Songs to Play at My Own Funeral: Timeless Gems to Make Farewells Uniquely My Own
Have you ever thought, “If they play a song at my own funeral, I’d like it to be this one”? Some of you may also have felt, “I want to send off someone precious to me with this song.” In this article, we’ve gathered songs that are perfect for playing at your own funeral or for expressing gratitude to those who have supported you until now.
From massive hits to little-known gems, we’ve selected a wide range of tracks.
If you’re looking for music to color a final farewell, please use this as a reference.
- [Music Funeral] BGM to Remember the Deceased | Spotlight on Requiems and Dirges Praying for Peace
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- [Memorial Song] A moving classic and love song dedicated to a beloved person embarking on a journey to heaven
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
- Masterpieces of requiems and dirges
- Songs that Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces Celebrating the Wonder of Living
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
Songs to Play at My Funeral | Timeless Gems to Color Your Farewell in Your Own Way (1–10)
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This is the fifth single by female singer Yo Hitoto, known for numerous tie-ins including the theme song for the film Hanamizuki as well as various commercials and TV dramas.
Written as an anti-war song in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, it’s a track widely recognized across a broad audience and was the most-sung song of the Heisei era in karaoke.
The lyrics, which wish for the lasting happiness of a loved one, are likely to resonate with many attendees at funerals as a message from the deceased.
It’s a peaceful number that speaks on behalf of the feelings toward those who cared for us.
Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi
This is the debut single by singer Masafumi Akikawa, who works in crossover genres with a foundation in classical vocal music.
The song is a Japanese translation and composition by composer Man Arai of “Do not stand at my grave and weep,” which drew attention in the United States.
Its lyrics, which upend the widely shared cultural practice of praying at the graves of the deceased, became a major talking point.
Conveying the message that, with the end of life, one is released from the body and watches over loved ones as a free presence, the piece offers love and hope to those left behind.
It is a solemn number that brings a refreshing hue to the somber setting of a funeral.
Thank youikimonogakari
This is the 18th single by Ikimono-gakari, a two-person band that made their major debut after performing street lives and is known for having tie-ins for all their A-side singles since debut.
Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, it is one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature tracks.
Its lyrics of gratitude, expressed in simple words that anyone can understand, can be taken as messages from those left behind to the departed, and from the departed to those who remain.
It’s a number that adds a bright touch to a funeral—seen as a new departure—while instilling a positive feeling.
Songs to Play at My Funeral: Timeless Gems to Personalize Your Farewell (11–20)
Because you are hereUru
Uru captivates listeners with a poignant, lingering voice.
“Anata ga Iru Koto de” was also the theme song for the drama ‘Theseus no Fune,’ so many of you may have heard it.
It’s a song that makes you feel how important it is to properly express your feelings to the person you love.
Singing of a very great love, this number slips gently into anyone’s heart.
It captures both the aching feeling of thinking of someone and an unwavering resolve—a song you’ll want to play when saying goodbye.
Happyaimyon
A farewell song that’s so very Aimyon, included on the album “Ai o Tsutaetai da toka.” It portrays the feelings of standing before the coffin where a beloved person rests.
Even though the melody isn’t overtly sad, it’s a song that makes your heart ache.
Losing someone you love first is so hard.
On one hand, you feel you have to keep living properly on your own; on the other, as the final lines of the song express, the desire to stay together forever overflows.
It’s a track that somehow feels nostalgic and brings back memories of someone precious.
White lilies on my birthdayFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s 13th single, “On Your Birthday, Pure White Lilies,” was released in 2013.
The song depicts a scene of visiting someone who has passed away every year on their birthday, bringing white lilies.
For those who have lost a father or mother, this song will surely strike a deep chord.
It conveys gratitude for having been born, reflecting on and looking back at one’s younger self.
It is also recommended as a song to express thanks to those who will send you off after you’re gone.
A song dedicated to my belovedKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata, who suits the summer and the sea so well.
Although this song expresses feelings for a loved one who has passed away and is no longer here, it still has a refreshing quality—very characteristic of Kuwata.
“A Song Dedicated to My Beloved” is included on Kuwata’s third best-of album, “I LOVE YOU -now & forever-,” released in 2012.
It’s a song that makes you inevitably think of someone important, and the tears begin to fall naturally.