Motown records was founded in 1960 and the label has brought countless songs to us over the years. If your loved one was a fan of Tamla Motown records, you might want to include some in their funeral service or wake. Here are some of the most popular Motown funeral songs to help you remember them and the times you shared together.
Motown funeral songs
Heaven Must Have Sent You – The Elgins
This popular Motown funeral song has a thankful feel to it. It talks about how the person who’s passed away must’ve been sent from heaven to bring the amount of joy they did. This is a good choice of uplifting funeral song if you want to stay positive and focus on the good times you had together. “Wanna thank you for the joy you brought me Thank you for the things you taught me Thank you for holding me close When I needed you the most.”
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted – Jimmy Ruffin
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted was released by Motown Records in 1966. The ballad makes for a sad Motown song for a funeral, contemplating what happens to those left behind when someone passes away. Its chorus ends on a positive note though, encouraging guests to find peace of mind. “As I walk this land with broken dreams I have visions of many things But happiness is just an illusion Filled with sadness and confusion What becomes of the broken-hearted Who had love that's now departed? I know I've got to find Some kind of peace of mind Maybe.”
Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
If you need Motown songs for a funeral wake, this could be a good option. Tracks of My Tears talks about how someone can still be sad and struggling, even if they seem put together in social settings. It reminds us to support each other through hard times. “People say I'm the life of the party 'Cause I tell a joke or two Although I might be laughing loud and hearty Deep inside I'm blue So take a good look at my face You'll see my smile looks out of place If you look closer, it's easy to trace The tracks of my tears I need you (need you), need you (need you).”
Guess I’ll Always Love You – Isley Brothers
This track by the Isley Brothers is one of the best Motown funeral songs. It’s another reflective song that shares how you still think over all the memories you shared and that you’ll always have a place in your heart for the person who’s passed away. While it was originally written about a breakup, you might connect with its words when you’ve experienced loss. “When you left you left with me A dream no longer reality I live the shadows of our past With this love that's born to last I guess I'll always love you You've got the love I need You've got the love I need.”
My Guy – Mary Wells
If you’re looking for Tamla Motown Funeral Songs for a husband, boyfriend or partner, you might want to consider My Guy by Mary Wells. While this song isn’t directly about loss, its words can be relevant. They share that no matter what, you’ll always have love for the person who’s passed. If you’d like a similar funeral song, but for a woman, My Girl by the Temptations could be an option. “Nothing you could say Can tear me away from my guy Nothing you could do 'Cause I'm stuck like glue to my guy.”
Distant Lover – Marvin Gaye
Distant Lover by Marvin Gaye is another Motown funeral song that’s well suited for a partner. Its lyrics talk about the struggles of being far from the one you love and waiting to be reunited. It offers hope that you might meet again one day. “Distant lover, lover (Lover, lover, lover) So many miles away Heaven knows that I long for you Every night, every night I plan, sometimes I dance Through the day Distant lover, lover (Lover, lover, lover) You should think about me And say a prayer for me Please, please baby Think about me sometimes Think about me here Here in misery Misery.”
More funeral song ideas
It’s important to take your time when choosing music for your loved one’s funeral. Sometimes it can take a little while to find the right songs. If the suggestions above aren’t quite right for you, you might find something you prefer below:
