We don't always have the opportunity to sing directly to our loved ones when they are dying. But in many cases it can help make the transition go more smoothly. Our wish is that this list be a resource for you - a starting place to help you find songs that you can sing at bedside. You may find some songs on this list may fit well with your loved one's beliefs and some will not. Some songs on the list are not religious but provide a loving message of comfort. Peter and I have sung at the bedsides of our mothers, fathers and many dear friends. We have found singing can bring a calming energy to the room. It can help make the transition a time of sweetness even in the midst of deep grief. May we all be tender with each other as we sing our goodbyes. We will continue to update this list. 

In Rise Again these songs are found mainly in a chapter called "Healing & Letting Go". 

We had help in putting this chapter together from Kate Munger who has been central in launching a movement called Threshold Choirs devoted to helping people make often difficult transitions, such as at the end of life. 

Here are some songs in that chapter. (The songs below with an asterisk are often used by Threshold Choirs.)

​Other helpful songs found elsewhere in Rise Again:

Here are some good songs for this purpose in Rise Up Singing:

In "Lullabies":

Other songs in Rise Up Singing that may be helpful:

And songs in the Music Box not in either songbook: