I’ve seen quite a few families stick to one rule when throwing a celebration of life – no slow songs until the very end. If the deceased was someone who spent their life dancing around their kitchen they would have hated a room full of people staring at their shoes while an organ droned on.
Celebrations of life are becoming far more common nowadays. The National Funeral Directors Association projected the US cremation rate at 63.4% for 2025 and in its 2025 consumer survey more than half of people (58.3%) said they’d been to a funeral at a non traditional location. And once you’re holding a service in a banquet hall, a backyard, a brewery etc. then it can feel a bit weird to have hymns usually accompanied by an organ. It doesn’t really fit.
So we have these songs for a celebration of life all sorted by the type of moment you need them for (walking in, the slideshow, the send-off, the reception etc) plus ones by personality, some short words you can say before a song and a few tips so the music works on the day.
How Many Songs Do You Need for a Celebration of Life?
Most celebrations of life use somewhere between three and six songs during the formal part. That usually looks something like this:
- One song as people arrive and get settled. Or a playlist running on a loop until everyone’s seated.
- One or two songs during a photo slideshow. This is where most families spend the most time choosing.
- One song for a moment of reflection. After the eulogy or tributes works well.
- One song to close. The one people usually remember most.
Then there’s the reception or gathering afterward which might need an hour or more of background music. That’s where a longer playlist of their favorites comes in.
If you’re still working out the order of the day the celebration of life program wording examples show where music usually goes and how to list it.
Songs for Guests Arriving
The first song sets the tone. You want something that’s both warm and familiar. Not so upbeat that it feels wrong for someone who walks in grieving and sad. Try to choose something that’s gentle but full of hope.
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Probably the most played celebration of life song there is and there’s a good reason for that. It’s grateful rather than sad.
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Just a voice and a ukulele. It’s soft enough for the start of a service without feeling heavy.
- “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers. Has a slow groove that lifts a room without anyone noticing it happening.
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. Lovely if the person was the optimist of the family.
- “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and The Wailers. Easygoing and reassuring. Great for someone who never let anything rattle them.
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King. Works especially well for a spouse or a lifelong friend.
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. A good pick for an older generation and it says exactly what everyone is thinking.
- “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. Light, swinging and a little bit romantic.
Upbeat Songs for a Celebration of Life
It these songs that make a celebration of life feel like a real celebration. They’re not right for every family or every loss but if the person who died was the life of the party playing one of these will let everyone feel they can smile and celebrate their life properly.
- “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. A little on the nose but that’s half the charm. Works best at the reception rather than during the service.
- “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire. Impossible to sit still through. Ideal for the slideshow if the photos are mostly parties and holidays.
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. For someone who lived at full speed.
- “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. Pure joy in a song. Great as a closer.
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Lovely for a couple or for a close sibling relationship.
- “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. Bright and silly in the best way.
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. If she was always first on the dance floor at every wedding, this is her song.
- “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys. Upbeat without being loud.
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. Be warned, people will sing along. That might be exactly what you want.
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. Works well for younger families and for kids who are attending.
- “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. For the person who always told everyone else to calm down.
- “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Upbeat in spirit rather than tempo. It feels like advice from the person you’ve lost.
If you’re not sure how an upbeat song will go down think about putting it at the end of the service or the start of the reception. By then people have cried and are usually ready to be lifted and have their spirits raised a little.
Songs for a Celebration of Life Slideshow
The photo slideshow is usually the center of a celebration of life. It’s where people see the whole life at once going from baby pictures to the last birthday. The songs below are sentimental but not so emotional they’ll crush everyone attending. They look back with gratitude.
- “In My Life” by The Beatles. Almost made for a slideshow. It’s about people and places you remember fondly and it’s short, so pair it with a second song if you have a lot of photos.
- “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart. Perfect for a parent or grandparent. It plays like a blessing passed down.
- “The Dance” by Garth Brooks. About being glad you had something even though it hurt to lose it. That’s grief in a nutshell really.
- “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)” by Green Day. The full title is “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” and that first part can raise eyebrows on a printed program, so most families just list it as “Time of Your Life.”
- “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Gentle and reflective. Lovely for someone who went through a lot of change in their life.
- “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran. Fitting for obvious reasons.
- “Memories” by Maroon 5. Adam Levine wrote it after the death of the band’s longtime manager. It’s a toast to the people who aren’t here anymore.
- “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth. Written as a tribute to actor Paul Walker. A good fit for a younger person or a friend.
- “Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold. Yes, the song most people know from The Golden Girls. Sweet and a little funny, which is ideal for a best friend.
- “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. Warm and steady. It’s the musical version of a hand on your shoulder.
- “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. For the person who quietly held everyone else up.
- “Remember Me” from Coco. The version by Miguel and Natalia Lafourcade is gentle and the whole film is about keeping loved ones’ memories alive. Kids in the family will know it too.
- “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan. One of the more emotional picks on this list, so maybe save it for a moment of reflection rather than the main slideshow.
