Memorial guide
Songs to play at a celebration of life
The short answer
The best song for a celebration of life is one that was theirs, or that fits the feeling you want in the room. Uplifting choices like "What a Wonderful World" celebrate a life well-lived; reflective songs like "Fields of Gold" hold space for grief; and a song of faith like "Amazing Grace" brings comfort. Pick one to three, and let the person guide you.
A celebration of life leans toward warmth and gratitude more than a traditional funeral, and the music sets that tone. Below are songs families come back to, grouped by the feeling they carry, so you can find the one that fits.
The most meaningful choice is almost always simplest: a song they loved.
By the feeling you want in the room
Uplifting — celebrating the life
"What a Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong), "Here Comes the Sun" (The Beatles), "Three Little Birds" (Bob Marley), "Lovely Day" (Bill Withers).
Reflective — holding the grief gently
"Fields of Gold" (Eva Cassidy), "Vincent" (Don McLean), "The Living Years" (Mike + The Mechanics), "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole).
Faith and comfort
"Amazing Grace," "You Raise Me Up" (Josh Groban), "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen), "On Eagle's Wings."
Classic send-offs
"My Way" (Frank Sinatra), "Time to Say Goodbye" (Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman), "Wind Beneath My Wings" (Bette Midler).
Their song
Whatever they played on repeat — the one that will make everyone smile the moment it starts. This is often the best choice of all.
How to choose
Start with the person, not the list. What did they hum in the kitchen? What was on in the car? A song that was genuinely theirs will do more than the most beautiful song that wasn't.
If you're pairing songs with a photo slideshow, plan for one song per five minutes or so, and put the most emotional song where you want the room to feel it most — often the final stretch of photos.
A song written just for them
If you'd like the music to be about them by name, My Video Gift writes an original song from your memories and sets your photos to it. You can watch a free preview before deciding.
Common questions
- What is the best song for a celebration of life?
- A song that was meaningful to the person is almost always the best choice. If you want a suggestion, "What a Wonderful World" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" are gentle, widely loved options, and "Amazing Grace" is a classic for a more traditional tone.
- How many songs should you play at a celebration of life?
- One to three is typical — one for a short slideshow or a single moment, more for a longer reception. Too many and the music stops feeling intentional.
- Can you use a personalized song instead?
- Yes. Some families choose an original song written about the person rather than a well-known track. My Video Gift can write one from your memories and set it to a film of their photos, with a free preview first.
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Last updated July 7, 2026 · Written by Adam Kling, founder of My Video Gift. Song and idea suggestions verified July 7, 2026.