Ray has been an online music writer for over four years. Having sung in multiple competitions as a youth, he has a passion for the art.
Comforting Tagalog (OPM) and English Songs for Funerals and Burials
Playing meaningful songs at a funeral (during interments or burials) is very important. It honors your loved ones and sets the mood. These songs can offer us comfort in a time of sorrow or cause us to feel nostalgic, reminiscing about the good times we had with the dearly departed.
When choosing funeral songs, think of your loved one's favorite tune or piece of music. Remember, funeral songs don't have to be sad. They just have to be significant—saying something special about the deceased. Here are the most popular funeral songs played by Filipinos (OPM) during interments or burials in the Philippines.
1. "Hindi Kita Malilimutan"
Artist: Basil Valdez
Album: Hindi Kita Malilimutan
Released: 1994
Background: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" was a hit song by Basil Valdez, who is a legendary singer in the Philippine music industry. It was originally composed by Manoling Francisco way back in his college days at Ateneo De Manila University. The song "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" is normally played by Filipinos during interments, burials, and funeral masses. They say it was adapted from the Bible's book of "Isaiah 49:15-16."
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has born?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
— Basil Valdez, "Hindi Kita Malilimutan"
2. "I Will Be Here"
Artist: Gary Valenciano
Album: Revive
Released: 2000
Background: "I Will Be Here" was originally sung by Steven Curtis Chapman, an American Contemporary Christian music singer, composer, record producer, artist, author, and social activist. "I Will Be Here" is an inspiring Christian/gospel song talking about how someone will always be there for his/her loved one, no matter what happens. The Christian song presents unconditional love towards family or friends. The song proclaims that that kind of love will stay the same forever. This song can be played at funerals, weddings, or churches.
3. "Tanging Yaman"
Artist: Carol Banawa
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Album: Tanging Yaman
Released: 2000
Background: "Tanging Yaman" was one of the most popular classic funeral songs in the Philippines. It was popularized by Carol Banawa. The song was a liturgical composition of Manoling Francisco, a mentor and advocate for music ministers and composers throughout the Philippines. He has composed over 150 songs that are sung all over the world and used by Filipinos whenever they gather for worship. "Tanging Yaman," when translated into English, means "Only Treasure." This alludes to the Saviour, to God.
4. "Pangako"
Artist: Ogie Alcasid
Album: All the Classics
Released: 2007
Background: "Pangako" was a classic pop song originally composed and sung by Ogie Alcasid and popularized by his very own wife, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. It is a song that conveys the promise of endless love. In eulogies, people who are close to the dead always state that they promise to never dishonor their memory. This song is perfect for getting that point across.
5. "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo"
Artist: Basil Valdez
Album: Hindi Kita Malilimutan
Released: 1994
Background: "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo" was the theme song of the hit 2012 Philippine Melodrama series Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo, which starred Jake Cuenca and Shaina Magdayao. This is a heart-wrenching funeral song that generally applies to couples.
6. "The Warrior Is a Child"
Artist: Gary Valenciano
Album: Revive
Released: 1984
Background: Sung by Twila Paris and popularized by Gary Valenciano, "The Warrior Is a Child" was another popular funeral song in the Philippines. "The Warrior Is a Child" was one of the Christian songs featured in the CCM Magazine in the article titled "100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music."
7. "Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan"
Artist: Basil Valdez
Album: Hindi Kita Malilimutan
Released: 1994
Background: The title means "till the end of time." This song creates a gloomy atmosphere and will definitely fill your eyes with tears. "Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan" was one of the funeral songs popularized by Basil Valdez. The lyrics speak to the promises a person makes to their special someone. This song reminds us that, amidst all the challenges, two people can continue loving each other until the end of time.
8. "Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak"
Artist: Ebe Dancel (Sugarfree)
Album: Bawat Daan
Released: 2006
Background: "Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak" is one of the most popular songs of the decade. It was originally composed and sung by Ebe Dancel and popularized by Gary Valenciano and his band Sugarfree. It was also popularized by KZ Tandingan. The song is about comforting someone who is going through tough situations. This song was sung by Sugarfree and appeared on the 2006 album Tala-Arawan and on the compilation album 100% Greatest Hits of 2011.
