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.

Playlist

Songs to Play at My Own Funeral: Timeless Gems to Make Farewells Uniquely My Own
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving song that portrays the meaning of life and the preciousness of love
2	the scent of flowersMr.Children		Mr.Children’s first digital single
3	I miss youRADWIMPS		A timeless requiem for the disaster, quietly singing of life and bonds
4	threadNakajima Miyuki		A moving song that sings about the importance of encounters
5	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s digital single, a moving song about parting
6	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s anti-war song, a peace anthem that resonates in the heart
7	Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi		Masafumi Akikawa’s moving song of life
8	NonfictionHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s profound lyrics—a masterpiece that questions the meaning of life
9	The Final RiverCHEMISTRY		A moving movie theme song that depicts familial love
10	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari “YELL” NHK theme song
11	Happyaimyon		A song of sorrow for lost love and a resolve to live
12	White lilies on my birthdayFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s Song of Remembrance and Gratitude: The Meaning of White Lilies
13	A song dedicated to my belovedKuwata Keisuke		A song in which Keisuke Kuwata sings about his feelings for the one he loves
14	Even if I’m not there.Hirai Dai		A dying father’s letter of love to his child
15	Because you are hereUru		A classic that sings of the importance of love with a heartrending voice
16	futureKobukuro		Kobukuro’s movie theme song: hopeful yet heartrending lyrics
17	aspiration; longing; ardent desireFukuyama Masaharu		A song that portrays a heartrending love and parting during wartime
18	Thank you…KOKIA		KOKIA’s moving song “Arigatou” resonates with the heart.
19	I want to see you.Yoshida Yamada		A heartwarming song filled with feelings for my grandfather
20	to spell; to compose; to write (e.g., a letter or journal); to bind together (pages)Hata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s moving song: feelings for someone precious
21	budKobukuro		A moving piece that sings of love for a mother and a farewell
22	Will (suicide note).Cocco		Lyrics like a suicide note with a refreshing melody
23	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s theme song: a moving message of love and farewell
24	I long to see you now.MISIA		A moving song by MISIA, representing Asia
25	supernovaBUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP OF CHICKEN's moving farewell song
26	planetariumOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s heartrending love song from Boys Over Flowers
27	FlowerORANGE RANGE		ORANGE RANGE's soul-stirring rock classic
28	dearestKOH+		KOH+’s movie theme song, a heartrending song of parting and love
29	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		Rimi Natsukawa’s masterpiece, an elegy that colors our memories
30	contrailArai Yumi		Contrail: a masterpiece that depicts the ephemerality of life and the sky
31	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		“Ito” (Thread): a timeless classic that transcends generations
32	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s final single
33	Always With MeKimura Yumi		Yumi Kimura’s “Always With Me,” a heart-soothing song
34	existenceWANIMA		A moving ballad by WANIMA filled with gratitude for my grandmother
35	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s million-selling hit song
36	waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze		Expressing the preciousness of love in Fujii Kaze’s breakup song
37	cherry blossoms drifting awayUtada Hikaru		A song of feelings for the lost and a resolve to live
38	Departures ~memory~Hisaishi Joe		The moving music from the film “Departures”
39	I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu		Moving songs and music that resonate with the heart
40	A flower that blooms only hereKobukuro		A heart-touching song by the famous duo Kobukuro
41	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Theme song of 'Tsuki to Kyabetsu' by Masayoshi Yamazaki
42	Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 “Choral,” from the 4th movement: “Ode to Joy”Ludwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, a masterpiece of hope and gratitude