Music plays a significant role in our lives. Whether you are a lover of rock, classic, Irish, pop or country, music has a way of creating bonds, memories and allowing us to find the words to express our emotions. Country music has always played a huge role in funerals & memorials as it helps us celebrate our loved ones’ lives and country funeral songs are perfect for saying goodbye. Especially when we use music that was important to them, songs that hold strong memories for the family or was a part of their daily lives. Country funeral music can help us remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones.
Table Of Contents
How to choose the right country song for a funeral?
20 of the Best Country Funeral Songs With Videos 
The Significance of Country Music at Funerals
Understanding the Emotional Impact of a Song
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Country Funeral Song
Country Funeral Songs Overview:
- “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
- “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
- “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore
- “Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson
- “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan
- “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
- “Holes in the Floor of Heaven” by Steve Wariner
- “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton
- “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood
- “If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire
- “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice
- “Why” by Rascal Flatts
- “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton
- “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney
- “One More Day” by Diamond Rio
- “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
- “My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band
- “Over You” by Miranda Lambert
- “Mama’s Song” Carrie Underwood
- “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
How to choose the right country funeral song for a funeral?
The music you choose to play at your loved ones’ funeral or memorial should be a personal choice and there are many reasons as to what makes the country song choice the right one.
Personal Memories
You may have memories of them signing a certain song while driving down country roads, it may have been a song they always sang to you, you may have had your very first dance to a song, your loved one may have always sung a certain country song in the shower.
Memories always play a big part in why we choose a certain country song to play at a funeral and as you read this there may be a certain song that comes to mind.
The song’s connection to your loved ones life
Alternatively, the song that you choose for a funeral may be one that helps to summarise your loved one’s life. Music often has the perfect ability to summarise something that we do in our day to day lives. Like work, love, care or even travel, there is a song choice out there that will summarise the types of hobbies and lifestyles your loved one enjoyed.
Your loved ones taste in music
Your loved one may have loved a certain musician or song. Picking a song from an artist that your loved one loved to listen to is a great way to honour their memory.
If your loved one was a big fan of country music, here are our top picks when it comes to choosing the perfect country song for a funeral.
What country funeral songs should I play at my loved ones funeral?
When it comes to picking a country song to play at your loved ones’ funeral or memorial there are many things to consider. Country music can come in many different versions and many different tempos. We have selected some different country songs country funeral songs which are perfect for saying goodbye.
Modern Country funeral songs:
If you are looking for modern country funeral songs, then music from artists like Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Granger Smith and Morgan Wallen can often provide you with the upbeat music you are looking for.
5 examples of modern country songs:
These are 5 examples of modern country funeral and memorial songs you could play at a funeral
1.”Where the Wildflowers Lay” by Cody Johnson
2. “I Remember Everything” by Zach Bryan ft. Kacey Musgraves
3. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Ashley McBryde
4. “Heaven Bound Balloons” by Granger Smith
5.”See You on the Other Side” by Morgan Wallen
Sad Country Funeral Songs:
If you are looking for sad country funeral songs that are softer and evoke sadness then music from country artists such as Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton and Vince Gille can often provide you with a more melancholic feel.
5 examples of sad funeral & memorial songs:
These are 5 examples of sad country funeral songs you could play at a funeral.
1.”Hurt” by Johnny Cash
2.”Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley ft. Alison Krauss
3.”If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks
4.”The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert
5.”Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill
Below we have put together 20 other popular country funeral songs which can be played at your loved ones funeral, wake or memorial service. We have selected a variation of upbeat and haunting songs to hopefully help you find the right fit for your loved ones funeral service.
20 of the Best Country Funeral Songs To Play At A Funeral
Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill
The song’s lyrics reflect on finding peace after going through life’s struggles, which can resonate deeply with those mourning a loved one making it a beautiful country funeral and memorial song choice. The imagery in the song of resting on a mountain symbolizes reaching a place of tranquility and eternal rest which can be comforting imagery to those attending the funeral.
Vince Gill wrote the song in memory of his brother and fellow musician Keith Whitley, adding an authentic layer of heartfelt emotion to the song. The combination of Vince Gill’s soulful voice and the moving melody provides a comforting message of peace and finality.
