50+ Best Country Songs to Play at a Funeral or Memorial

Country songs are well-known for their story-focused lyrics centered around heartache, love, and the beauty of living life to the full. These songs can often describe life in a way that is deeply meaningful and personal to those who enjoy this genre. Because of this, many people choose country songs for a funeral to honor their loved ones. And there are plenty to choose from!

Jump ahead to these sections: 

• Best New Country Songs for a Funeral
• Country Songs for Dad's Funeral
• Country Songs for Mom's Funeral
• Country Songs for Grandma or Grandpa’s Funeral
• Old Country Funeral Songs
• Sad Country Funeral Songs

Whether you're planning an in-person or virtual service, you can honor your loved one by playing country music songs that describe their life. To help, we've compiled a list of the best country funeral songs for you to choose from. While some of these songs would make anyone's best funeral songs list, some are hidden gems that only country music lovers might know. 

Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.

Best New Country Songs for a Funeral

New country songs are coming out all the time, and many are fitting to play at a funeral. Here are some of the latest.

1. "I Called Mama" by Tim McGraw

This song illustrates the importance of telling those we love how important they are.

You can read our guide on the best Tim McGraw songs for a funeral or memorial for more recommendations. 

2. "More Time Fishin'" by Thomas Rhett

This song serves as a perfect reminder to make sure we're living life instead of just trying to survive it. 

3. "Mother's Day in Heaven" by Tainted Lyric

Get out a box of tissues for this one as the singer reminisces over life with his mom and wishes her a happy Mother's Day in heaven.

4. "Give Heaven Some Hell" by Hardy

Hardy narrates the scene of a loved one's funeral in this tear-jerker. He muses about what his loved one is doing up in heaven while mourners pay their final respects.

5. "Bye Mom" by Chris Janson

This song pays tribute to every mother who has ever given her time, love, energy, and self to make sure her children had a good life.

Looking for more contemporary selections? Read our article on the best Ed Sheeran songs that are fit for a funeral.

Country Songs for Dad’s Funeral

There are a lot of country songs for dads out there. Prepare to feel some nostalgia and love, while listening to these songs. These songs celebrate one of the most important men in your life. 

Tip: Picking the music for the funeral may be just one small part of your post-death tasks and challenges. You can prioritize and work through those challenges with the help of our post-loss checklist. 

6. “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn

This song is about the sacrifices that dads make for their children. 

7. “Arlington” by Trace Adkins

“Arlington” is a song of remembrance for those who served our country. This song selection may be appropriate for a father who has served in the military. 

8. “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan perfectly conveys how sometimes mourning is simple and quiet. This song encourages you to take a moment and remember the things you did with a loved one. 

9. “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson 

This song is perfect for remembering the dads who spent a lot of time with cars. Use this song to celebrate a dad who loves his car. 

You can read our list of the best Alan Jackson songs for a funeral for more selections.

10. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw 

“Live Like You Were Dying” is a song that focuses on always living life to the fullest. 

11. “He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley 

This song is a nod to all the step-dads out there. It celebrates the impression they had in the lives of their stepchildren. 

12. “Heaven Was Needing a Hero” by Jo Dee Messina 

If you want a song that explains how much your dad meant to you, this is the perfect ballad. 

13. “Country Roads Take Me Home” by John Denver 

This is a slightly more upbeat tune. It is a great selection for a father who loved the outdoors or traveling. 

14. “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood 

Carrie Underwood sings this beautiful song about how our earthly home is not our true home. Instead, you will find your home when you reach heaven. 

15. “When a Hero Falls” by Stephen Cochran 

“When a Hero Falls” is an appropriate song to celebrate a father who lost his life while on active duty. 

Check out our picks for the best funeral songs for dad for more inspiration.

Country Songs for Mom's Funeral

Losing a mother is one of the most difficult things a person will experience. These songs not only discuss loss but also offer a little bit of comfort. 

16. “Angels Among Us” by Alabama 

So many of us believe that our mothers are, in fact, angels. If you feel this way about your mom, perhaps this song would be a wonderful choice. 

17. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill 

This rendition of a timeless classic is a simple farewell for someone you loved dearly. 

18. “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” by Patty Loveless 

Patty Loveless’ beautiful song is about how to accept losing someone you love. It is told from the perspective of a mother teaching her children this hard lesson. 

19. “If Heaven” by Andy Griggs

“If Heaven” attempts to explain how wonderful Heaven truly is. 

20. “There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill 

This song discusses how you can keep your loved ones close through your memories. It may bring comfort to those left behind. 

You can check out our guide on even more Faith Hill songs that are appropriate for a funeral for more song ideas.

21. “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton 

You can help those grieving by playing this song. It suggests our loved ones are meant to move on after death. By moving on they can become angels and help other people. 

22. “Roses for Mama” by C.W. McCall 

This touching song tells a narrative of a young boy buying roses for his mother's grave. 

23. “Never Alone” by Jim Brickman featuring Lady Antebellum

The lyrics in this song remind us of the connectedness we feel to special people. And how that remains even after they pass away. 

24. “Mama Sang a Song” by The Whites 

 This song provides a nostalgic look at how moms can impact the lives of their children. Play it to help you think of a fond memory of your mother while grieving.

25. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

This song is a reminder to live life to the fullest. Play this to honor a mother who was always exploring.

Country Songs for Grandma or Grandpa’s Funeral

Grandparents are often the force that binds families together as they pass along wisdom and life's lessons. These songs pay tribute to the unique place grandparents hold in our lives.

If you want even more musical inspiration, look through our list of best funeral songs for grandma and best funeral songs for grandpa.

26. “Love, Me” by Collin Raye 

This song is told from the perspective of a grandfather who has lost his wife. He recalls points in their relationship where they had to wait for each other. 

27. “I’ll Be There For You” by Kenny Rogers 

Kenny Rogers sings this beautiful and uplifting song. It reminds you that someone who loves you will always be there for you. 

28. “The Wings That Fly Us Home” by John Denver 

This ballad is full of imagery about the transition from this life to the next. 

29. “Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson 

This song pays tribute to the good grandmothers bring to the world. 

30. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks

“The Dance” is a touching look at how lives can unfold. It can remind you that everything happens for a reason. 

You can read our guide on the best Garth Brooks songs for a funeral service for more song ideas.

31. “In Color” by Jamey Johnson

“In Color” is a song that tells a story about the most important moments in a person’s life. This may be an excellent song to have played at a grandparent’s funeral. It can help celebrate how they lived their life. 

32. “I’m Gonna Miss You” by Dolly Parton

Sometimes the simplest message is the most meaningful one. 

You can read our guide on the best Dolly Parton songs for funerals for even more selections.

33. “My Angel” by Kellie Pickler 

This song is a good choice for someone who had an especially close relationship with their grandmother.  

34. “Grandma’s Garden” by Zac Brown

Play this song to remind you of the simple memories you have with your grandparents that mean so much. 

Old Country Funeral Songs

Timeless songs such as these always seem to be the right choice for a funeral. The meaning behind each word offers a classic approach to what it means to celebrate life. But they also encourage us to mourn the death of those that matter. 

Tip: Make sure to add each of the songs to a digital playlist and share the link with the funeral director. We recommend getting a premium streaming service so you can skip the ads, like Spotify Premium.

35. “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks 

This song serves as a beautiful reminder that time is precious. 

36. “If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire

We never know when we'll have our last moments with someone we love. This song serves as the perfect reminder of that. 

You can read about more Reba McEntire songs for a funeral for even more selections.

37. “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio

Diamond Rio offers this perfectly worded song about the moment when you realize someone you love is gone. 

38. “Holes in the Floor of Heaven” by Steve Wariner 

This song offers comfort through the idea that your deceased loved ones are watching over you. 

39. “Please Remember Me” by Tim McGraw 

Remembrance is everything. This song is all about loving someone after they are gone. 

40. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones 

A lifetime of love is something special. This song is about loving someone until your final breath. 

41. “I’m Already There” by Lonestar 

Sometimes, you have to be reminded that the people you love are closer than you think. 

42. “Lead Me Home” by Jamey Johnson 

This beautiful song is sung from the perspective of the deceased who is glad to leave a world of sorrows and enter Heaven.

43. “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” by Ricky Van Shelton

Even death cannot triumph over love. That is what this song pays tribute to.

Are you a fan of older country songs? You can read our guide on the best Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Statler Brothers, Charley Pride, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Randy Travis, George Strait, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson songs for funerals for more ideas.

Sad Country Funeral Songs

Country music tends to specialize in sad songs. These are no exception, and they might be just what you're looking for to play for a loved one's funeral.

44. “A Picture of Me Without You” by Lorri Morgan

Lorri Morgan’s song imagines a time when you can no longer create new memories with those you love. 

45. “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood 

In this song, the singer wishes that the news of a loved one's death was just a dream. 

46. “Life Without You” by Stevie Ray Vaughn 

The hardest thing about living without your loved one is that life will never be the same. 

47. “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney 

Play this song to celebrate the life of a person who died unexpectedly. 

You can read our list of the best Kenny Chesney songs for a funeral for even more song ideas.

48. “If Something Should Happen” by Daryl Worley 

While waiting for a diagnosis a man asks his best friend to help his family if he gets bad news. Play this to honor someone who was a true friend. 

49. “I Can’t Write That” by Jeff Bates 

This moving song is about the difficulties of speaking or writing about someone who is no longer here. 

50. “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts 

This song imagines what could have been. 

You can read our guide to the top Rascall Flatts songs fit for a funeral for more recommendations.

51. “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” by Travis Tritt 

The lyrics of this song discuss the difficulty of coming to terms with someone dying. 

52. “God Only Cries” by Diamond Rio 

This song talks about how God only cries for those left behind. 

53. “When I’m Gone” by Joey + Rory 

This song is both touching and sad. The lead singer wrote it years before she was diagnosed with cancer. 

Country Music Songs That Move You 

Playing country music at a funeral is a perfect way to honor someone who lived in the country or was a cowboy or cowgirl at heart. These lyrically powerful songs can inspire, express the love they had for family and friends, and help loved ones reminisce about the deceased. While the genre might not be for everyone, if your loved one enjoyed country music, you'll be glad you chose a song or two to play in their honor.

If you're looking for more country-adjacent funeral songs, check out our guides to bluegrass funeral songs, too.