9. "Maalaala Mo Kaya"
Artist: Carol Banawa
Album: 60 Taon ng Musika at Soap Opera
Released: 1991
Background: "Maalala Mo Kaya" was another song popularized by Carol Banawa. It's the theme song of the longest-running Philippine drama anthology series titled Maalaala Mo Kaya, or MMK, on ABS-CBN. This series is hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. The TV show is about a person's life journey, showing the ups and downs they went through before they reached the top.
This song is usually played at funerals to remember or reminisce about the life of the deceased. The song is often played to acknowledge and honor the people we hold dear in our hearts. It is frequently played at a grandparent's funeral.
10. "Paglisan"
Artist: Color it Red
Album: Hand-Painted Sky
Released: 1994
Background: "Paglisan" means "parting" or "leaving" in English. The song is about death and love. The lyrics speak of the kind of undying love that transcends all hardships. It was written by Color It Red, and it's usually played at funerals for teenagers or children who lost their lives early. The song "Paglisan" conveys the idea that, even if a loved one might disappear, they will take love with them into the afterlife.
11. "Kahit Isang Saglit"
Artist: Martin Nievera
Album: Return to Forever
Released: 1999
Background: "Kahit Isang Saglit," written by Allan Ayque, was popularized by Martin Nievera. It was awarded the Awit Award for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist. Due to its ballad-like arrangement, it is a heartbreaking song. It's about wanting to see and touch the departed loved one—even if it's just for a small amount of time.
12. "Magpakailanman"
Artist: Wency Cornejo
Album: Langit Sa Lupa
Released: 2003
Background: "Magpakailanman" is one of the most familiar funeral songs among Filipinos in the Philippines. It is the theme song of a long-running and award-winning Philippine drama series called Magpakailanman, which appears on GMA and is hosted by Mel Tiangco. It was popularized by Wency Cornejo, a talented recording artist, and is very common to hear at funerals.
The song is about promising to remember the departed. At funerals, this song is played to commemorate the people parted by death, either children who passed by an early age, a lover left alone by his/her partner, or a family member who parted forever.
13. "Ang Buhay Nga Naman"
Artist: Noel Cabangon
Album: Byahe
Released: 2009
Background: "Ang Buhay Nga Naman" is another pop funeral song creation of the Filipino singer and musician, Noel Cabangon. The song reminisces about a departed loved one. It helps us realize that life is too unpredictable, so we must remain playful. The song conveys the message that we should always treasure our memories with the departed.
14. "Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin"
Artist: Rodel Naval
Album: Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin
Released: 1990
Background: In the '90s, Rodel Naval was a Filipino actor, singer, and songwriter. His hit singles "Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin" and "Muli" made him famous. According to Rodel Naval, he wrote this song in memory of his deceased mother. "Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin" is a popular song throughout the entire Philippines. It has captured millions of hearts.
15. "Kanlungan"
Artist: Noel Cabangon
Album: Byahe
Released: 2009
Background: The song "Kanlungan" was popularized by Noel Cabangon. The lyrics make us reminisce about the happy moments we spend with others. The song also makes us feel regretful about the time we didn't spend with the people who left us too early. It makes us wonder if we could have done things better.
16. "Malayo Pa Ang Umaga"
Artist: Rey Valera
Released: 2005
Background: In English, this song is called "The Joy Comes in the Morning." It is one of the most popular songs in the Philippine music industry. The song is meant to convey hope, enjoyment, and happiness. It is a song about supporting and encouraging the families of those who have passed away. It reminds us that after every loss there is hope of what the future might bring.
17. "Ikaw Lamang"
Artist: Gary Valenciano
Album: Interactive
Released: 1998
Background: "Ikaw Lamang" is an award-winning Filipino pop song popularized by Gary Valenciano. It was nominated for the Awit Award for Best Ballad Recording and the Awit Award for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist. The song is about two people who are deeply in love with each other. But, even though it's a love song, this song can also be played at funerals or burials.
18. "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos"
Artist: Gary Valenciano
Album: Faces of Love
Released: 1990
Background: This is another pop song that was popularized by Gary Valenciano. It was revived by Vina Morales in 2008. "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos" is a song of hope, determination, and comfort. It talks about how God will always be there to guide and bless you during tough times (especially when someone close to you dies). As long as you believe in Him and serve Him wholeheartedly, everything will be fine.
