Are you looking for great Celebration of Life Song for your Mom?
We’ve listed nine our favorites below. Try Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” or Celine Dion’s Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word)”. We also included Alison Krauss’ “Down to the River to Pray”, “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion, “A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men, “You Can’t Loose Me” by Faith Hill, You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban and “Wind Beneath my Wings” by Bette Midler.
An Iconic Song Choice
When it comes to an iconic song you can always choose “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole or “Mama Liked the Roses” Elvis Presley – even “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston or “One Sweet Day” Mariah Carey. But who you choose for your mom’s funeral or celebration of life is to honor your mother’s life.
Funeral Songs
The main difference between a funeral song or funeral songs and a Celebration of Life where there is tons of music is when someone will play songs – meaning will there be music at your mother’s funeral only or will there be a celebration with that includes not only a funeral for your beloved mother but also a memorial service all in one place and time where people celebrate just what and who the woman who passed was with song.
The Perfect Song – Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”
Unlike most of her other songs, Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” is direct and meaningful and most importantly heartbreaking. While she’s certainly sung pop songs for her biggest hits, this ballad is telling the story of the pain of losing someone that is loved. Sarah McLachlan has created a timeless song, while maintaining her own distinctive voice.
Sarah’s album Surfacing was a big hit, and the song has been played on a plethora of tours. The song’s structure may be surprising, but it’s important to recognize its origins. The song was written after she read about a fellow musician who died at 34 from an overdose. She wrote this because she could identify with the loneliness of living life on the road. Now, this song touches so many worldwide when they hear her haunting voice.
The singer is one of the most successful female pop stars of all time. She has several No. 1 singles on the Billboard chart. This song is one of the most personal and powerful songs ever released. However, Sarah does not think that the song is one of her best. That’s fine, because what the song represents to so many is life changing.
The track is a classic in its own right, and it remains one of her most popular hits. Families often request this for their mom saying she loved the song. We agree and it is on the list for many of our Celebrations.
Lyrics to “Angel”
You spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There’s always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it’s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh, beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty
Oh, and weightless
And maybe I’ll find some peace tonight
Chorus
In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you feel
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight lines
And everywhere you turn
There’s vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting
Keeps on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don’t make no difference
Escape one last time
It’s easier to believe in this sweet madness
Oh, this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
Chorus
You’re in the arms of your angel
May you find some comfort here
Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”
This soulful song, written by Willie Nelson, was in the movie Honeysuckle Rose. It has been covered by many artists including Bob Dylan. Over the years Willie has dedicated to the song to several different while on stage and we know that it touches everyone’s heart.
Although Willie Nelson’s recording is considered to be the definitive version, the soft, emotional song by Beth Rowley is equally appropriate for funerals. “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” reflects the raw emotions of mourning the loss of a loved one. This version includes beautiful vocals from the female singer. In addition to the emotional appeal of Willie Nelson’s version, the lyrics are touching and fitting for a funeral.
Willie Nelson wrote the song for the 1981 movie Honeysuckle Rose, Nelson’s first major motion picture role. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground went to number one and remained on the country charts. The film Honeysuckle Rose featured Nelson in a role similar to his own, and was released as a single in 1982.
Lyrics
If you had not have fallen,
Then I would not have found you,
Angel flying too close to the ground.
I patched up your broken wings,
And hung around a while.
Kept your spirits up,
And your fever down.
I know someday that you would fly away,
‘Cause love’s the greatest healer to be found.
So leave me if you need to,
But I will still remember,
Angel flying too close to the ground.
So fly on, fly on past the speed of sound
I’d rather see you up
Than see you down
So leave me if you need to
And I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
So leave me if you need to
And I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
Angel flying too close to the ground
Celine Dion’s “Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word)”
This song is dedicated to Celine Dion’s mother, Therese Tanguay Dion, who passed away on a Thursday after a long illness. The singer dedicated a concert in Miami, Florida to Therese and talked about the last moments of her life. The song was written for Dion by Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
Celine Dion is a Canadian singer who first gained worldwide popularity with her powerful vocals in the 1990s. Her music, which focuses on love and this song, was inspired by the true story of her mother’s journey. The lyrics are touching and profound. It’s an ode to her mom knowing she will have to say goodbye.
Background lyrics were performed by Shania Twain. Both women understand the unconditional love of a mother. While the song was written for mothers, many people think it’s a song for a couple. Many people find this song to be a touching song that speaks to both motherhood and the love of a mother for her children. It talks about the sacrifices a mother makes for their children.