“Angels Among Us” by Alabama
Angels Among Us has a gentle melody and lyrics about the presence of angels in our lives. This country funeral song serves as a comforting reminder that our loved ones continue to watch over us even after they have passed away. The message that angels come in many forms and offer guidance and protection can be deeply reassuring to those who are grieving. Alabama’s heartfelt delivery helps convey a sense of hope and spiritual connection, making this song a touching tribute to those we’ve lost and a beautiful country music song.
“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore
“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” is a popular country funeral song that imagines the possibility of visiting heaven and reconnecting with loved ones that have been lost. The lyrics reflect on the desire to see family members and friends who have passed away and share moments with them once more. Justin Moore’s sincere performance of this song puts into perspective how we wish we could see loved ones once again.
“Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson
Written in memory of a young housekeeper who passed away unexpectedly, this song captures the shock and sadness of losing someone suddenly. The lyrics reflect on the impact the person had on those around them and the pain of losing them. Alan Jackson’s soft, emotional delivery conveys the personal nature of the loss, making it a powerful tribute to anyone who left too soon. The song speaks of heaven, Jesus and heaven making it a popular funeral country song especially for religious ceremonies. The song’s simple, heartfelt message about how hard it is to say goodbye can resonate with anyone who has experienced a sudden loss.
“Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan’s song “Drink A Beer” sings about mourning a friend in a quiet, personal way by doing something familiar and comforting: drinking a beer and thinking about them. Finding out someone you have lost is a gut wrenching feeling and sometimes when we don’t know how to process our emotions we can find comfort in doing something simple, like sitting down and drinking a beer. Even as we go on a journey of grief sometimes the best place to find comfort in our grief is by doing something simple and reflecting on our memories. This song captures this perfectly and helps people who are coping with loss feel comfort and understood and is the perfect country funeral songs for saying goodbye.
“The Dance” by Garth Brooks
“The Dance” by Gareth Brooks offers a bittersweet perspective on loss, balancing the pain of saying goodbye with the joy of having experienced a meaningful relationship. The lyrics reflect on the idea that, despite the heartache, the moments shared with loved ones are worth the pain of losing them. Garth Brooks’ powerful vocals and the song’s moving melody make it a poignant choice for reflecting on the beauty of life and the inevitability of its end, making it a popular country song choice for funerals.
“Holes in the Floor of Heaven” by Steve Wariner
“Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” starts by telling the story of a mother telling her son that his grandmother is looking down on him from heaven because there are holes in the floor of heaven. The song goes on to tell the story of a man growing up and going through the milestones of his life, including losing his mother and how he still misses his loved ones deeply. The song always reminds us that his mother used to tell him that there are holes in the floor of heaven and that our loved ones, although they may no longer be with us, are looking down on us from above.
The narrative is both comforting and sentimental, providing a sense of closeness and continued connection with those who have passed away making it a popular country song choice for funerals. Steve Wariner’s gentle voice and the song’s heartfelt lyrics can bring solace to those who believe in the enduring presence of their loved ones and is the perfect country funeral songs for saying goodbye. .
“When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton
“When I Get Where I’m Going” is a song that paints a hopeful picture of the afterlife, where there is no pain or fear, and loved ones are reunited. The song sings, “When I get to where I am going don’t cry for me down here” telling us that once they get to heaven they will shed all of the worries and woes they had on earth and cry only happy tears. The song reminds us that when we get to heaven we will be reunited with our loved ones and that all our worries will disappear and while it is sad for us to lose someone we love for them it is a joyful experience as they will be reunited with loved ones and no longer have any fears.
The duet between Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton adds a layer of warmth and harmony, enhancing the song’s comforting message and making this version a popular country song for funerals.
“Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood
By portraying life on Earth as a temporary stop on the way to heaven, Carrie Underwood’s song offers a comforting perspective on loss. The lyrics tell stories of individuals who find hope and strength in their faith, despite facing difficult circumstances. Carrie Underwood’s powerful vocals and the song’s uplifting message can provide comfort to those mourning a loved one, reminding them that this life is not the end, but a step towards a more permanent, peaceful home making it a popular song choice for funerals.
“If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire
“If I had Only Known” by Reba McEntire expresses the deep regret of not having the chance to say a proper goodbye to a loved one. The song talks about feelings that many of us experience after the loss of a loved one. The regrets we have of not saying how much we loved them or hugging them a bit tighter. The lyrics capture the longing to have done things differently if only there had been more time which all of us face after loss which makes it a popular country funeral song. Reba McEntire’s emotional delivery brings out the song’s heartfelt sincerity, making it a poignant reflection on the moments we wish we could have back. This song resonates with anyone who feels they didn’t have the closure they needed.
