Willie Nelson Funeral Songs

The Best Willie Nelson Songs for a Funeral

Willie Nelson’s music, characterized by its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, has a timeless quality that makes it a fitting choice for significant life events, including funerals. Here are some of the best Willie Nelson songs that can provide comfort and reflection during a funeral service.

1. Amazing Grace

“Amazing Grace” is a timeless hymn that has been covered by numerous artists, but Willie Nelson’s rendition stands out for its simplicity and sincerity. The song’s powerful lyrics speak of redemption and peace, offering solace to those mourning a loss. Nelson’s gentle voice and acoustic guitar bring a calming presence to this classic, making it a perfect choice for a funeral.

2. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” is a poignant song about love and loss. Written by Fred Rose and made famous by Willie Nelson, the song tells the story of a man reminiscing about a past love, with the imagery of tears and rain symbolizing his enduring sorrow. The melancholic melody and Nelson’s emotive delivery create a deeply moving experience that resonates with anyone who has experienced heartache, making it a fitting tribute at a funeral.

3. Uncloudy Day

“Uncloudy Day” is an uplifting gospel song that speaks of a place without sorrow or pain. Willie Nelson’s version is filled with hope and comfort, making it a common choice for funerals and celebrations of life. The song’s message of an eternal, peaceful place provides reassurance to the grieving, reminding them of a hope for afterlife.

Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies
Oh, they tell me of a home far away
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone
Oh, they tell me of that land far away
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a King in His beauty there
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow
In the city that is made of gold
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me that He smiles on His children there
And His smile drives their sorrows all away
And they tell me that no tears ever come again
In that lovely land of unclouded day
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day

4. Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground

“Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” is a tender and emotional song often interpreted as a tribute to a loved one who has passed away. The lyrics express a deep sense of loss and longing, while also celebrating the cherished memories of the departed. Nelson’s heartfelt performance makes this song a touching and appropriate choice for a funeral.

If you had not a-fallen, then I would not have found you
Angel flying too close to the ground
And I patched up your broken wing
And hung around a while
Trying to keep your spirits up
And your fever down

I knew someday that you would fly away
For love’s the greatest healer to be found

So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground

Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound
I’d rather see you up than see you down

So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground

Leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground

5. Remember Me (When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming)

“Remember Me (When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming)” is a nostalgic song about remembering a loved one fondly. The lyrics reflect on the beautiful moments shared and the lasting memories that remain. Willie Nelson’s soothing voice and the song’s gentle melody provide comfort to those mourning, making it a fitting tribute to a loved one.

You told me once that you were mine alone forever
And I was yours ’till the end of eternity
But all those vows are broken now
And I will never be the same except in memory

Remember me when the candle lights’re gleaming
Remember me at the close of a long, long day
And it would be so sweet when all alone I’m dreamin’
Just to know you still remember me

A brighter face may take my place when we’re apart dear
Another love with a heart more bold and free
But in the end fair weather friends may break your heart, dear
If they do, sweetheart, remember me

Remember me when the candle lights’re gleaming
Remember me at the close of a long, long day
And it would be so sweet when all alone I’m dreamin’
Just to know you still remember me
Just to know you still remember me

6. Peaceful Solution

While “Peaceful Solution” is not directly about loss, it speaks to the idea of finding peace, which can be comforting during a time of mourning. The song’s message of harmony and resolution can provide solace to those dealing with grief, making it a thoughtful addition to a funeral playlist.

There is a peaceful solution It’s called a peace revolution
Now let’s take back America
There’s a war and we’re in it, but I know we can win it
So let’s take back America

It’s a dream, so believe it
Now get ready to receive it
And let’s take back America

And when the war is over and we’ve won it
Let’s remember how we done it so we don’t have to do it again

There is a peaceful solution It’s called a peace revolution
Now let’s take back America
There’s a war and we’re in it, but I know we can win it
Now let’s take back America

There was a peace resolution
And a peaceful revolution
And the peaceful solution saved America

7. My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

The Willie Nelson Song “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” is a reflective and poignant song that can serve as a tribute to someone who lived life on their own terms. The song’s lyrics celebrate the independent spirit and resilience of cowboys, which can be a metaphor for the unique qualities of the deceased. Nelson’s heartfelt rendition makes this song a meaningful choice for a funeral. Just make sure your realize there is a line about picking up hookers!