How Many Photos Fit a Song?
A good rule of thumb is five to seven seconds per photo. So a four minute song does about 35 to 45 pictures.
If you have 150 photos (and most families end up with way more than they planned) you’ll want three or four songs or a longer instrumental that runs underneath.
My advice is to pick the photos first, then the songs. It’s so much easier than trying to cut down a pile of pictures to fit a track you’ve fallen in love with.
Songs for a Moment of Reflection
Some families like to leave a quiet pause after the eulogy or the tributes. Someone might light a candle or people might just sit. These songs are a bit slower but they still are more about gratitude rather than despair.
- “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross. Written about his own dad. It’s hard to get through dry eyed but it’s beautiful for a father.
- “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran. Written after his grandmother died. It’s very specific and very tender. A lovely choice for a mom or grandmother.
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Hopeful wishes for the people left behind. Works well if the person was a parent.
- “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw. For the person who taught everyone to be decent. It feels like a list of life lessons.
- “Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon. He recorded it while he was dying and it’s one of the most honest goodbye songs ever written.
- “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Billie Holiday. Old fashioned and gentle. It’s about finding someone everywhere after they’re gone.
If you’re planning a reading for this part of the service too there are some good ideas in these poems for a celebration of life.
Closing Songs for a Celebration of Life
The last song is the one people remember and take with them. A lot of families go for something that sounds like the person saying goodbye in their own way.
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. A classic for a reason. Especially good for a strong willed dad or grandpa who did things exactly how he wanted.
- “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. Grand and moving. Works if you want the ending to feel like an occasion.
- “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Sweet, short and a little bit playful. It suits someone who loved old westerns or the outdoors.
- “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. Soft piano and a feeling of heading off somewhere peaceful. Good for a sibling or close friend.
- “Closing Time” by Semisonic. A gentle nod that it’s time to head out, with a hopeful twist at the end. Popular for younger people.
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan. Simple and haunting. Many people prefer the Guns N’ Roses version if the person was a rock fan.
Celebration of Life Songs by Personality
The best song is almost always the one that everyone thinks is a perfect representation of the deceased. So these ideas are sorted by the kind of person you’re remembering.
For the Country Music Fan
- “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw. About grabbing life with both hands. Perfect for someone who did exactly that.
- “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton. Hopeful and gentle, with a faith element that isn’t preachy.
- “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan. About sitting with the news that someone’s gone. Good for a friend or a brother.
- “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band. For someone who loved the simple things. Great at a backyard reception.
For the Rock and Roll Fan
- “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The long version is about nine minutes, so it’s a closer or a reception song rather than something mid-service.
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. A crowd pleaser that tends to get people singing.
- “Fix You” by Coldplay. Builds from quiet to huge. A good choice for someone who was always there to help.
For the Beach Lover or Free Spirit
- “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett. If they had a Parrothead flag in the garage, you already knew this was coming.
- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. Laid back and wistful. Lovely by the water.
- “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys. Fun and breezy for a scattering of ashes at sea or a beach gathering.
If you are planning a scattering these ideas on what to say when scattering ashes go well with a song played on a phone or small speaker.
For Grandparents Who Loved the Classics
- “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller. Big band joy. You might see a couple of old dance partners get up.
- “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by The Andrews Sisters. Upbeat and nostalgic, especially for someone who grew up in the 1940s.
- “Moon River” by Andy Williams. Soft and dreamy. Wonderful during a slideshow of old black and white pictures.
For a Younger Person
Losing someone young is even harder and the music often comes from their friends as much as their family. Ask the people closest to them what they listened to. You’ll get a better answer than any list can give you.
A few that come up again and again:
- “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. About friendship and showing up. Great for a friend group to choose.
- “I Lived” by OneRepublic. A song about living fully. Uplifting rather than heartbreaking.
- “Riptide” by Vance Joy. Light and happy with a ukulele. It feels young and carefree.
For the Person of Faith Who Loved a Good Singalong
Celebration of life doesn’t have to mean non religious. Plenty of families who have a strong faith choose joyful gospel songs over solemn hymns.
- “I’ll Fly Away”. The Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch version is beautiful, but a church choir clapping along is even better.
- “Oh Happy Day” by The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Joyful from start to finish.
- “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. One of the most requested contemporary Christian songs for memorial services.
- “When the Saints Go Marching In” by Louis Armstrong. Brassy, happy and perfect for leading people out at the end.
For more traditional choices our list of funeral hymns goes through the classics.
Funny Songs for a Celebration of Life
Some people would have wanted one last laugh. If the person had a dark sense of humor and the family is okay with it then a tongue-in-cheek song can be the best choice of all.
- “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python. From Life of Brian and a well-known send-off song. Good for someone with a dry sense of humor.
- “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. Only if they would have laughed at it. You’ll know.
- “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. Ironic, danceable and usually gets a chuckle.
- “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles. A playful way to end things for someone named Jack (or anyone who liked a joke).
