Resource

Funeral songs for dad

Songs that capture the men we lose. Strong, quiet, often without saying very much. Pick one he loved, or one that says how he made the family feel.

• My Way, Frank Sinatra

  The most-played funeral song for fathers in the UK. Works in almost any service.

• Dance with My Father, Luther Vandross

  Painfully on the nose, in the best way. Save for the reflection.

• The Living Years, Mike + The Mechanics

  About a son who didn't say enough while he could. Brings the room together.

• Bring Him Home, Les Misérables

  For a dad lost too young, or one who loved theatre.

• He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, The Hollies

  For a father who carried everyone, quietly.

• Let It Be, The Beatles

  Always works. Especially for a dad of the Beatles generation.

• Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd

  For a music-loving dad. Quiet, honest, no big crescendo.

• Father and Son, Cat Stevens

  For a dad and son who didn't always agree, but loved each other anyway.

• Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton

  Written for his own son. Works for any family losing a father too soon.

• Sailing, Rod Stewart

  Especially loved for a dad who worked at sea, or who loved a boat.

• Whiskey in the Jar, The Dubliners

  For an Irish dad, or any dad who held a pub together.

• Streets of London, Ralph McTell

  Quiet, English, perfect for a dad who walked everywhere.

• What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong

  An entrance or exit piece. Lifts the room.

• Time to Say Goodbye, Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli

  Classical-crossover. Works as the final piece.

• You'll Never Walk Alone, Gerry & the Pacemakers

  For a Liverpool dad. Brings everyone together.

• Caledonia, Dougie MacLean

  For a Scottish dad, or anyone who went away and came home.

• Unforgettable, Nat King Cole

  For a dad who used to dance with mum in the kitchen.

• Run, Snow Patrol

  For a younger dad. Quietly devastating.

• Supermarket Flowers, Ed Sheeran

  Written for a grandparent, but works for any much-loved family elder.

• Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Monty Python

  For an exit. Many dads ask for this themselves.