A Memorial Song: Honoring Someone You've Lost With Personalized Lyrics

Some of the most meaningful songs I've written have been for people who are no longer here. A memorial song gives grief somewhere to land — and gives a family something to hold onto.

What a memorial song does

It captures who they were, not what happened to them. It tells the truth about the loss without letting the loss be the whole story. And it gives everyone at a service, an anniversary, or a quiet evening at home the same thing to feel at the same time.

Framing options

A song written to them — the family speaking directly. A song written from them — the family imagining what they'd say to us now. A narrative song that traces their life. A song built around one thing they always did or said.

Tone

Not necessarily sad. Many families ask for something warm, even uplifting — a song that lets people cry and then smile. Some ask for something that feels like a hymn. Some ask for the person's favorite genre so the song fits them. All of these are right.

What to send

Their name, the years, a few things about who they were, one or two stories that show it, a favorite song or genre, and the moment you plan to share the song. Written with care, on your timeline.