Non-Religious
Funeral Songs
A comprehensive collection of beautiful, meaningful secular songs for non-religious memorial services and celebrations of life.
Meaningful Music Without Religion
Not everyone finds comfort in religious themes, and that's perfectly okay. Secular memorial services can be just as meaningful, comforting, and beautiful as traditional religious ceremonies. The right music helps create a dignified tribute that honors your loved one's life, values, and philosophy.
This guide provides over 50 non-religious funeral songs that focus on love, memory, nature, and the celebration of life—without spiritual or religious references. These songs work perfectly for humanist funerals, secular memorials, and celebration of life services.
Classic Secular Songs
Timeless Non-Religious Favorites
“What a Wonderful World” — Louis Armstrong
Celebrates the beauty of life and nature without religious overtones
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Hopeful and peaceful, focusing on dreams and better places
“Unforgettable” — Nat King Cole
About lasting memories and the enduring impact of someone special
“Time to Say Goodbye” — Andrea Bocelli
Elegant farewell without religious themes
“My Way” — Frank Sinatra
Celebrates living life authentically on one's own terms
“The Way You Look Tonight” — Frank Sinatra
Romantic and tender, perfect for honoring a spouse
💡 Pro Tip
Many traditional “funeral songs” have religious undertones. Listen to the full lyrics before choosing to ensure they align with your loved one's beliefs and values.
Contemporary Secular Songs
Modern Favorites
“The Scientist” — Coldplay
Reflective song about loss and longing
“Fix You” — Coldplay
Comforting message about supporting someone through difficult times
“See You Again” — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Modern tribute to friendship and the hope of reunion
“Supermarket Flowers” — Ed Sheeran
Written for Sheeran's grandmother, deeply personal and moving
“The Luckiest” — Ben Folds
Celebrates feeling fortunate to have known someone
“Let It Be” — The Beatles
Message of acceptance and finding peace
“Blackbird” — The Beatles
Beautiful metaphor about freedom and transformation
“I Will Remember You” — Sarah McLachlan
Gentle promise to keep memories alive
Nature & Life Celebration
Songs Celebrating the Natural World
Perfect for outdoor services or those who found peace in nature:
“The River” — Bruce Springsteen
Metaphor of life as a flowing river
“Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles
Hopeful song about emerging from darkness
“Wildflowers” — Tom Petty
Freedom and belonging in the natural world
“Into the West” — Annie Lennox
Journey toward peace and rest without religious context
“Songbird” — Fleetwood Mac
Simple, beautiful expression of love
“Fields of Gold” — Sting
Memories and beauty of simple moments together
Rock & Pop Ballads
Powerful Secular Ballads
“Tears in Heaven” — Eric Clapton
Written after loss, deeply personal and moving
“Wish You Were Here” — Pink Floyd
Longing for someone's presence
“The Best” — Tina Turner
Celebrating someone who was simply the best
“Free Bird” — Lynyrd Skynyrd
Freedom and independence, popular for free spirits
“Hero” — Mariah Carey
Finding strength within yourself
“You've Got a Friend” — James Taylor
Friendship and support without religious themes
Instrumental & Classical
Beautiful Music Without Words
Instrumental pieces avoid any religious or lyrical concerns while providing elegant atmosphere:
“Clair de Lune” — Claude Debussy
Peaceful and contemplative piano piece
“Adagio for Strings” — Samuel Barber
Deeply moving orchestral piece often used at state funerals
“Canon in D” — Johann Pachelbel
Classical favorite with gentle, flowing melody
“The Lark Ascending” — Ralph Vaughan Williams
Uplifting piece inspired by nature
“Moonlight Sonata” — Ludwig van Beethoven
Reflective and melancholic piano sonata
Quick Reference Lists
Additional Secular Songs by Category
For Uplifting Services
- “Don't Stop Believin'” — Journey
- “Lean on Me” — Bill Withers
- “Beautiful Day” — U2
- “Three Little Birds” — Bob Marley
For Reflective Moments
- “Mad World” — Gary Jules
- “The Sound of Silence” — Simon & Garfunkel
- “Hurt” — Johnny Cash
- “Everybody Hurts” — R.E.M.
For Celebrating Life
- “I've Had the Time of My Life” — Bill Medley
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” — Green Day
- “Live Like You Were Dying” — Tim McGraw
- “I Hope You Dance” — Lee Ann Womack
For Love & Romance
- “Unchained Melody” — The Righteous Brothers
- “At Last” — Etta James
- “Make You Feel My Love” — Adele
- “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” — Stevie Wonder
💡 Pro Tip
Create a playlist mixing reflective and uplifting songs to balance the emotional journey of the service. Start contemplative, end hopeful.
Planning Your Secular Service
Tips for Non-Religious Services
- •Focus on the person: Choose songs that reflect their personality, values, and favorite music
- •Consider the message: Look for themes of love, memory, nature, or life celebration
- •Mix genres freely: Without religious constraints, feel free to blend classical, pop, rock, and jazz
- •Balance emotions: Include both melancholic and uplifting pieces
- •Personal favorites: Don't hesitate to include their actual favorite songs, even if unconventional
Creating a Meaningful Secular Tribute
Non-religious funeral services can be just as meaningful, beautiful, and comforting as traditional religious ceremonies. The music you choose will help create an atmosphere of love, remembrance, and celebration that honors your loved one's life and values.
Whether you select timeless classics, contemporary favorites, or deeply personal songs, trust that the right music will help create a dignified and memorable farewell. The most important element is that the music feels true to the person you're honoring.
Sarah Mitchell
Funeral Music CuratorFormer church music director with 15 years of experience helping families choose meaningful funeral music. Created YourFuneralSongs after losing her mother in 2019.