FureverSong Memorial songs

Music for a goodbye

Songs for a dog that passed away

For a slideshow, a post, or the moment you say goodbye. Songs written about losing a dog, songs people often choose, and how to have one written about yours.

Top picks

  1. Maggie’s Song, Chris Stapleton: for the goodbye
  2. Shannon, Henry Gross: for a slideshow
  3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole: for any pet

Songs written about losing a dog

Each of these is about a dog who died, or carries that loss in it.

  1. 1

    Maggie’s Song

    Chris Stapleton · 2020

    A tribute to his family’s dog of 14 years, from the day she was found abandoned to the day she died. From the album Starting Over.

    Best for The goodbye itself

    Listen on YouTube
  2. 2

    Shannon

    Henry Gross · 1976

    Written after Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys lost his dog, also named Shannon; Gross had an Irish Setter of the same name. It reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Best for A slideshow

    Listen on YouTube
  3. 3

    It’s Just a Dog

    Mo Pitney · 2016

    A man looks back on the dog he rescued years ago, and realizes she was never just a dog.

    Best for The goodbye itself

    Listen on YouTube
  4. 4

    Can’t Be Replaced

    Dierks Bentley · 2016

    A ballad about the things in life that cannot be replaced. Bentley rewrote the last verse for his rescue dog, Jake.

    Best for Sending to family

    Listen on YouTube
  5. 5

    Old King

    Neil Young · 1992

    Written about his own hound, Elvis, who is called King in the song. An upbeat, banjo-led farewell from Harvest Moon that celebrates a life.

    Best for A slideshow that smiles

    Listen on YouTube
  6. 6

    Cracker Jack

    Dolly Parton · recorded 1973

    Dolly remembers a stray dog who was her childhood best friend and now lives in her memory. First released in 2007.

    Best for A quiet moment

    Listen on YouTube
  7. 7

    Old Shep

    Red Foley (also Elvis Presley) · 1935

    A boy grows up with his loyal dog and has to face losing him in old age. Elvis sang it at his first public performance, when he was ten.

    Best for A quiet moment

    Listen on YouTube
  8. 8

    Mr. Bojangles

    Jerry Jeff Walker (also Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) · 1968

    A song about a street dancer whose deepest grief is the dog he lost. The dog is one verse, but it is the verse people remember.

    Best for A quiet moment

    Listen on YouTube
  9. 9

    Old Blue

    Traditional (Joan Baez, The Byrds) · folk song, recorded since 1928

    A folk song about a hunting hound: the good days together, then his death and burial.

    Best for The goodbye itself

    Listen on YouTube

How to use a song for your dog

More free keepsakes

Memorial poemA poem from your memories, printed with their photo.
Rainbow Bridge poemA personal Rainbow Bridge poem with their name.
Memorial card and wallpaperTheir photo, name and dates, ready to print.

Questions

What is a good song for a dog that passed away?

Songs written about losing a dog say it directly, such as Chris Stapleton’s “Maggie’s Song” or Henry Gross’s “Shannon”. Many people also choose songs about missing someone, like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. And a song can be written about your own dog, by name.

Can I use a popular song in a Facebook or Instagram memorial video?

Often not as you would hope. Facebook and Instagram check uploaded videos for copyrighted recordings, and a memorial video set to a well-known song can have its sound muted, be blocked in some countries or be taken down. The safest choice is music from inside the app, such as the Instagram music picker. The rules change, so check in the app before you post.

How long should a memorial slideshow for a dog be?

One song is usually enough: about three to four minutes, which fits 40 to 60 photos at four to five seconds each. Start and end with your favorite photo.

What can I play when I say goodbye to my dog?

Something quiet that you can listen to without words getting in the way: “Maggie’s Song”, “It’s Just a Dog” or “Go Rest High on That Mountain” fit that moment. Some people play a song that reminds them of a happy day instead.

Are there songs about losing a cat?

Far fewer songs are written about cats. The popular memorial songs on this page work for any pet, a song can also be written about your cat by name, and our free Rainbow Bridge poem works for cats too.

Can I get a song written about my dog?

Yes. FureverSong writes and records a song from your memories of your dog, with their name in it, and a memorial page your family can visit. You hear a free preview before you decide anything.