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: Exquisite Masterpieces to Color Your Farewell in Your Own Way (31–40)
Always With MeKimura Yumi
This is the debut single by Osaka-born singer Yumi Kimura, who soothes fans’ hearts with her gentle, self-accompanied vocals on the lyre-like instrument known as the lyre.
Chosen as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, its airy arrangement featuring a distinctive timbre is wonderfully comforting.
Though it speaks of present sadness, its message that we will meet again someday seems to wipe away the grief of those left behind and gently encourage them.
It’s a song that tenderly envelops a funeral space, evoking the wishes of the departed and the resolve of those who remain.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima, the only solo artist to achieve the extraordinary feat of topping the singles chart across four decades—from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, it is widely known across generations thanks to numerous cover versions by many artists.
Its lyrics, which make you believe that even if we part in this life we will meet again someday, leave a positive message that will resonate with attendees.
True to its title, it is a timeless masterpiece that ensures a funeral does not end in sadness alone, remaining unfaded even as the times change.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
This is the 304th single by Misora Hibari, a singer who reigned as the queen of the Showa-era music scene and also thrived as an actress and entrepreneur.
It was the last single she released during her lifetime, and having been selected as one of the One Hundred Best Japanese Songs, it remains beloved across generations.
Its message, depicting the grand flow of life, evokes the image of reaching completion at a funeral—the final destination.
It’s a fitting number to mark the end of a life, with those left behind sending you off as they reflect on their memories with you.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
This is the 24th single by the legendary singer Momoe Yamaguchi, who, despite being the top record-selling artist in the 1970s kayōkyoku scene, retired at the height of her popularity.
The song was produced for a Japan National Railways travel promotion campaign and became her biggest hit, achieving million-seller status in total sales.
Its wistful lyrics and melody may evoke even deeper emotion in the special setting of a funeral.
A timeless classic known to everyone, it colors the day of departure, carrying memories of those left behind.
existenceWANIMA
This is a gem-like ballad by WANIMA, woven with deep gratitude and love for a grandmother.
Inspired by member KENTA’s experiences of being raised by his grandmother from childhood, the song vividly depicts memories from a seaside town.
Its mid-tempo melody and heartfelt vocals richly express warm feelings toward someone precious.
Released in March 2025, the track was written for Flower Gift Service “Hana Cupid” and used as the theme song for their Mother’s Day campaign commercial.
The CM featuring Shohei Miura drew attention as well, and the song has garnered notice as the band’s first ballad-style track.
It’s a piece I wholeheartedly recommend to those carrying the sorrow of losing someone dear or wishing to convey gratitude to the precious people in their lives today.