Elvis didn't sing a specific song at his mother Gladys' funeral, but he was overcome with grief, sobbing and clinging to her coffin, saying, "Goodbye, darling. I love you so much. You were always my best girl". He later recorded tribute songs for her, like "Mama Liked the Roses" (1969) and "That's Someone You Never Forget" (1961).
1- “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
This classic song always seems to find its way into funeral playlists. It's a beautiful tribute to the kind of love that never leaves our hearts. Our mothers will always be in our hearts.
Popular Elvis songs for funerals often focus on peace, love, remembrance, and spirituality, with top choices including "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)," "Always on My Mind," "Love Me Tender," "My Way," "If I Can Dream," and gospel tracks like "How Great Thou Art" and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," reflecting themes of comfort, enduring memory, or a final journey.
Dolly Parton refused to let Elvis Presley record her song, "I Will Always Love You," because his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded half the publishing rights, which Parton would not give up, believing the song was her most important copyright and retirement fund. Although Elvis loved the song and sang it to Priscilla Presley after their divorce, the deal fell through due to Parker's insistence on the publishing cut, a decision Parton later recognized as prescient when Whitney Houston made the song a global phenomenon.
Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe apparently had a clandestine affair. Tons of tabloids and biographers have claimed that the two icons engaged in a secret romantic relationship in their time. According to these accounts, it was an on-and-off thing that continued sporadically over the years.
Elvis Presley's most controversial song wasn't just one track, but "Hound Dog," particularly his 1956 Milton Berle Show performance, sparked outrage for his suggestive hip-shaking, leading to him being dubbed "Elvis the Pelvis" and censored on TV. Other controversial songs included "Jailhouse Rock," criticized for glorifying crime, and later tracks like "In the Ghetto," which addressed poverty, challenging his image and fanbase.
While there's no single "most popular" song, Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and traditional hymns like "Amazing Grace" consistently rank among the top choices, often joined by songs of love and loss such as Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven," Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings," and modern hits like Robbie Williams' "Angels", reflecting personal tributes and universal themes of remembrance, gratitude, and hope for peace.
I lived my whole life just for her!” During the funeral, held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Elvis broke down completely. He sobbed uncontrollably, clutching her coffin and repeating, “Goodbye, darling. I love you so much. You were always my best girl.” Friends and witnesses said they had never seen him so shattered.
Elvis Presley wiggled because his strong connection to the music naturally made him move his hips and legs, influenced by gospel and blues, combined with stage fright that he channeled into his movements, and amplified by the overwhelmingly positive, screaming reaction from his young female fans. He initially didn't intend it but leaned into it as audiences clearly desired the "sexual" and "primitive" display, making it his iconic, rebellious signature style.
If you are a daughter seeking to honor your mom, you might consider including Celine Dion's “Goodbye's the Saddest Word,” Faith Hill's “You Can't Lose Me,” Taylor Swift's “The Best Day (Taylor's Version),” or Riley Roth's “When God Made You My Mother.” For a son, both “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men and “Will the ...
Sad funeral songs for Mum or Dad
Mum, you were my life my world and my heart, that all fell apart the day you left, I will always remember the good the happy and the sad times that we have shared and I will always remember you.
Good funeral goodbye songs vary from classic hymns to modern pop, often focusing on remembrance, love, and hope, with popular choices including Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven," Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers," Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye," Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," Frank Sinatra's "My Way," and traditional hymns like "Amazing Grace," all offering comfort and reflecting different aspects of loss and legacy.
In his grief, he whispered, “She was always my best girl.” Those words would haunt him for the rest of his life, a testament to the deep bond he shared with his mother. Her death left an indelible mark on Elvis's heart, and the pain of losing her stayed with him throughout his career.
"You Raise Me Up" - Josh Groban
The song expresses appreciation for all mothers for their unwavering support of their children. It has deep and emotional lyrics that are paired with a soaring melody, making it the perfect tribute for moms.
Popular Elvis songs for funerals often focus on peace, love, remembrance, and spirituality, with top choices including "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)," "Always on My Mind," "Love Me Tender," "My Way," "If I Can Dream," and gospel tracks like "How Great Thou Art" and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," reflecting themes of comfort, enduring memory, or a final journey.
Elvis Presley suffered from severe, chronic constipation, with autopsy findings revealing up to four to five months' worth of impacted fecal matter in his colon, a condition exacerbated by prescription medications and poor bowel motility, contributing significantly to his overall decline and eventual heart failure while straining on the toilet.
“It's like God gave me a little piece of heaven on Earth with my mom.” Maya Angelou reminds us all that a mother, though she might be physically gone, is always with us. “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.
Popular songs for a mother's funeral include:
In the Arms of an Angel - Sarah McLachlan. You're My Best Friend - Queen. Supermarket flowers – Ed Sheeran. Goodbye's the Saddest Word – Celine Dion.
Popular Beautiful Funeral Songs
Some popular choices include: “Ave Maria” by Schubert or Bach/Gounod: A timeless piece that conveys peace and reverence. “Canon in D” by Pachelbel: Known for its soothing and harmonious melody. “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations by Elgar: A powerful and moving orchestral piece.
Led Zeppelin — Stairway to Heaven
One of rock music's most enduring anthems, Stairway To Heaven is one of the most popular rock songs for funerals.
Dolly Parton refused to let Elvis Presley record her song, "I Will Always Love You," because his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded half the publishing rights, which Parton would not give up, believing the song was her most important copyright and retirement fund. Although Elvis loved the song and sang it to Priscilla Presley after their divorce, the deal fell through due to Parker's insistence on the publishing cut, a decision Parton later recognized as prescient when Whitney Houston made the song a global phenomenon.
20 of the Saddest Songs Ever, According to Both Your Heart and Science
I can even remember what I was wearing: a red knit 70s jumpsuit ...' 'And in walks this guy, and he was soooo beautiful, that it just took my breath away, everybody's breath away. And he walked up to me, and he tussled my hair, and he said 'you look like a chicken that's just been hatched'.