19. "Sana Maulit Muli"
Artist: Gary Valenciano
Album: I Will Be There
Released: 2003
Background: "Sana Maulit Muli" was the theme song of the 1995 Filipino romantic film Sana Maulit Muli, which was directed by Olivia Lamasan and starred Lea Salonga and Aga Muhlach. The song won the category "Best Theme Song" at the 44th FAMAS Awards. The song was popularized by Gary Valenciano (who also composed this song). Valenciano has released 26 albums, capturing the hearts of the Filipino people. The music video is one of the most famous and successful music videos on YouTube.
20. "Iingatan Ka"
Artist: Carol Banawa
Album: Carol
Released: 1997
Background: "Iingatan Ka" is a vocal/easy listening funeral song popular among Filipinos in the 21st century. The song was popularized by Carol Banawa and was awarded the "Awit Award for Best Produced Record of the Year" in 2001.
21. "Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka"
Artist: Sheryn Regis
Album: What I Do Best
Released: 2005
Background: "Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka" is a very heartwarming funeral pop song that will surely move you to tears. It was popularized by Sheryn Regis, a Filipino pop singer-songwriter, host, entrepreneur, and occasional actress.
22. "Saan Ka Man Naroroon"
Artist: Carol Banawa
Album: Carol
Released: 1997
Background: "Saan Ka Man Naroroon" is an easy listening Fillipino funeral song that touches everyone's heart. Among Filipinos, it is a powerful and timeless song that will surely make you cry and reminisce about your departed loved ones. Due to the singer's lovely voice and easy-flowing melody, the song is truly remarkable.
23. "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin"
Artist: Joey Albert
Album: Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin
Released: 1999
Background: "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin" was the theme song for the hit ABS-CBN Teleserye show "La Luna Sangre," which starred Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The song was written by Louie Ocampo and was originally sung by Joey Albert. It was later revived and popularized in 2014 by Martin Nievera, a Filipino singer and songwriter.
24. "Mahal Kita"
Artist: Maricris Garcia
Label: GMA Music
Released: 2008
Background: "Mahal Kita" is a mix of pop and soul music written by Daniel Tan and Edith Gallardo. It was popularized by Maricris Garcia. Maricris Garcia was the winner of Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 3. She was the grand winner of the GMAs and is known as the Philippines' "Divine Princess" and "GMA Queen of the Teleserye Themesong." The song was one of the theme songs of the 2007 Philippine television romantic drama series Marimar, which was broadcast by the GMA Network.
25. "Yakapin Mo Ako"
Artist: Joey Albert
Album: Joey Albert
Released: 2014
Background: "Yakapin Mo Ako" is a classic OPM hit song. It was popularized by Joey Albert and was written by Freddie Santos and Louie Ocampo. It is a simple song, but it is tearful, and moving. It is great for setting the mood for funerals.
English Funeral Songs Popular in the Philippines
| Song Title | Artist | Released |
|---|---|---|
26. "The Prayer" | Celine Dion | 1998 |
27. "You Raise Me Up" | Josh Groban | 2003 |
28. "See You Again" | Wiz Khalifa | 2015 |
29. "Forevermore" | Side A | 2002 |
30. "Candle in the Wind" | Elton John | 1997 |
31. "Time to Say Goodbye" | Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman | 1995 |
32. "Wind Beneath My Wings" | Bette Midler | 1988 |
33. "Be Not Afraid" | John Michael Talbot | 1997 |
34. "Tears in Heaven" | Eric Clapton | 1992 |
35. "Stand by Me" | Ben King | 1962 |
36. "Gone Too Soon" | Michael Jackson | 1991 |
37. "In My Life" (Video) Basil Valdez — Lift Up Your Hands [Official Lyric Video] | The Beatles | 1965 |
38. "To Where You Are" | Josh Groban | 2001 |
39. "Somewhere in My Past" | Julie Vega | 2004 |
40. "Hallelujah" | Jeff Buckley | 1969 |
41. "My Way" | Frank Sinatra | 1969 |
42. "My Heart Will Go on" | Celine Dion | 1997 |
43. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" | Simon and Garfunkel | 1970 |
44. "I Will Remember You" | Sarah McLachlan | 1993 |
45. "Stairway to Heaven" | Led Zeppelin | 1971 |
46. "Keep Holding On" | Avril Lavigne | 2007 |
47. "Because You Loved Me" | Celine Dion | 1996 |
48. "Take Me I'll Follow" | Bobby Caldwell | 1988 |
49. "Who Am I?" | Casting Crowns | 2003 |
