Top 10 Willie Nelson funeral song

Willie Nelson, a distinguished songwriter and performer, has been an integral part of the American music landscape for decades. His body of work often delves into the universal human experiences of love, loss and the passage of time, making many of his songs suitable for a funeral. Ask your funeral director for advice if you cannot find the song you want on our list. 

Here are ten Willie Nelson funeral songs, along with their significance and a lyric from each, that could be considered appropriate for a funeral:

10. "Always on My Mind" (1982)

A poignant ballad of regret and longing, "Always on My Mind" encapsulates feelings of loss but also the love and memories that endure. The line, "Little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time," can resonate deeply with mourners, reminding us all to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones. Due to its message and lyrics, Always on My Mind is the first pick on our Willie Nelson funeral songs list.  

9. "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" (1975)

A haunting song about lost love and memories, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" speaks to the depth of emotions felt in times of loss. The lyric, "In the twilight glow I see her, blue eyes crying in the rain," captures the essence of grief and longing, making it fitting for a funeral service. When someone dies, finding the right words to express your innermost feelings can be impossible, and this song might convey those feelings, and that's why it is on our Willie Nelson songs for funerals list. 

8. "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" (1981)

This touching song about a love that was lost can be interpreted in the context of a funeral as a farewell to a loved one. The lyric, "If you would not have fallen, then I would not have found you, angel flying too close to the ground," conveys a comforting sentiment.

7. "Uncloudy Day" (1977)

A gospel song that offers hope and solace, "Uncloudy Day" provides a sense of comfort and peace in the face of loss. The lyric, "They tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise, they tell me of an uncloudy day," can provide a sense of hope and serenity during a funeral or cremation.

6. "On the Road Again" (1980)

While it may seem an unusual choice for a funeral, "On the Road Again" is a celebration of life and the joy of shared experiences. The line, "We're the best of friends, insisting that the world keep turning our way," can serve as a heartening tribute to a life well-lived. It could be a great pick from our list of Willie Nelson funeral songs. 

5. "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" (1980)

This song is a tribute to the ideals of the past and the heroes that embodied them. The lyric, "Sadly, in search of, but one step in back of, themselves and their slow-moving dreams," reflects the longing for what was and what might have been, sentiments often experienced in mourning.

4. "Healing Hands of Time" (1965)

"Healing Hands of Time" is a comforting song about how time can heal the wounds of the heart. The line, "They'll soon dry the tears from your eyes," could offer consolation to those who are grieving.

3. "Yesterday's Wine" (1971)

"Yesterday's Wine" speaks to the themes of time and the continuity of life. The lyric, "Miracles appear in the strangest of places, fancy me finding you here," reflects on the unpredictability and preciousness of life, providing a poignant context for a funeral service or when planning a wake.

2. "September Song" (1978)

A cover of a classic, "September Song" is about the passage of time and the inevitability of life's end. The line, "But the days grow short when you reach September," offers a melancholy yet relatable sentiment for a funeral or cremation service.

1. "Funny How Time Slips Away" (1962)

This song reflects on the passage of time and the changes it brings. The lyric, "Isn't it funny how time slips away," encapsulates the transience of life, a sentiment that can resonate deeply during a funeral. It might be the last song on our list of Willie Nelson songs for funerals, but it expresses how fast time passes, a feeling often felt when you mourn someone.