The reality of parenthood is that once you bring a human being into this world, their existence will bring you joy and pain in equal measure. The worst pain is losing them to death, and while death in itself is a devastating experience, the world can be a cruel place for parents who have lost children. The feeling of helplessness, of seeing your child's life threatened before it is snatched away violently, is a nightmare no parent wants to go through. 

I speak from experience. 

Even if men are born to live and die, no one wants to die in their youth, and certainly, no parent wants to bury their child. It's the kind of loss that numbs you and kills something inside you. The kind of pain that doesn't go away no matter the time.

The kind of pain that can drive you insane. Most of us have experienced that kind of pain at some point. May you find comfort in the memories you shared with your child, and may these songs resonate with you in your grieving process. 

11 Funeral Songs For Grieving Parents 

If you've recently lost your child, we empathize with your pain. We hope these 11 funeral songs auger with your situation and compliment the mood at your child's funeral. Feel free to choose those you've enjoyed and love listening to. 

1. Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

When Eric Clapton's 4-year-old son Conor died, he expressed his pain in a moving song titled Tears in Heaven. Clapton’s partner, Lory del Santos, later said in an interview with BBC that the song was a form of therapy for him, a coping mechanism of sorts that helped him find healing after losing Conor.

In his song, Clapton reassures himself and fellow grieving parents that their children have passed peacefully to a place without tears. The song also dwells on dealing with loss and grief stoically. 

“Beyond the door 

There's peace, I'm sure 

And I know there'll be no more 

Tears in heaven.” 

2.  Hello, Goodbye by Michael W Smith 

Michael W Smith’s 1998 hearty ballad, Hello, Goodbye, is all about acceptance after loss, of holding on to hope for a reunion despite a sad parting. If your child passed away suddenly or after a long battle with a terminal illness, the message in this song would be relevant under the circumstances.

Even if you hoped for the best, accepting that they're resting from the pain and that one day you'll reunite is a welcome tribute to a child who has suffered so much pain. Here, Michael is firm in his conviction that love is stronger than death. Yes, parting with your baby is painful, but be comforted knowing that a reunion awaits beyond this life. 

Hello, goodbye

I'll see you on the other side

It's not forever

It's not the end

It doesn't matter where you've been

I'll see you on the other side.”

3. Angels Among Us by Alabama

Alabama band members Becky Hobbs and Don Goodman composed the hit song “Angels Among Us” in 1993. It's a moving ballad performed by the rest of the band members as part of their 15th album, Cheat Seats. Although it was not written as a funeral song, it was later played during the funeral of Dale Earnhardt, who was best friends with the band's front-man, Randy Owen.

The song has since become synonymous with funerals thanks to its motivational message encouraging listeners that there are angels among them, keeping watch over them. 

4. Forever Young by Rod Stewart 

Together with bandmates Kevin Savigar and Jim Cregan, celebrated rockstar Rod Stewart composed "Forever Young” as a tribute to the children he missed while on tour.

While this song isn't about death or grief, it conveys Stewart's feelings of pain for missing out on his children's childhood years and milestones. It's a hearty tribute to a father longing to be in his children's lives. It can resonate with grieving parents clinging to whatever is left of the memories. 

5. Beautiful Boy by John Lennon

In 1980 John Lennon dedicated “Beautiful Boy” to his son Sean, who he fathered with Yoko Ono, his fellow musician. Although the beautiful boy lived, Lennon used this song to express how much happiness Sean had brought into his life and how much he loved him. You can play this song at your child's funeral to express your love for them, even in death, as a tribute and gratitude for making you a happy parent while they lived. 

6. Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel 

In 1979, Art Garfunkel and Mike Batt wrote and recorded this Indie Rock tune that topped the UK charts for six consecutive weeks. Here is another tribute song for a child who bravely fought a terminal illness to the end. It may not be about death, but it speaks of immense loss, and the lyrics may be appropriate for a child's funeral. Here's an excerpt from the lyrics. 

Oh, is it a dream?

Floating out on the tide 

Following the river of death downstream 

There's a fog along the horizon 

A strange glow in the sky

And nobody seems to know where you go

Bright eyes burning like fire

Bright eyes, how can you fail?

How can the light that burned so brightly suddenly burn so pale."

7. Sail to the Moon by Radiohead 

Released in 2003 by the UK rock band Radiohead, “Sail to the Moon" is a plaintive, haunting, and beautiful acoustic tune that echoes parents' loneliness after a child dies. The song was believed to be written as a tribute to the band's lead singer, Thom Yorke’s son. However, any parent grieving their departed child would resonate with the message and the sadness that the song evokes. 

8. Butterfly Kisses by Rob Thomas and Randy Carlisle

Carlisle composed and dedicated Butterfly Kisses to his daughter Brooke on her 16 birthday to appreciate her presence in his life. Although it's supposed to be a happy song, the lyrics revolve around shared memories, a relevant theme for loss. 

9. Precious Child by Karen Taylor 

The American singer and songwriter is undoubtedly among the most celebrated country music singers of all time. However, when her sister Bonnie's son was murdered, she composed “Precious Child” in his memory. She later performed the song during his candlelit ceremony, and the track became a big hit. It's one of the most popular child funeral songs today. 

10.Hug Him For Me Once More by Erica McClure 

On a Friday on July 18, 2008, Erica McClure put her baby Braden to sleep only for him to never wake up. Two years later, a distraught Erica released a heartbreaking tribute to Braden, reminding him of her love and imploring the heavens to hug her baby once more for her.

Hug Him For Me Once More is a mother's cry full of melancholy for the baby who died suddenly in his sleep. It's one of those songs that will move everyone to tears at the funeral. 

11. He's My Son by Mark Schultz 

The 2000 hit song by Mark Schultz is about a father and his dying son. Evidently, the son is dying from an incurable illness, and as the father watches helplessly, he prays to God for strength to cope with the nightmare. Mark reported that at one point, he was a youth minister in Tennessee and encountered a family dealing with the imminent passing of their son from cancer. Most of us can relate to the message in this song. 

Funeral Songs For Children: Final Thoughts 

If you're currently grieving your child, we've been there, so we feel you. We express our deepest sympathies to you and your family and can only wish you strength to cope with the unbearable loss. We understand how stressful funeral planning is, how much more planning your child's funeral. 

One of the many challenges I encountered while organizing my son's funeral was selecting the right songs. I didn't want songs that were too heart-wrenching or would compound my despair. I wanted something that would express my sadness and console those grieving with me while also reminding us of happier times. 

My son was four years old at the time of his sudden death, so I know our circumstances may not be the same. But no matter the age of your child or the cause of their death, these 11 child funeral songs will comfort and reassure you during that difficult time.

If you're looking for a personalized music performance specifically for your child's funeral or memorial service, please browse through our service directory and contact a funeral musician or band of your choice.