50. "I'll Be There for You" | Bon Jovi | 1988 |
51. "Angels" | Robbie Williams | 1997 |
52. "You'll Never Walk Alone" | Gerry and the Pacemakers | 1963 |
53. "Forever Young" | Alphaville | 1984 |
54. "End of the Line" | Traveling Wilburys | 1988 (Video) Junior - But If You Leave Me (1977) |
55. "Yesterday" | The Beatles | 1965 |
56. "One Sweet Day" | Mariah Carey | 1995 |
57. "Beautiful Day" | U2 | 2000 |
58. "Goodbye My Lover" | James Blunt | 2004 |
59. "The Rose" | Westlife | 2006 |
60. "Two of Us" | Louis Tomlinson | 2019 |
61. "One More Light" | Linkin Park | 2017 |
62. "Never Be Apart" | Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi | 2017 |
63. "Supermarket Flowers" | Ed Sheeran | 2017 |
64. "In the End" | Linkin Park | 2003 |
65. "I'll Be Missing You" | Sean Combs and Faith Evans | 1997 |
66. "A Thousang Years" | Christina Perri | 2011 |
67. "You're Not There" | Lukas Graham | 2015 |
68. "Say Something" | A Great Big World | 2014 |
69. "Make You Feel My Love" | Adele | 2008 |
70. "Angels Brought Me Here" | Guy Sebastian | 2003 |
Other Lists of Filipino Songs
- OPM Songs: 20 Best Filipino (OPM) Songs 2019
This article is a list of the most popular OPM songs of 2019. Read on to learn more about these songs and see if your favorite Filipino songs made the list. - Best December Avenue Songs (OPM)
Are you looking for the best December Avenue songs? Here is the ultimate list! Read on to learn more about these songs and see if your favorite made the list. - Best Filipino Wedding Songs (OPM) of All Time
Are you looking for Tagalog wedding songs? This article explores the most popular and heartwarming Filipino wedding love songs (OPM) ever recorded. - 50 Best Filipino (OPM) Love Songs in English
Are you looking for love songs you can relate to? Here is a list of the best Filipino love songs in the English language.
© 2019 Ray
Ray (author) from Philippines on December 18, 2019:
Hey, Gabe. I've just finished listening to Pilita Corrales' "Dahil Sa'yo", and the song can be a good inclusion to the Filipino funeral songs listed above. The song's gonna be perfect to those who lost their partners in life. The song is quite old yet really a treasure of the Philippine Music.
Ray (author) from Philippines on December 18, 2019:
Yes, yes Ms. Madara Uchicha. "Panunumpa" by Carol Banawa is going to be a great addition to the list of funeral songs. Your insight would be very helpful to those looking for funeral songs. Thank you!
Gabe on November 16, 2019:
Dahil Sa'yo (Pilita Corrales)
FAQs
70 Most Popular Filipino (OPM) Funeral Songs? ›
- "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos" ...
- "Sana Maulit Muli" ...
- "Iingatan Ka" ...
- "Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka" Artist: Sheryn Regis. ...
- "Saan Ka Man Naroroon" Artist: Carol Banawa. ...
- "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin" Artist: Joey Albert. ...
- "Mahal Kita" Artist: Maricris Garcia. ...
- "Yakapin Mo Ako" Artist: Joey Albert.
“Ave Maria,” a traditional song recorded by many artists, remains very popular as does. Elton John's “Candle in the Wind”. “Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, and “My Way” by Frank Sinatra remains a staple at Phaneuf-hosted funerals.
What song is played at every funeral? ›- My Way – Frank Sinatra.
- Angels – Robbie Williams.
- The Best – Tina Turner.
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler.
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Eric Idle (Monty Python's 'Life of Brian')
- Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.
- Sarah Geronimo – Tala. (174,920,868 views)
- juan karlos – Buwan. (150,011,303 views)
- I Belong to the Zoo – Sana. ...
- December Avenue feat. ...
- Skusta Clee feat. ...
- Yeng Constantino – Ikaw. ...
- Ex Battalion x O.C Dawgs – Hayaan Mo Sila. ...
- December Avenue – Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig.
Top 21 Sad Funeral Songs
A Long Way by Josh Garrels. Candle In the Wind by Elton John. If You're Reading This by Tim McGraw. I'll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy.
| Track | Artist/Composer | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | My Way | Frank Sinatra |
| 2 | Time To Say Goodbye | Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman |
| 3 | Over the Rainbow | Eva Cassidy |
| 4 | Wind Beneath My Wings | Bette Midler |
- “I Will Remember You” from Sarah McLachlan. ...
