20+ Disney Movie Songs for a Funeral or Memorial Service | cake blog (2023)

In 1937, Walt Disney Studios released the animated film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Over the next eight decades, Disney movies became something of a cultural touchstone. People of all ages connect with Disney movies because of the stories they tell and the music they feature.

Advance to these sections:

• Inspirational Disney movie songs for a funeral
• Sad or Sad Songs from Disney Movies for a Funeral
• Disney Movie Songs About Saying Goodbye

Songs from Disney movies can bring back nostalgia for those childhood times and even take on new meaning when you hear them as an adult. Disney songs are such an iconic part of pop culture that people sometimes select them to play at a funeral or memorial service. Certain songs would be the perfect send-off at the end of someone's life like Disney dirges.

Inspirational Disney movie songs for a funeral

More and more people are moving away from traditional funerals. Many of them are opting for a celebration of life service. At a celebration of life, people often wear bright colors instead of black. Participants can share happy or uplifting stories about the deceased instead of sad and somber stories. These uplifting Disney tunes would be a welcome addition to a playlist at a celebration of life.

1. “When you wish upon a star” from “Pinocchio”

This short and sweet song is performed by Jiminy Cricket, who acts as Pinocchio's conscience. It encourages people to remember that we all have the opportunity to make positive wishes and see if they come true. This can be a comforting message for grieving people.

2. “A dream is a wish your heart makes” from “Cinderella”

In the movie "Cinderella," the main character remains optimistic despite her troubled circumstances. This song will remind people that good days will come back if you keep wishing and believing in something better.

3. “Once upon a dream” from “Sleeping Beauty”

Many of Disney's most inspiring songs deal with concepts like wishes and dreams. This quiet ballad paints a hazy picture of two people connecting in a liminal space. The overall effect is that this song is uplifting and peaceful.

4. “I love to laugh” from “Mary Poppins”

Have you ever experienced one of those giggles where you can't stop once you start? It's that contagious laugh that spreads from person to person until you feel like you can float. This upbeat song captures that effervescent, liberating feeling. This is a great song to honor someone who loved to laugh.

5. “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin”

This romantic duet can also work well as an uplifting dirge. If the deceased believed in an afterlife, it would be comforting to think of them absorbing all the sights and sounds of a whole new world.

6. “Can you feel the love tonight?” from "The Lion King"

When a loved one dies, people often focus on how empty their life feels because of their absence. Songs like this remind you to focus on happier moments and memories when you think of those who are no longer with us.

7. "You've Got a Friend in Me" from "Toy Story"

This song is a beautiful farewell to a dear friend. She celebrates a relationship that has stood the test of time and lasted for years. Touching it can remind the bereaved to keep their friends alive in their hearts.

8. “I See the Light” from “Tangled”

In this film, the protagonist longs to experience life after spending her childhood locked in a tower. This song shares her experience as she finally comes out and sees all the world has to offer.

9. “Let it go” from “Frozen”

The narrator of this song has fled to live in self-imposed isolation. But despite her loneliness, she actually feels relieved that she no longer has to hide her innermost feelings. This gives this song an unexpectedly uplifting appeal.

10. “How Far Will I Go” from “Moana”

In this film, a young woman is torn between her duty to rule her people and her desire to see and experience the world. The lyrics perfectly capture the joy of finding new horizons to explore.

Sad or Sad Songs from Disney Movies for a Funeral

While Disney movies are animated and largely geared towards children, they can also deal with complex themes. Some of Disney's best-known songs are surprisingly bittersweet. Here are some sad songs that would be appropriate for a traditional funeral.

11. “Part of your world” from “The Little Mermaid”

"The Little Mermaid" stands out as the first film in what is known as the Disney renaissance. It signaled a new era of business animation. The success of this song is a big reason for that. It's a wistful look at the human world from someone who would like to be a part of it but can't. This makes it perfect for a funeral playlist.

12. “Just Around the Riverbend” de “Pocahontas”

In this song, the narrator struggles to reconcile her desire for adventure with security and comfort. She can stay where she is and have a relatively safe but totally unpredictable life. Or she can continue to explore uncharted territory and find untold mysteries. Either way, she's taking a chance.

13. “God help the marginalized” from “O Corcunda de Notre Dame”

In this bittersweet song, the narrator asks God to help the people of the world who have not been blessed with good fortune. The melancholic message from him is sweet but sad.

14. “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas”

This song captures the disconnect between two ways of seeing the world. Some people want to appreciate its natural beauty, while others want to own it and remake it in their own image. It's a perfect song for someone who appreciates the beauty of the world.

15. "Mulan" "Reflection"

This song is performed by the main character of the film. He struggles to reconcile his own hopes and dreams with the life imposed on him by his parents and society. The message of worrying about not being enough resonates with many people.

Disney Movie Songs About Saying Goodbye

Funerals and memorial services honor the life of the deceased. But they can also provide closure for those who are still alive. It can be difficult to say goodbye to someone important to you. These Disney tracks are some of thebest funeral songsfor helping people let go.

16. “Goodbye May Seem Forever” from “The Fox and the Hound”

“The Fox and the Hound” was the last project that members of the original core group of Disney animators would be involved with. The song is an emotional farewell from an elderly widow to the orphaned fox cub she helped raise. She can't protect him anymore, so she has to let him go.

17. "Goodbye Too Soon" from "The Great Mouse Detective"

“The Great Mouse Detective” features a cartoon mouse inspired by the iconic fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. While it's not one of Disney's most memorable movies, songs like "Goodbye So Soon" hold up well.

18. “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King”

Listening to this song can help mourners understand that "goodbye" is not necessarily final. Rather, it is just part of the infinite cycle of life that we are all a part of.

19. “Wherever the dream takes you” from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire”

Sometimes we have to say goodbye to people when we would rather not. Even though you are embarking on a great adventure, we may want you to stay with us a little longer. This song is told from the point of view of someone who wants to go on a journey but doesn't want to hurt people by leaving them behind.

20. “Remember Me” from “Coco”

In this film, a boy traverses the Land of the Dead to try to connect with his late grandfather. The lyrics remind us that even after our loved ones have passed away, the memory of him lives on through us.

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Add These Disney Songs to a Funeral Playlist

The songs we connected to as children can serve as a touchstone during emotionally difficult times.

Even if you are not the type of person who would opt for aDisney themed funeral, you might find that a Disney track would fit right into your funeral playlist. Whether this song is sad and sad or more uplifting, it can help you set the perfect tone.