many people. But the version by country singer Johnny Cash is especially popular at funerals.

It's a sweet, mid-tempo song about one person's love for another: "You'll never know, dear, how much I love you / Please don't take my sunshine away." It could be a suitable choice if you want a song that's not too sad but still expresses deep feelings. 

3. Luther Vandross: "Dance with my Father"

The wish to see a person who died one more time is universal. In this song, soul singer Luther Vandross expresses it about his father:

If I could get another chance,

Another walk, another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever, ever end

It's a simple, heartfelt chorus that makes for a classic funeral song.

4. Celine Dion: "Because You Loved Me"

This soothing song from "The Queen of Power Ballads" expresses a universal sentiment: "I'm everything I am / Because you loved me".

Some of the lyrics, however, make it especially suitable for a song from a daughter to her dad – lines like "You saw the best there was in me / Lifted me up when I couldn't reach".

5. Queen: "The Show Must Go On"

Another power ballad, Queen's "The Show Must Go On" is a defiant anthem about keeping going. "Inside my heart is breaking / My makeup may be flaking / But my smile still stays on."

With its powerful singalong chorus, "The Show Must Go On" could be a fitting memorial to a dad who loved rock music. It could also be a way of reflecting your feelings and sharing them with others at the funeral.

6. Franz Schubert: "Ave Maria"

German composer Franz Schubert wrote a huge amount of music. Perhaps his most famous piece is the hymn "Ave Maria". Familiar to many from the Disney film Fantasia, it's a popular choice at funerals.

There are many versions. Usually, it's a simple arrangement of piano and vocals. The melody is calm and uplifting. This is perhaps why it was performed by the opera singer Luigi Vena at US President John F. Kennedy's funeral in 1963.

7. Frédéric Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2, third movement

Chopin was a classical composer known for his emotionally rich writing. The third movement of his second piano sonata is the famous funeral march (Marche funèbre in French).

The solo piano version is reflective and yearning. There is, however, a huge range of versions for different instruments and ensembles. An arrangement by Napoléon Henri Reber was played at Chopin's own funeral in Paris in 1849.

8. Charles Mingus: "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat"

This classical jazz instrumental by American bassist and composer Charles Mingus could be a suitable choice if your dad was a jazz fan.

Written in memory of the sax player Lester Young, it's a sparse, spacious piece that ebbs and flows with emotion. Versions with lyrics are available – perhaps one will resonate with you.

When is music played at a funeral?

Music plays a big role in many funerals. It's played at different points of the service. This is something the organiser can choose.

Music can be played when the coffin is carried in. It can be played during the service, sometimes over a slideshow. Some funerals will feature hymns or other pieces of religious music. It can be played when the person who died is "committed" (the final goodbye before the body is put in the grave or crematorium).

We've written elsewhere about how to choose music for a funeral slideshow. We've also covered 10 beautiful songs and compositions for funerals.

Sometimes, the use of music in a funeral will be influenced by the religious beliefs of the person who died. Often, however, it's up to you.

This can lead to personal, heartfelt services that are full of depth and emotion. But it can also be difficult to choose a piece of music at a time of grief.

There's no right or wrong way to do it. The main thing to decide is what mood you want to create and what feeling you want to express. Often, this will be influenced by the life and character of the person who died.

We hope these suggestions help you make a choice that feels right for you and your dad.

At Treasured Moments, we create beautiful, bespoke remembrance websites. Explore our tribute examples to see what we can do – or get in touch in your own time if you'd like to ask a question.