Beatles songs for funerals
Have you lost someone who was a Beatles fan? You might be looking for Beatles songs to play at their funeral. The Beatles had 12 albums between 1962 and 1970 with a lot of songs that people hold dear and that bring back memories. Our list of the most popular Beatles songs for funerals could help you find what you’re looking for.
Let It Be
One of the most played Beatles funeral songs is Let It Be from the Beatles’ last album (also called Let It Be). Its words remind us that no matter what happens, things will be okay. It encourages us to stop overthinking and mulling on things that have happened and to simply accept things as they are. “And when the night is cloudy There is still a light that shines on me Shine until tomorrow Let it be.”
Yesterday
Yesterday is a nostalgic Beatles song for a funeral. It talks about the past when things seemed easy and trouble-free. It’s a good choice when you want guests at the funeral to think about good times they had with your loved one. “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay Oh, I believe in yesterday.”
In My Life
In My Life is another nostalgic Beatles song suitable for a funeral. The lyrics focus on the different memories we create and relationships that we have during our lives. It’s also a popular wedding song, so could be a good choice of funeral song if this was your loved one’s first dance or a significant song in their relationship. “There are places I remember All my life, though some have changed Some forever not for better Some have gone and some remain All these places have their moments With lovers and friends, I still can recall Some are dead and some are living In my life, I've loved them all.”
Blackbird
Blackbird is simple song with just an acoustic guitar and Paul McCartney’s voice. It’s emotional and talks about finding freedom and light in dark times. Its words make for good Beatles song lyrics for a funeral reading or message in a book of remembrance. “Blackbird fly Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night.”
The Long and Winding Road
The Long and Winding Road is a metaphor for our lives, going through ups and downs and sometimes taking directions we didn’t expect. Lots of people also talk about eventually meeting their loved ones again down the road. “The long and winding road That leads To your door Will never disappear I've seen that road before It always leads me here Leads me to your door The wild and windy night That the rain Washed away.”
I’ll Follow the Sun
I’ll Follow the Sun is another choice when it comes to popular Beatles funeral songs. The song is a good choice for funerals because it talks about us eventually having to leave and feelings of loss, as well as feelings of acceptance. “And now the time has come And so, my love, I must go And though I lose a friend In the end, you will know, oh.”
Across the Universe
Across the Universe is an experimental song that is sometimes described as “cosmic”. It reminds us that while we pass, love goes on. It also has some spiritual lyrics, including "Jai guru deva om". This can be translated in several ways, but common readings are “Victory to God divine" or "Hail to the divine guru”. “Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing Through my open ears inciting and inviting me Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns It calls me on and on across the universe.”
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
This Beatles funeral song was written by George Harrison. He said that it’s based on the idea that everything has some purpose for being there at that given moment. It’s a song that can make you feel glad to have spent time with the person who passed while they were here. “I look at the world, and I notice it's turning While my guitar gently weeps With every mistake, we must surely be learning Still my guitar gently weeps.”
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash.