Memorial Video Songs
About Memorial Video Songs Funeral Songs
The best songs for a memorial video are “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. A memorial video transforms photographs into a story — the right song gives that story its emotional arc, from gentle opening through the peak of memories to a hopeful close.
Best Songs for Memorial Video
Best songs for memorial video include “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, and “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran. The best memorial video songs match photo transition timing while building emotional intensity.
“See You Again” — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Written for Fast & Furious 7, the verse-chorus structure creates natural emotional peaks. The piano intro (first 30 seconds) works perfectly over childhood photos before the full arrangement kicks in.
“What a Wonderful World” — Louis Armstrong
At 2:21, it's the ideal single-song slideshow length. The warmth matches life celebration perfectly — baby photos through golden years feel natural under Armstrong's voice.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” — Bette Midler
The slow build from verse to chorus mirrors a life's journey. The "Did you ever know that you're my hero?" chorus hits when mid-life family photos appear.
“Photograph” — Ed Sheeran
The title alone makes it thematically perfect. "Loving can hurt / Loving can heal" captures the dual nature of looking at photos of someone gone.
We keep this love in a photograph.
“Tears in Heaven” — Eric Clapton
The gentle acoustic guitar and 4:33 runtime give breathing room for a longer slideshow. The emotional restraint prevents the video from becoming overwhelming.
Songs for Memorial Slideshow
Songs for a memorial slideshow need to serve a different purpose than songs played live at a funeral. A memorial slideshow song must match photo timing — typically 3-4 seconds per image at 60-80 BPM. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is the most used memorial slideshow song because its 2:21 runtime fits 35-45 photos perfectly. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole at 3:28 extends to 50-65 photos.
For longer memorial slideshows, “Wind Beneath My Wings” (4:53) or “Tears in Heaven” (4:33) accommodate 70-90 photos. Songs for memorial slideshows work best when the emotional arc matches the chronological arc of photos — gentle opening over childhood, building through milestones, emotional peak at family moments, and a hopeful resolution over final images. Avoid songs with sudden tempo changes that disrupt the viewing rhythm.
Memorial Video Songs by Moment
Memorial video songs work best when matched to specific moments in the video. The opening needs gentleness, the middle needs emotional build, and the closing needs resolution. Matching songs to video moments creates a narrative arc that transforms a photo collection into a story.
“Canon in D” — Pachelbel
Opening — the familiar progression builds gradually, drawing viewers in without overwhelming. Perfect over baby photos and childhood images.
“Supermarket Flowers” — Ed Sheeran
Middle section — the domestic details in the lyrics ("half-empty cups of tea") match family photos. The emotional build reaches its peak naturally.
A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Closing — the ukulele version creates gentle hope. Pairs naturally with final photos and creates a sense of peaceful farewell as the video ends.
Instrumental Songs for Funeral Slideshow
Instrumental songs for a funeral slideshow let the photographs speak without lyrical competition. “Clair de Lune” by Debussy (5:00) creates reflective beauty. “Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi (5:57) provides an emotional piano journey that builds and resolves. “River Flows in You” by Yiruma (3:30) is accessible and widely recognised.
Instrumental funeral slideshow songs are especially effective when the video includes on-screen text — dates, quotes, or captions — because lyrics can compete with written words. “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar carries Americana warmth (familiar from Ken Burns documentaries). “The Lark Ascending” by Vaughan Williams works for longer slideshows at 14 minutes.
Top 10 Memorial Video Songs
The most-chosen songs for memorial videos and funeral slideshows, ranked by popularity.
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
A haunting meditation on love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.
Why it's meaningful: Cohen's masterpiece captures the bittersweet nature of life and love, resonating deeply at farewell moments.
Best moment: Perfect for reflection during the service or viewing.
Time to Say Goodbye
Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A powerful duet about parting that combines classical grandeur with emotional depth.
Why it's meaningful: The soaring vocals and orchestral arrangement create a moment of beautiful farewell.