- “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC. For the rocker who always said this was where he’d end up. Definitely check with the whole family first.
One thing I’d say. Humor works best as the very last song or at the reception. Opening with it can feel off for people who are still in shock. It’s also worth having a word with any older relatives beforehand so nobody in unprepared and it gives them a chance to voice any concerns if they have them.
Building a Reception Playlist
The gathering after the service is usually more relaxed and it’s where the music can really be about them. A few things that help:
- Ask for suggestions. Put a note on the invitation or in a group text asking people to send the song that reminds them of the person. The celebration of life invitation wording examples include a few ways to ask.
- Aim for two to three hours of music. That’s about 40 to 50 songs. You don’t want to run out and have to play the same sings over.
- Start mellow and let it build. People need a little time to shift from the service to something more social.
- Use a paid streaming account or downloaded files. An ad for car insurance popping up between “Forever Young” and “September” is going to ruin things.
- Check for explicit versions. Streaming services often default to the explicit version of a song. Switch to the clean edit if there’ll be kids or grandparents in the room.
What to Say Before a Song
A hits much harder when people know why it was chosen. It doesn’t need to be a speech. One or two sentences from whoever is hosting is plenty. These are some examples you can borrow or adapt.
Mom sang this one in the car every single morning on the way to school. We’d all groan and then sing along anyway. So feel free to sing along today too.
******************
Dad always said that when his time came he wanted people dancing, not crying. We can’t promise the dancing, but this one’s for him.
******************
This was the first song [name] and [partner’s name] ever danced to. They danced to it again on their fiftieth anniversary in the kitchen, with the radio turned all the way up.
******************
If you ever went on a road trip with [name] you heard this song at least six times. We think it’s only right that you hear it one more.
******************
[Name] picked this song herself. She told us a few years ago, “When the time comes, play this and don’t be sad for too long.” We’re going to do our best.
******************
We asked [name]’s friends what song reminded them most of him and nearly every one of them said the same thing. So here it is.
******************
These little introductions also work well when you’re speaking at a celebration of life and want to tie a story to the music.
Tips for Choosing Celebration of Life Music
Start With What They Loved
Before you look at any list (this one included) get together with a couple of people who knew them well and write down every song, artist or album that comes to mind. What did they play while cooking? What was on in the car? What did they request at every wedding? That list will be invaluable.
Read the Lyrics All the Way Through
Some songs sound lovely but have lyrics that don’t quite fit a memorial. The classic example is “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. It sounds like a love song, but Sting has said it’s actually about a controlling, possessive person.
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is another one where some verses are a lot more sensual than people remember so a lot of families use a cover that only includes certain verses.
Check With the Venue
If the service is in a church ask whether secular music is allowed. Some are relaxed about it and some prefer popular songs are kept for the reception.
Funeral homes and event spaces are usually fine with anything but ask what sound system they have and whether you can plug in a phone or laptop.
Do a Sound Check
Test every song on the speakers before guests arrive. Check the volume, check the start point and make sure there’s no long silent intro.
Then give one person the job of pressing play. It shouldn’t be anyone who’s giving a eulogy or who is likely to be overwhelmed.
Think About Live Music
A friend who plays guitar if you have one, maybe a grandchild on the piano or a local musician etc. can make a song feel very personal. Just keep it simple and have a recorded backup ready in case nerves get the better of anyone on the day.
It’s Okay to Include a Sad Song
A celebration of life doesn’t mean you have to pretend nobody’s heartbroken. Many families mix one or two tearjerkers in with the upbeat stuff and that balance works.
If you want more traditional or sorrowful optionsnour full list of funeral songs has plenty.
Celebration of Life Songs FAQ
What is the most popular song for a celebration of life?
“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong comes up again and again, along with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. For more upbeat services, “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire and “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles are common picks.
Is it appropriate to play upbeat music at a celebration of life?
Yes. That’s a big part of what makes a celebration of life different from a traditional funeral. The focus is on honoring how the person lived, so happy music is very welcome. Just think about where you place it. Upbeat songs usually land best toward the end of the service or at the reception.
How long should a celebration of life playlist be?
For the service itself, three to six songs is typical. For a reception or gathering afterward, plan on two to three hours of music, which works out to about 40 to 50 songs.
Can you play a song with explicit lyrics?
You can, especially if it was their favorite and everyone attending knows it. But if there will be children, older relatives or clergy present, most families choose the clean or radio edit.
Should the songs be listed in the program?
It’s a nice touch. Listing the song title and artist next to each part of the service helps people follow along and many guests like to look up the songs later. You can add a line about why each one was chosen if you have room.
Final Thoughts
When you’re planning a celebration of life there’s so much to think about that the music can either get overlooked or feel like another hard job. But it’s one of the biggest parts people remember.
So do your best to pick the songs that sound like them, trust the people who loved them and let the rest take care of itself.
If you’re still working on the words for the day these celebration of life speech examples and celebration of life quotes might help you finish the rest.
