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 someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- [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 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.
futureKobukuro
Kobukuro, who continue to captivate many with heartfelt lyrics and beautiful harmonies, released this work in December 2015, written specifically as the theme song for the film “orange.” The lyrics, depicting the ache of unrequited love and hope for the future, are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.
They convey the message that hope exists no matter how difficult the circumstances.
It may be the perfect song to express the sentiment, “Even if I’m not there, you’ll be okay—I’ll be watching over you.”
aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu
This is a song Masaharu Fukuyama wrote for the film “If Only I Could Meet You Again on the Hill Where That Flower Blooms.” Released in December 2023, the movie portrays a heartrending love and parting set during wartime.
From this song, you can feel the protagonist’s emotions as they carry love for someone dear while having no choice but to accept their farewell.
The wish for the small joys of everyday life stands in poignant contrast to the harsh reality of war.
Played at a funeral, it could convey to your loved ones, “Those ordinary days were truly happiness.”
Thank you…KOKIA
KOKIA’s third single “Arigatou…” released in 1999.
It became a hit not only in Japan but also in Hong Kong, and it’s no surprise that it has been covered by other artists—a deeply moving song.
KOKIA’s voice slips gently into the heart over a soothing, purifying melody, and the simple yet precious word we use so often—“thank you”—really hits home.
There are surely many things we’d want to say at the very end, but if we had to choose just one, wouldn’t it be “thank you”?
I want to see you.Yoshida Yamada
The song Aitakute by YoshidaYamada, a duo of high school classmates, was written by guitarist-vocalist Yui Yoshida in memory of his grandfather.
A few years after his grandmother passed away, he imagined what feelings his grandfather might be living with each day, alone in a large country house, as he composed it.
The lyrics, which say, “Even if we can’t see each other anymore, this is still the place you can come home to,” really hit home.
They make you want to tell someone important how you feel right away.
to spell; to compose; to write (e.g., a letter or journal); to bind together (pages)Hata Motohiro
This song features Motohiro Hata’s warm, heartfelt vocals that really sink in.
While delicately depicting everyday scenes and the changing seasons, it weaves thoughts for a loved one into a “last letter.” Included on the January 2013 album Signed POP, the track has no official tie-ins, yet it has become a popular choice for weddings and for reflecting on memories with someone special.
It’s a recommended song when you want to express gratitude and love, or when you need to gather your thoughts before parting with someone important.
Songs to Play at My Funeral | Timeless Gems to Color Your Farewell in Your Own Way (21–30)
budKobukuro
This is the 14th single by the musical duo Kobukuro, who captivate fans with songs carrying moving messages, such as “Sakura” and “Eien ni Tomo ni.” Written specifically as the theme song for the TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Okan to Boku to, Tokidoki, Oton,” its lyrics—penned by member Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother—are heartrending.
The wish to be remembered from time to time even after one is gone is likely the true sentiment of many who have passed.
It’s a number that portrays the feelings of those left behind and adorns a funeral with memories.