I grew up a-dreamin’ of bein’ a cowboy,
and Lovin’ the cowboy ways.
Pursuin’ the life of my high-ridin’ heroes,
I burned up my childhood days.
I learned all the rules of the modern-day drifter,
Don’t you hold on to nothin’ too long.
Just take what you need from the ladies, then leave them,
With the words of a sad country song.
My heroes have always been cowboys.
And they still are, it seems.
Sadly, in search of, but one step in back of,
Themselves and their slow-movin’ dreams.

Cowboys are special with their own brand of misery,
From being alone too long.
You could die from the cold in the arms of a nightman,
Knowin’ well that your best days are gone.
Pickin’ up hookers instead of my pen,
I let the words of my years fade away.
Old worn-out saddles, and ‘old worn-out memories,
With no one and no place to stay.

My heroes have always been cowboys.
And they still are, it seems.
Sadly, in search of, but one step in back of,
Themselves and their slow-movin’ dreams.

Sadly, in search of, but one step in back of,
Themselves and their slow-movin’ dreams.

8. Can I Sleep in Your Arms

“Can I Sleep in Your Arms” is a gentle, soothing song that offers comfort and solace. The lyrics express a longing for closeness and peace, which can resonate with those grieving the loss of a loved one. Willie Nelson’s warm voice and the song’s calming melody make it a fitting choice for a funeral service. Watch this video if you want to see a clean-shaven Willie.

Can I sleep in your arms tonight, lady?
It’s so cold lying here all alone
And I have no hold to hold on you
And I assure you, I’ll do you no wrong

Don’t know why, but the one I love left me
Left me lonely and cold and so weak
And I need someone’s arms to hold me
‘Til I’m strong enough to get back on my feet

Can I sleep in your arms tonight, lady?
It’s so cold lying here all alone
And I have no hold to hold on you
And I assure you, I’ll do you no wrong

9. He Was a Friend of Mine

“He Was a Friend of Mine” is a song that speaks to the loss of a close friend. The lyrics reflect on the special bond shared and the sorrow of losing someone dear. Nelson’s emotive performance and the song’s simple, heartfelt arrangement make it a touching tribute to a cherished friend, making it an appropriate choice for a funeral.

He was a friend of mine
Every time I think of him
I just can’t keep from cryin’
‘Cause he was a friend of mine

He died on the road
He died on the road
He just kept on moving
Never reaped what he could sow
And he was a friend of mine

I stole away and cried
I stole away and cried
‘Cause I never had too much money
And I never been quite satisfied
And he was a friend of mine

He never done no wrong
He never done no wrong
A thousand miles from home
And he never harmed no one
And he was a friend of mine

He was a friend of mine
He was a friend of mine
Every time I hear his name Lord
I just can’t keep from cryin’
‘Cause he was a friend of mine

10. “Heaven Is Closed”

“Heaven Is Closed” is a contemplative song that deals with themes of mortality and the afterlife.

Heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I’ll just stay where I am
So many people, well it sure is lonely
Who even gives a damn?
I hear someone callin’, “Come in from the craziness”
But there ain’t nobody around
Heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I think I’ll just stay where I am

Heaven left for California on a midnight plane
Hell stayed behind so I wouldn’t be lonely
For reasons that’s hard to explain
Could it be hell is heaven and that heaven is hell
And each one are both the same thing?
Well I hope heaven finds what she’s lookin’ for
And that hell treats us both just the same

Heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I think I’ll just stay where I am
So many people, well it sure is lonely
Who even gives a damn?
I hear someone callin’, “Come in from the craziness”
But there ain’t nobody around
Heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I think I’ll just stay where I am

Let’s burn one for those that’s livin’ in hell
Let’s burn one for those who think they’re in heaven
Burn one for everyone in the whole world
And anyone stuck in-between

Heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I think I’ll just stay where I am
So many people, well it sure is lonely
But who even gives a damn?
I hear someone callin’, “Come in from the craziness”
But there ain’t nobody around
Heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I think I’ll just stay where I am
Yeah heaven is closed and hell’s overcrowded
So I think I think I’ll just stay where I am

11. “Family Bible”

“Family Bible” is a song that reflects on the comfort and solace found in family and faith. The lyrics paint a picture of a family gathering around the Bible, finding strength and hope in its words. Nelson’s heartfelt rendition of this song makes it a comforting choice for a funeral, especially for those who find strength in their faith.

