Life is full of ups and downs. But sometimes, the downs can get you feeling a bit overwhelmed. We get it. Losing a loved one is always hard, and it can all get a bit too much to process at the same time. Music has a way of helping you out during your tough periods. It can amplify happiness, and it can be a shoulder to lean on when you’re sad. That’s the beauty of music.

Music can be a way of processing the feelings that you’re bottling up inside. We’ve put together a list of some songs about death to help you grieve your loss. Creating a playlist can serve as a distraction while also helping you process your feelings in the long run.

When creating a playlist consisting of songs about death, it’s important to keep in mind that the song selections that we’re recommending are just that. If there are songs that are personal to you or your loved one, then you can definitely include them as well.

But with the vast variety of songs that exist, coming up with a mere 10 or 20 songs can seem like a daunting task. Well, we’re here for you, and we’ve made a list of 21 Songs About Death For Grieving Your Loss.

1. Yesterday (The Beatles) One of their most-covered songs, “Yesterday” is about how we’re always longing for times when things were simpler, a time when our loved ones were still in our lives.
2. Candle in the Wind (Elton John) One of the most well-known funeral songs, especially given its context. “Candle In the Wind” was written in memory of Marilyn Monroe and re-released following Princess Diana’s tragic death.
3. Tears In Heaven (Eric Clapton) A ballad by Clapton written following the death of his 4-year-old son, Conor. Clapton is hopeful about seeing his son again in heaven, making it a bittersweet funeral song sure to invoke strong emotions.
4. Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin) One of the most popular songs of all time, “Stairway To Heaven” starts slow and builds up to classic rock and roll, making it a popular choice for upbeat funeral songs.
5. Everybody Hurts (R.E.M) Reminding us that it’s alright to feel pain and cry it out, this song emphasizes our shared humanity and the importance of processing sadness.
6. My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) The timeless hit from Titanic, this song moves people through Dion’s melodic vocals, expressing how her heart will go on despite the losses.
7. If Tomorrow Never Comes (Garth Brooks) This song is about not taking life for granted and living every day to the fullest, focusing on the importance of the present moment.
8. Fix You (Coldplay) Dealing with the regret of not being able to save someone alive, this song remains optimistic about the person finally finding ‘home’.
9. Remember Me (Miguel) Featured in the animated film Coco, this upbeat yet tearful song emphasizes remembering loved ones no matter the distance, making it one of the most bittersweet songs about loss.
10. If I Die Young (The Band Perry) Addressing the painful and often unexpected nature of young deaths, this song is about being grateful for living the best life possible, even if it’s short.
11. Let It Be (The Beatles) A popular song by the Fab Four, “Let It Be” is about accepting situations as they are when nothing can be done to change them.
12. Goodbye’s the Saddest Word (Celine Dion) Dedicated to mothers, this song underscores the importance of being there for the person who has always been there for you—your mom.
13. Lay Me Down (Sam Smith) A heart-wrenching song about losing someone, this ballad by Sam Smith mourns the death of a loved one, wishing to be laid down beside them.
14. Wake Me Up When September Ends (Green Day) Written by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong after his father’s death, this song speaks of moving on from a loved one’s passing.
15. Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw) Inspired by McGraw’s relationship with his father, this song is about living life to the fullest by treating every day like it’s your last.
16. See You Again (Charlie Puth) A tribute to the late Paul Walker, “See You Again” is about the hope of reuniting despite current separation, making it a perfect funeral song for a lost friend.
17. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Guns N’ Roses) Originally by Bob Dylan, Axl Rose’s voice and Slash’s solos give this version its unique emotional depth.
18. Live Forever (Oasis) Reminding us that our loved ones live on through our memories, this song underscores that a funeral service is about remembering those who have passed.
19. Holes in the Floor of Heaven (Steve Wariner) Offering reassurance that loved ones watch over us from beyond, this song comforts by asserting they guide us even after passing.
20. You’ll Never Walk Alone (Judy Garland) A song about always having loved ones by your side, Garland sings that no matter what happens, you’ll never walk alone.
21. Jealous (Josh Daniel) Serving as a tribute to a loving friend, this version of Labrinth’s song about loss can bring even the hardest of people to tears.