Songs move people and evoke many feelings of love, grief, nostalgia, anger, loss, joy and much more. For many people, music is a form of expression and even therapy. When someone dies, songs can trigger emotions and it is often hard to decide which music should accompany funeral proceedings. This blog looks at some of the most meaningful songs that are about death, grief and loss that could help at those tough emotional times.
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton tragically lost his four-year-old son, Conor, after he fell from a window in New York. This song was written to help cope with this and it won Grammys for song and record of the year.
Goodbye England’s Rose / Candle In The Wind – Elton John
This song was originally written about Marilyn Monroe, but Elton repurposed it for Princess Diana and performed it at her funeral in 1997. It won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1998.
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
This is a song about finding beauty and hope at the hardest and darkest of times, making it a great song for anyone experiencing loss and grief. It is about someone suffering a great tragedy, yet finding hope, and encourages people to grieve but not to let the grief define them.
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
My Heart Will Go On was on the soundtrack to the Titanic film in the 90s, and is about never forgetting the person you loved. This beautiful song is full of the strength of love, even after someone has gone. Celine’s faultless voice deliveres power emotion for those hanging onto memories of loved ones who are no longer here, but will always live on in their hearts.
Hurt – Johnny Cash
Hurt describes the feeling of love and loss destroying you, and how you can rebuild from that. It is emotive, powerful and haunting thanks to Johnny’s vocals. Many people find they can relate to this song when in pain after losing a loved one, and it is a good song for those struggling to power through after a loss.
Let It Be – The Beatles
Paul McCartney wrote Let It Be for The Beatles, after a dream about his late mother offering advice. This song was from the Beatles’ last album of the same name and is a song about accepting things and letting go, understanding that things will improve and life moves forward.
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