Lyrics
Mamma
You gave life to me
Turned a baby into a lady
And, mamma
All you had to offer
Was the promise of a lifetime of love
Now I know
There is no other
Love like a mother’s love for her child
And I know
A love so complete
Someday must leave
Must say, “goodbye”
Chorus
Goodbye’s the saddest word I’ll ever hear
Goodbye’s the last time I will hold you near
Someday you’ll say that word, and I will cry
It’ll break my heart to hear you say, “goodbye”
Mamma
You gave love to me
Turned a young one into a woman
And, mamma
All I ever needed
Was a guarantee of you loving me
‘Cause I know
There is no other
Love like a mother’s love for her child
And it hurts so
That something so strong
Someday will be gone, must say “goodbye”
Chorus
Goodbye’s the saddest word I’ll ever hear
Goodbye’s the last time I will hold you near
Someday you’ll say that word, and I will cry
It’ll break my heart to hear you say, “goodbye”
But the love you gave will always live
You’ll always be there every time I fall
You are to me the greatest love of all
You take my weakness, and you make me strong
And I will always love you till forever comes
And when you need me
I’ll be there for you, always
I’ll be there, your whole life through
I’ll be there, this I promise you, mamma
I’ll be your beacon through the darkest nights
I’ll be the wings that guide your broken flight
I’ll be your shelter through the raging storm
And I will love you till forever comes
Chorus
Goodbye’s the saddest word I’ll ever hear
Goodbye’s the last time I will hold you near
Someday you’ll say that word, and I will cry
It’ll break my heart to hear you say, “goodbye”
Till we meet again
Until then
Goodbye
Alison Krauss’ “Down to the River to Pray”
The traditional gospel song Down to the River to Pray has various names, including “Down in the Valley to Pray,” “The Good Old Way,” and “Come, Let us all go Down.” The song gained mainstream popularity in 2000 when Alison Krauss covered it for the soundtrack to the Coen Brothers’ movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? It also became an instant hit on the charts, peaking at number four on the Billboard Top 200. While it is not completely known where it comes from, its roots are unknown.
The song was recorded by Alison Krauss and included on her 2002 album Live. This song was the only track included from that performance, but the video below shows the song’s rendition. This song is a favorite among country fans and has received praise from a wide variety of critics and audiences. The song is a beautiful example of Americana, a genre that has a long and colorful history.
Lyrics
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O sisters, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O brothers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O fathers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O fathers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O mothers, let’s go down
Come on down, don’t you wanna go down?
Come on, mothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O sinners, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sinners, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
Addition Celebration of Life or Funeral Songs that are Popular
“Because You Loved Me” Celine Dion
Lyrics
For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I’ll be forever thankful baby
You’re the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You’re the one who saw me through through it all
Chorus
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
Ooh, baby
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand, I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love, I had it all
I’m grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don’t know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you
Chorus
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You’ve been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you
Chorus 2x
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
“A Song For Mama” Boyz II Men
(“Evolution” Version)
Lyrics
You taught me everything
And everything you’ve given me
I always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life
There isn’t anything
Or anyone that I can be
And it just wouldn’t feel right
If I didn’t have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
You will always be
You will always be the girl in my life
For all times
Chorus
Mama, mama, you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Yes, it is
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Yes, it is (5x)
You’re always down for me
Have always been around for me
Even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes, you did
And you took up for me
When everyone was downin’ me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on
There were so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me
And say to me I can face anything
And no one else can do what you have done for me
You’ll always be
You will always be the girl in my life
Chorus
Mama, mama, you know I love you
You know I love you
You know I love you
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart
You are
Your love is like tears from the stars
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinking about you
I’ll never go a day without my mama
Chorus
Mama, mama, you know I love you
Oh, you know I love you mama
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Lovin’ you is like food to my soul
You were the food to my soul
Yes, you are
“You Can’t Lose Me” Faith Hill
Lyrics
A little girl, a little small for her age
A little too slow for the field day race
Momma’s waiting at the finish line
And wipes the teardrops from her eyes
She says, “You did just fine honey, that’s okay
Sometimes life’s just that way
You’re gonna lose the race from time to time
But you’re always gonna find
Chorus
You can’t lose me
Bet your life
I am here and I will always be
Just a wish away
Wherever you go
No matter how far
My love is where you are
You won’t be lost if you believe
You can’t lose me
Momma use to say Girl it won’t be long
’Til it’s time to go out on your own
Chase your dreams find your place in life
I know you’ll do just fine
When that day finally came
There were things she needed to but could not say
So I whispered softly as I wiped
The tears from Momma’s eyes
Chorus
You can’t lose me
Bet your life
I am here and I will always be
Just a wish away
Wherever you go
No matter how far
My love is where you are
You won’t be lost if you believe
You can’t lose me
“Wind Beneath My Wings” Bette Midler
(from “Beaches” soundtrack)
Lyrics
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way.
You always walked a step behind.
So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.
Chorus
Did you ever know that you’re my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
’cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I’ve got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
Chorus
Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
’cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?
You’re everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
’cause you are the wind beneath my wings, (2x)
Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings. (2x)
Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.
Beautiful Song Choices From Popular Artists
Throughout the time of a Celebration of Life we have had classic song choices from the following artists:
Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, 10,000 Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Garden by Jimmy Scott, You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder, Nan’s Song by Robbie Williams, The Band Perry – Mother Like Mine, Save A Place For Me by Matthew West, Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There by Jennifer Hudson, Amazing Grace by Rod Stewart, or “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John.**
A Song Tells A Story
Live life and enjoy it, do not take precious moments for granted, and remember you will not live forever are common things we hear from our mothers. In planning a celebration of life we remember the special woman in our lives and create a beautiful tribute that includes music.
Eternally Loved Celebration of Life Planner
If your mother has passed and you are seeking how to plan your mother’s day in the best way, we can guide you through each detail so you know all your options. We look forward to hearing from you.