There’s a family Bible on the table
It’s pages are torn and hard to read
But the family Bible on the table
Will ever be my key to memories

At the end of day when work was over
And when the evening chores was done
Dad would read to us from the family Bible
And we’d count our many blessing one by one

I can see us sitting ’round the table
When from the family Bible dad would read
I can hear my mother softly singing
Rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me

Now this old world of ours is filled with trouble
This old world would oh so better be
If we had more Bibles on the table
And mother singing rock of ages cleft for me

I can us see sitting around the table
When from the family Bible dad would read
I can hear my mother softly singing
Rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me
Rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me

12. “Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning”

This song is a melancholic reflection on unexpected loss and the overwhelming feelings that come with it. Nelson’s sincere vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics capture the essence of dealing with grief, making it an appropriate choice for remembering a loved one.

Postman delivered
A past due bill notice
The alarm clock rang two hours late
The garbage man left all the trash
On the sidewalk
And the hinges fell off of the gate
This morning at breakfast
I spilled all the coffee
When I opened the door on my knee

Oh, the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me

Last night, you came home late
I knew you’d been drinking
By that old mellow look on your face
I thought, “It don’t matter
‘Cause it’s the holiday season”
And you fill such a big empty space
And I laid down beside you
And I wanted your lovin’
‘Cause your love makes my life complete

Oh, the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me

So excuse me for lookin’
Like my world just ended
And excuse me for lookin’
Like I just lost my best friend
And excuse me for livin’
Being forgiven
Just go on if you wanna be free

The last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me
Oh, the last thing I needed
The first thing this morning
Was to have you walk out on me

13. “Something You Get Through”

“Something You Get Through” is a song that directly addresses the process of grieving and coming to terms with loss. The lyrics acknowledge that while the pain of losing someone never truly goes away, it is something that one learns to live with. Willie Nelson’s compassionate delivery of this song provides comfort and understanding, making it a fitting selection for a funeral or a celebration of life.

When you lose the one you love
You think your world has ended
You think your world will be a waste of life
Without them in it
You feel there’s no way to go on
Life is just a sad, sad song
But love is bigger than us all
The end is not the end at all

It’s not somethin’ you get over
But it’s somethin’ you get through
It’s not ours to be taken
It’s just a thing we get to do

Life goes on and on
And when it’s gone
It lives in someone new
It’s not somethin’ you get over
But it’s somethin’ you get through

It’s not somethin’ you get over
But it’s somethin’ you get through
It’s not ours to be taken
It’s a thing we get to do
Life goes on and on
And when it’s gone
It lives in someone new
It’s not somethin’ you get over
But it’s somethin’ you get through
It’s not somethin’ you get over
But it’s somethin’ you get through

14. “A Song for You”

“A Song for You” is a beautiful, soulful ballad that expresses deep love and appreciation for someone special. Nelson’s rendition is filled with emotion, making it a touching tribute to a loved one. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and melody make it a perfect choice for a celebration of life.

I’ve been so many places in my life and time
I’ve sung a lot of songs
I’ve made some bad rhymes
I’ve acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching

But we’re alone now
And I’m singing this song to you

I know your image of me
Is what I hoped to be
I treated you unkindly
But darling, can’t you see?
There’s no one more important to me
Baby, can’t you see through me?

‘Cause we’re alone now
And I’m singing this song to you

You taught me precious secrets
Of a true love withholding nothing
You came out in front when I was hiding
Now I’m so much better
And if my words don’t come together
Listen to the melody
‘Cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place
Where there’s no space or time
I love you for my life
You’re a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together

We were alone
And I was singing this song to you

I love you in a place
Where there’s no space or time
I love you for my life
You’re a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together

We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song, mm
Singing this song to you

15. “I’ll Be Seeing You”

“I’ll Be Seeing You” is a classic song covered by Willie Nelson that speaks to the enduring presence of a loved one in our memories. The lyrics describe seeing reminders of the person in everyday life, which can be a comforting sentiment for those grieving a loss. Nelson’s gentle delivery of this song makes it a fitting and heartfelt choice for a funeral or celebration of life.

I’ll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through

In that small cafe
The park across the way
The children’s carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I’ll be seeing you
In every lovely summer’s day
In everything that’s light and gay
I’ll always think of you that way

I’ll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I’ll be looking at the moon
But I’ll be seeing you