Best moment: Often chosen for the final farewell or committal.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
A gentle ukulele version that transforms the classic into a peaceful farewell.
Why it's meaningful: The Hawaiian rendition brings a sense of peace and the promise of a better place.
Best moment: Creates a serene atmosphere during reflection or exit.
One Sweet Day
Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
A powerful duet about missing someone and looking forward to reunion, expressing all the things left unsaid.
Why it's meaningful: The soaring harmonies and emotional vocals create a cathartic release while offering hope of eventual reunion and expressing unspoken love.
Best moment: Emotional peak moment during service, allows congregants to fully feel their grief.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men's acapella ballad about parting ways, made iconic by the movie Cooley High.
Why it's meaningful: The harmony-driven vocals capture the collective grief of saying goodbye, making it perfect for young people or tight-knit groups.
Best moment: Powerful for younger generations or honoring friendships and brotherhood.
Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Southern rock anthem about freedom and living without constraints, featuring one of rock's greatest guitar solos.
Why it's meaningful: For free spirits who refused to be caged, this song celebrates independence and the soul's liberation.
Best moment: Perfect for brothers or men who lived boldly and valued freedom.
End of the Road
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men's emotional R&B ballad about reaching the painful end of a relationship.
Why it's meaningful: The raw emotion in accepting that we've reached the end captures the finality of loss.
Best moment: Emotional choice for 90s music lovers or expressing the finality of loss.
Caledonia
Dougie MacLean
Scotland's unofficial national anthem — a song of homesickness where 'home' becomes a metaphor for the afterlife.
Why it's meaningful: For a Scot dying anywhere in the world, the lyric about being called home is the most powerful sentiment available. Death reframed as homecoming.
Best moment: Main tribute moment or recessional. The Dougie MacLean original is tender; the Paolo Nutini cover is soulful.
Even Though I'm Leaving
Luke Combs
A modern masterpiece of storytelling — child afraid of monsters, son leaving for the army, father dying. Three verses spanning a lifetime.
Why it's meaningful: Emphasizes the continuity of a father's protection even after death. The narrative arc mirrors the mourner's own life with their dad.
Best moment: Tribute moment for fathers, especially from the perspective of a son.
In the Arms of an Angel
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan's haunting ballad about finding peace and rest in the arms of an angel after suffering.
Why it's meaningful: The imagery of being carried to peace by angels provides profound comfort. One of the most emotionally powerful funeral songs.
Best moment: Reflection or tribute moment. Requires tissues — use deliberately.
All Memorial Video Songs
Imagine
John Lennon
John Lennon's vision of a world without barriers — no heaven, no hell, just peace. Influenced by Buddhist philosophy.
Why it's meaningful: Lennon's Buddhist-influenced vision of peace resonates at non-traditional Buddhist funerals. The absence of afterlife dogma aligns with Buddhist impermanence.
Best moment: For secular or Western Buddhist funerals. Bridges Eastern philosophy with Western culture.
Easy on Me
Adele
Adele's powerful ballad about asking for understanding and grace during times of change and heartbreak.
Why it's meaningful: The raw vulnerability speaks to anyone processing loss, asking those left behind to be gentle with themselves.
Best moment: During reflection or as a closing song. The piano arrangement creates intimate atmosphere.
All of Me
John Legend
A soul-baring love song about giving yourself completely to another person.
Why it's meaningful: The unconditional love expressed makes it a powerful tribute to a life partner.
Best moment: For a spouse's service. The piano arrangement is elegant and intimate.
I'll Be Missing You
Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans & 112
A tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. built on The Police's 'Every Breath You Take.' One of hip-hop's defining memorial songs.
Why it's meaningful: Created from genuine grief, it became the anthem for anyone who's lost someone too soon.
Best moment: For someone who loved hip-hop. The spoken sections are deeply personal.
Imagine
John Lennon
Lennon's vision of a world without barriers—no heaven, no hell, just people living in peace.
