Memorial Song for a Loved One: A Way to Keep Their Story Alive
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How can I get a memorial song written for a loved one?
Short answer: Share their name, the way they spoke, what they loved and the memories you want kept. Voirelle writes original lyrics and produces a gentle song you can play at the service or keep for family. You hear a free preview first, and delivery is 48 hours for $79.
Grief does not follow a schedule. Some days you want to talk about them. Some days you cannot find the words.
A memorial song can hold those words for you, and play them whenever you need to hear them.
What is a memorial song?
A memorial song, or remembrance song, is a tribute in music. Instead of a general song about loss, it tells their story: where they grew up, what they loved, the way they laughed, the lessons they left behind.
See our memorial song page.
When can a memorial song be used?
| Moment | How families use it |
|---|---|
| Funeral or memorial service | Played during the slideshow or at the close |
| Celebration of life | A shared moment for everyone who knew them |
| Anniversary of their passing | A way to remember together each year |
| Their birthday | Celebrating who they were |
| Holidays | Honoring the empty chair |
| Sympathy gift | Given to a grieving friend or family member |
What should a memorial song include?
Take your time with this. There is no rush.
- Their name and what family called them.
- Where they came from. Hometown, roots, the house they grew up in.
- What they loved. Fishing, gardening, Sunday football, gospel music.
- Their sayings. The words you can still hear in their voice.
- A memory that captures them. One moment that says who they were.
- What they taught you.
- What you would tell them now.
What does a memorial song sound like?
Illustrative example lyrics:
Example lyric (folk): "Still casting lines where the river bends / Dad, you're in every sunrise, every friend."
Example lyric (piano ballad): "Your coat still hangs by the kitchen door / Mom, I keep it there, I need it more."
Example lyric (gospel-inspired): "Grandma sang 'this little light' while she cooked / Now that light's in every one of us, just look."
Which genre suits a memorial song?
- Piano ballad: gentle and reflective, common for services
- Folk or acoustic: warm and storytelling
- Country: for someone who loved it
- Gospel-inspired: for a person of faith
- Their favorite sound: honor what they actually loved, even if it is upbeat
Some families choose an uplifting song for a celebration of life. That is a beautiful choice too.
How do you give a memorial song as a sympathy gift?
If a friend has lost someone, a memorial song can be a meaningful gift. A few tips:
- Ask a close family member for details, gently
- Give it a little after the funeral, when the flowers are gone and the quiet sets in
- Include a short note: "I wanted their story to keep being told."
How long does a memorial song take?
Voirelle's 48-hour delivery is $79. If a service is soon, 30-minute delivery is $119. The song arrives by email on a private song page that you can share with family and play at the service.
Every song includes the 30-Day Guarantee. Not in love with it? We'll fix it for free within 30 days. If a name or detail is not right, tell us.
How do you play it at a service?
- Share the private song page with the funeral director or the person running the slideshow
- Test it on the venue speakers ahead of time
- Consider printing the lyrics PDF ($19) in the program or as a keepsake for family
Can a memorial song include the whole family?
Yes. Gather one memory from each child or grandchild. A 3rd verse ($39) gives room for more of the family's stories.
What about a song for a pet who has passed?
Losing a pet is real grief. A song with their name, their habits, and the joy they brought can help. See our pet song page.
Is a memorial song only for recent losses?
No. Many people make a remembrance song years later, for a parent's birthday, a holiday, or a milestone they wish that person had seen. It can be part of how you keep them present. For Mother's Day remembrance ideas, see our Mother's Day song gift guide.
Is it okay to feel unsure about making a memorial song?
Yes. Some people worry it is too soon or too much. There is no right timeline. If it feels heavy, start by writing down one memory that makes you smile. You can come back to the rest when you are ready.
Frequently asked questions
What is a memorial song?
A memorial song is an original song written about someone who has passed, using their name, life story, sayings, and what they meant to their loved ones.
Can a memorial song be played at a funeral?
Yes. Families often play it during the slideshow or at the end of the service. Test it on the venue speakers ahead of time.
How fast can I get a memorial song?
Voirelle delivers in 48 hours for $79, or about 30 minutes for $119 when a service is soon.
Can a custom memorial song be played at a funeral or celebration of life?
Yes. The song arrives on a private page you can play through any speaker, and share by link with family who cannot attend.
What should I include in a memorial song for my mom or dad?
Their name, the sayings you still hear in your head, the places they loved and what they taught you. Gentle details tend to land best.
Keep their story playing
When you are ready, create a memorial song. You will hear a free preview before you pay.
Fall Sale: 75% off every song. Limited time.