“I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice
Inspired by a true story, Lee Brice sings about a man who finds solace in driving his deceased brother’s truck but while also keeping everything in the truck the exact same such as the radio station. The song sings about grief and how we can find comfort by doing the same things our loved ones used to do in the exact way they used to do it. That the comfort of doing these simple actions can give us much more peace than sitting next to a gravestone as that’s where we feel them the most.
The lyrics reflect the pain of loss and the comfort found in holding onto something tangible that belonged to a loved one. Lee Brice’s heartfelt performance captures the raw emotion of the story, making it a relatable and touching tribute to those who keep the memories of their loved ones alive in everyday action, making it a popular country funeral song choice.
“Why” by Rascal Flatts
“Why” by Rascal Flatts tackles the difficult subject of losing someone to suicide. Expressing the pain and confusion left behind and how their loved one had a “troubled soul”. The lyrics ask unanswered questions that many grievers face when losing someone to suicide, such as “is there anything I could of said or done” making it a powerful and emotional country song choice for a funeral. Rascal Flatts’ tender vocals convey the deep sorrow and longing for understanding, resonating with those who are grappling with similar losses and seeking comfort in shared emotions
“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton
Broken Halos is a song that speaks about the fact that sometimes we lose people without understanding why, and we must find a way to accept it. The lyrics suggest that we should appreciate the time we had with them and the good they brought into our lives. Chris Stapleton’s soulful voice and the song’s reflective tone can help mourners find peace in accepting the mysteries of life and loss, while cherishing the memories of those who have passed making it a popular country funeral song.
“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney
“Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney is a popular country funeral song as it talks about how hard it is to lose someone and how we cannot believe they are gone. This song reflects on the what-ifs and the potential that was lost with a loved one’s early passing. The lyrics ponder how different life might be if they were still here, capturing the deep sense of longing and missed opportunities. Kenny Chesney’s emotional performance makes this song the perfect tribute to the memories and dreams left unfulfilled by our loved ones.
“One More Day” by Diamond Rio
One More Day by Diamond Rio is a popular country funeral song that expresses the yearning for just one more day with a loved one. Diamond Rio is able to capture the feelings we all have when we lose a loved one, that we wish we had more time with them. It also acknowledges the fact that even if we had one more day with our loved one that it would still not be enough and we would always wish for more. Diamond Rio’s harmonious vocals and the song’s gentle melody create a comforting and reflective atmosphere perfect for a funeral or memorial service.
“Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
“Dancing In The Sky” by Dani and Lizzy is an upbeat modern country funeral song that imagines loved ones in heaven, free from pain and suffering, dancing in the sky.
The lyrics speak to their loved ones directly, asking them questions like – Are they happy? Is there music in heaven? What do they get up to?. Similar to the questions we would ask our loved ones if we could call heaven and speak to our lost ones. The song sings about how they hope their loved one is happy and dancing with the angels and how much they are missed on earth.
The lyrics offer a vision of peace and happiness for those who have passed away, providing comfort to those left behind. Dani and Lizzy’s heartfelt delivery and soothing melody can help mourners envision their loved ones in a better place, bringing a sense of peace and closure. Due to its upbeat tempo this could be considered a happy country funeral song choice for many.
“My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band
“My Old Man” by Zac Brown is a country funeral song that is suitable for a father’s funeral. The song is a tribute to the singer’s late father, celebrating his life and the lessons that his dad taught him. The lyrics reflect on the strength, love, and guidance of a father figure, making it a fitting choice for honoring a parent.
“Over You” by Miranda Lambert
“Over You” is a country funeral song that deals with the pain of losing someone close and the struggle to move on. The lyrics, sung by Miranda Lambert, capture the raw emotion of grief and the difficulty of letting go. This beautiful country funeral song summarises how many of us feel after the loss of a loved one, including both anger, sadness and struggling with acceptance. Miranda Lambert’s powerful vocals convey the depth of sorrow and longing, making it a relatable choice for those dealing with profound loss.
“Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood
“Mama’s Song” is the perfect country funeral song for a mother’s funeral. It is a heartfelt tribute from a daughter to her mother, expressing gratitude and love for all the guidance and support given throughout her life. The lyrics reassure the mother that she has done a great job raising her daughter, who is now ready to face the world with the values and strength instilled in her. Carrie Underwood’s tender and emotional delivery captures the deep bond between mother and daughter, making it a perfect choice for honoring a mother at her funeral.
“Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
“Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn is the perfect country funeral song for your father. The song pays tribute to the love and strength of a father, reflecting on the comfort and support he provided. The lyrics celebrate the memories and lessons learned from a father’s hands, making it a touching choice for remembering a parent. Holly Dunn’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s warm, nostalgic melody can bring comfort to those mourning a father or father figure.
The Significance of Country Music at Funerals
Country music holds a unique and profound place in the hearts of many, making it a popular music genre for funerals. Country music is often deeply personal and has relatable lyrics, especially around topics of love, loss and grief. Country music often tells stories of life’s trials and triumphs and resonates strongly with those grieving the loss of a loved one. Here are a few reasons why country music is particularly meaningful at funerals:
Emotional Resonance Within A Country Funeral Song
Country music is known for its ability to capture raw human emotions. The genre often delves into themes of heartache, sorrow, and remembrance, which can provide a sense of shared experience and comfort to mourners. The emotional depth of a country funeral song can help articulate feelings of loss and grief that words alone may fail to express and help people feel seen and understood, which makes it popular for funerals or memorial services.
Storytelling Tradition
Country music’s rich storytelling tradition allows it to tell personal and relatable stories that connect with people attending funerals. At funerals, songs that narrate personal experiences, loss and memories of their loved ones can help to capture the vivid recollections of the deceased, celebrating their life and the impact they had on others.
Comfort and Healing
The comforting melodies and familiar sounds of country music can provide solace in times of mourning. The genre’s focus on themes like faith, resilience, and hope can offer a sense of peace and reassurance, helping mourners navigate through their grief.
Personalized Tributes
Country music offers a wide range of songs that can be tailored to the unique personality and life of the deceased. Whether it’s a song about a mother’s love, a father’s wisdom, or the bond of friendship, there is likely a country song that can serve as a fitting tribute, making the funeral service more personalized and meaningful.
Celebration of Life
Many country songs celebrate life’s simple pleasures and cherished moments, which can be a beautiful way to honor and remember a loved one. Country music can capture happy memories and celebrate the life lived, rather than just mourning the loss, providing a balanced perspective on the occasion.
Faith and Spirituality
Country music often incorporates elements of faith and spirituality, which can be especially comforting at a religious funeral. Songs that speak of heaven, angels, eternal rest and spiritual reunion can provide hope and solace to those who are grieving, reinforcing the belief in an afterlife.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of A Song
Before selecting a country funeral song, it’s essential to consider the emotional resonance it will have on mourners. The music chosen should reflect the unique personality and life journey of the deceased, providing a source of comfort and reflection for those in attendance. Additionally, the selected song should align with the cultural and religious beliefs of the deceased and their loved ones, ensuring that it serves as a fitting tribute to their memory.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Country Funeral Song To Play At A Funeral
Selecting the perfect country funeral song to play at funeral is a deeply personal decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a song:
1. Reflective Lyrics Within Country Funeral Songs
Opt for songs with meaningful lyrics that capture the essence of the departed’s life and values. Look for themes of love, loss, and resilience that resonate with mourners and offer a sense of comfort in their time of need.
2. Emotional Resonance
Consider the emotional impact of the song on those attending the funeral. Do you want the song to be uplifting, celebrating a life well lived or are the circumstances of the funeral one where a somber song would be more suitable? Choose a country song that captures the right feeling for the occasion.
While funerals are ultimately sad, everyone’s circumstances are different. The funeral for someone in their 90s who lived a long and full happy life may be a cause for celebration, whereas the funeral for a child may not be an occasion where you want to play upbeat music. Everyone’s situation is different and unique so choose music which you feel is right.
3. Genre and Style
Country music encompasses a wide range of styles, from classic ballads to modern contemporary songs. Select a song that reflects the musical preferences of the deceased, ensuring that it resonates with their personality and spirit.
Conclusion
In times of sorrow, country music has the remarkable ability to bring loved ones together and country funeral songs are perfect for saying goodbye. Country music can capture emotions that are too hard to put into words. By selecting the perfect country funeral song to play at your loved one’s funeral or memorial service, you can create a touching tribute that honors the life and legacy of your loved one. May these heartfelt country songs provide comfort during this difficult time.
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I couldn\’t agree more! Your post is a valuable resource that I\’ll be sharing with others.