Why it's meaningful: For the non-religious, it offers a vision of peace without requiring belief in an afterlife.
Best moment: During reflection. The simple piano arrangement creates contemplative space.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
A tribute to someone who was a source of strength and inspiration.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the quiet heroes in our lives who lifted us up without seeking recognition.
Best moment: Beautiful during eulogies or photo tributes.
The Dance
Garth Brooks
A country ballad about cherishing life
Why it's meaningful: Reminds us that the pain of loss is worth it for the joy of having loved.
Best moment: Touching choice for celebrating a life well-lived.
In the Arms of an Angel
Sarah McLachlan
A tender song offering comfort and release from suffering.
Why it's meaningful: Provides solace with its message of finding peace after struggle.
Best moment: Deeply moving during times of quiet reflection.
You Raise Me Up
Josh Groban
An uplifting tribute to someone who was a source of strength.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates how loved ones lift us up and continue to inspire even after death.
Best moment: Powerful during tributes or as a recessional.
Fix You
Coldplay
A song about wanting to help heal someone through their darkest moments, building to a hopeful climax.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the desire to comfort those in grief and the promise of eventual healing.
Best moment: Moving during services for those who were caregivers or healers.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Matt Redman
A modern worship song about finding reasons to be grateful even in sorrow.
Why it's meaningful: Encourages thankfulness for a life lived while trusting in divine comfort.
Best moment: Uplifting during Christian services focused on celebration rather than mourning.
Dance With My Father
Luther Vandross
A tender reflection on memories of dancing with a beloved father.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the special bond between fathers and children.
Best moment: Touching tribute for fathers who were loving and present.
Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)
The Chicks
A parent's tender lullaby and blessing for a child, praying for their safety and happiness.
Why it's meaningful: Captures the unconditional love parents have for their children and the pain of letting go.
Best moment: Deeply moving for services honoring young lives.
The Scientist
Coldplay
A song about wanting to go back to the beginning and fix what went wrong.
Why it's meaningful: Expresses the regret and longing that often accompanies loss.
Best moment: Resonates with those processing complicated relationships.
Jealous of the Angels
Donna Taggart
An Irish singer's poignant ballad about being jealous of heaven for taking someone too soon.
Why it's meaningful: Honestly expresses the envy we feel toward heaven for taking our loved ones.
Best moment: Particularly moving with its Celtic arrangement and heartfelt delivery.
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
The Hollies
A testament to unconditional love and support between brothers and friends.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the bonds of brotherhood and friendship that death cannot break.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring sibling relationships or close friendships.
I Will Remember You
Sarah McLachlan
A promise to keep memories alive despite the pain of parting.
Why it's meaningful: Acknowledges both the joy of having known someone and the sorrow of goodbye.
Best moment: Beautiful as a personal tribute or during memory sharing.
Funeral Slideshow Songs for Dad
Funeral slideshow songs for dad need to capture a lifetime of strength, protection, and quiet love. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler is the most popular choice for a dad's memorial video — its tribute to unsung heroism matches the photos of a father who showed up every day without asking for recognition. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra pairs naturally with a slideshow of a dad who lived on his own terms, from young adventurer to family patriarch.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton works when the loss is fresh and the slideshow leans into emotion. For country-loving dads, “The Dance” by Garth Brooks accompanies photos beautifully — “I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance” reframes every photo as evidence of a life worth celebrating. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa resonates especially with younger family members creating slideshows for their father. Match the song's emotional arc to the photo chronology: gentle opening over childhood, building through milestones, emotional peak at family moments.
Funeral Slideshow Songs for Brother
Funeral slideshow songs for a brother should reflect the unique bond between siblings — part friendship, part rivalry, part irreplaceable. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth has become the most requested slideshow song for brothers, especially for younger men, because its origin as a tribute to a lost friend captures the peer-level bond siblings share. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers honours a brother who was always there when needed.
“Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits works for a slideshow of adventures shared, while “You've Got a Friend” by James Taylor or Carole King captures the permanence of the sibling bond. For a brother who loved rock music, “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd expresses the ache of absence without sentimentality. Include photos of childhood together, shared milestones, and candid moments — the song should feel like the soundtrack to your shared history. For younger brothers, modern songs from their own playlists often make the most personal impact.
Funeral Slideshow Songs for Grandmother
Funeral slideshow songs for grandmother should evoke the warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love that grandmothers embody. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is the most popular choice — its gentle celebration of life's beauty mirrors how grandmothers teach us to appreciate small joys. At just 2:21, it fits a concise slideshow of 35-45 photos perfectly. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole creates an atmosphere of tender nostalgia ideal for childhood memories with grandma.
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole (or the duet version with Natalie Cole) honours a grandmother whose presence defined family gatherings. “You Are My Sunshine” works especially well if she sang it to grandchildren — hearing the song over photos of her with them creates a visceral emotional connection. For grandmothers of faith, “Amazing Grace” provides familiar comfort, while “Ave Maria” by Schubert suits Catholic grandmothers. Match the song to who she was: a lively grandmother might deserve “Isn't She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, while a quieter soul might suit “Clair de Lune” by Debussy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best songs for a memorial video?
The best songs for a memorial video are "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler, "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran, and "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton. The best memorial video songs share three qualities: emotional resonance without being overwhelming, a tempo that matches photo transitions (typically 60-80 BPM for 3-4 seconds per photo), and lyrics that feel personal without being too specific to one relationship. "See You Again" works because its verse-chorus structure naturally creates emotional peaks that align with key photos.
How long should a memorial video slideshow be?
A memorial video slideshow should be 3-5 minutes, which is the length of one or two songs. At 3-4 seconds per photo, a single 4-minute song accommodates 60-80 photos — enough to span a lifetime without testing attention spans. Funeral directors recommend keeping slideshows under 5 minutes for services and under 8 minutes for receptions. If you have more photos, show them on a loop at the reception rather than extending the service slideshow. Choose one song that carries the full emotional arc rather than cutting between multiple tracks, which can feel disjointed.
What songs work for the opening of a memorial video?
Songs for the opening of a memorial video should be gentle and draw viewers in without overwhelming them. "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong opens with warmth that matches baby photos and early life images. "Canon in D" by Pachelbel provides instrumental beauty that lets the photos speak. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole creates an immediate sense of tenderness. "Clair de Lune" by Debussy works for elegant, understated openings. The opening 15-20 seconds should match the emotional tone of childhood and early photos — save the emotional peaks for middle and closing sections.
Can you use copyrighted music in a memorial video?
You can use copyrighted music in a memorial video shown at a funeral service — this falls under personal, private use and no licence is needed. However, if you plan to upload the video to YouTube, Facebook, or a memorial website, the platform may mute or block copyrighted audio. Options for online sharing: use the platform's built-in music library (YouTube has a free audio library), purchase a sync licence through services like Musicbed or Artlist ($15-30 per song), or use royalty-free alternatives. Many families create two versions — one with the original song for the service and one with a licensed alternative for online sharing.
What are good instrumental songs for a funeral slideshow?
Good instrumental songs for a funeral slideshow include "Canon in D" by Pachelbel (5:30, gentle build), "Clair de Lune" by Debussy (5:00, reflective), "Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi (5:57, emotional piano), "River Flows in You" by Yiruma (3:30, accessible beauty), and "Ashokan Farewell" by Jay Ungar (3:22, Americana warmth). Instrumental songs work especially well for slideshows because lyrics can compete with on-screen text and captions. They also avoid the risk of lyrics contradicting the photos being shown. For a longer slideshow, "The Lark Ascending" by Vaughan Williams (14:00) or "Spiegel im Spiegel" by Arvo Pärt (10:00) provide sustained emotional support.
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.