- “You Raise Me Up” from Josh Groban. ...
- “Goodbye's The Saddest Word” from Celine Dion. ...
- “Hero” from Mariah Carey. ...
- “Time To Say Goodbye/Con Te Partiro” from Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. ...
- “Two Of Us” from Louis Tomlinson. ...
- “Wind Beneath My Wings” from Bette Midler.
I've Had the Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Josh Groban. On the Road Again by Willie Nelson.
What is a good song for someone who has passed away? ›Paul McCartney - Here Today. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On. Faith Hill - You're Still Here. Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day.
What is the most popular hymns at funerals? ›- Jerusalem. And did those feet in ancient time. ...
- The Lord's My Shepherd (Psalm 23) The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; ...
- Abide With Me. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; ...
- Amazing Grace. Amazing grace! ...
- How Great Thou Art. ...
- The Old Rugged Cross. ...
- Lord of All Hopefulness.
How many songs are normally played at a funeral? ›
How many songs will be played? Ideally, three to four songs should be played at a service. A more somber selection usually commences the service. A song that helps tell the story of a loved one's life is generally played after the eulogy and possibly after a reading.
What song should not be played at a funeral? ›15 Most Inappropriate Funeral Songs
Always Look On the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle. Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead from The Wizard of Oz. Dumb Ways to Die from Metro Train Melbourne.
- Eraserheads- Huling El Bimbo. ...
- Rivermaya- 214. ...
- Parokya ni Edgar – Harana. ...
- Hungry Young Poets – Torpe. ...
- Moonstar88 – Torete.
Filipino pop music, otherwise known as Original Pilipino Music or OPM, refers broadly to the pop music that first emerged in the Philippines in the early '70s and has since come to dominate radio airplay and karaoke playlists in the Filipino market and beyond.
What is a good song to dedicate to your mom at her funeral? ›Wind Beneath My Wings
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler is an iconic song of how one person has supported another one. It is an appropriate funeral song of gratitude to your mom.
Somber tunes have always been part of the DNA of music, and R.E.M. now holds the top spot for the “Saddest Song of All Time,” with their 1992 hit “Everybody Hurts,” according to a recent survey by OnePoll.
What is the best gospel song for a funeral? ›- What A Day That Will Be by Southern Raised.
- Nearer My God To Thee by Mighty Clouds of Joy.
- The Lord is My Shepherd by Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
- Oh Happy Day by Edwin Hawkins Singers.
- Stand by Donnie McClurkin.
- My Soul is Anchored by Douglas Miller.
- Still by Hillsong Worship.
"Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Guns N' Roses are two great rock songs to use as upbeat funeral songs for a brother's service.
Is Ave Maria suitable for a funeral? ›Classical. Schubert's Ave Maria really is the number one top-hitter for funeral music. It's a classical piece with a stunning tune, and the best singers will find dazzling moments of delicacy in the top notes.
How do I make a funeral playlist? ›- Choose songs that hold a special meaning for your family. ...
- Ask your funeral director for song suggestions. ...
- Step back in time. ...
- Try something traditional. ...
- Create a funeral playlist on Spotify.
What is a good song to say goodbye to someone you love? ›
| Song | Artist | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| I Love You, Goodbye | Celine Dion | 1992 |
| Leaving on a Jet Plane | Peter, Paul and Mary | 1969 |
| Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye) | Bananarama | 1983 |
| It Must've Been Love | Roxette | 1992 |
15 Most Inappropriate Funeral Songs
Always Look On the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle. Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead from The Wizard of Oz. Dumb Ways to Die from Metro Train Melbourne.
- 'You're Gonna Be Okay' – Brian & Jenn Johnson.
- 'Ocean Breathes Salty' – Sun Kil Moon.
- 'Long Live The Queen' – Frank Turner.
- 'Beloved' – Mumford & Sons.
- 'Who You'd Be Today' – Kenny Chesney.
- 'Tears In Heaven' – Eric Clapton.
- 'Only One' – Kanye West.
Paul McCartney - Here Today. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On. Faith Hill - You're Still Here. Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day.
What is the most played song at a funeral in the UK? ›The most-played song at funerals - and some of the most controversial music requests made this year. You'll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers - long associated with Liverpool Football Club - has been played at an estimated 9,500 funerals in the past year.