The ironic, tacky, and funny funeral songs on this list are ones that most people would never, ever use. But if you think they would’ve made your loved one laugh, or you’re just looking for dark humor to lift your own spirits, we hope you enjoy this list of inappropriate funeral songs.
“Wanted Dead Or Alive” by Bon Jovi
Song year: 1986
Even though the deceased is now, well, deceased, the joke is that the authorities may still want to find them.
This is a dark joke that might offend many guests in attendance, but it can be amusing relief to many others.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
Song year: 1971
There are many traditional funeral songs that reference heaven, God, and the afterlife.
But a wittier song for the person who has passed might be “Stairway to Heaven,” especially if they were a “Led Head.”
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
Song year: 1984
If you imagine the departed laying in the grave “asleep” and requesting in spirit for the guests to wake him/her up before they leave the funeral, it’s hard not to at least chuckle.
The dead can’t simply wake up, but that’s what could potentially make playing this a bit comical, even to those mourning heavily. Emphasis on potentially.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Song year: 1983
In the song, the band sings about someone he loves and how they’re breathing, moving, stepping, and doing things only the living can do.
Yes, the song is also about missing someone, but it’s a bit ironic since, at a funeral, the one you’re missing can no longer breathe, move, step, etc.
“Going Under” by Evanescence
Song year: 2003
Evanescence is known for its dark hits, which is why it’s unsurprising that they have multiple songs that can be played at a funeral, albeit ones that are very inappropriate for the occasion.
“Going Under” is a song some may find comical and relevant since the deceased will go underground at the funeral’s end.
“Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence
Song year: 2003
Another song that people may deem as “mocking” while others deem as chucklesome by Evanescence is “Bring Me To Life.”
The band probably didn’t imagine anyone playing this metaphorical tune at a literal funeral.
“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
Song year: 1969
The Jackson 5 are renowned for their upbeat songs that usually make people feel happy and giggly.
But although wanting somebody back after they’ve passed is a real sentiment, the song “I Want You Back” is a little too jovial to be considered appropriate.
“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
Song year: 2001
“Survivor” is an upbeat, passionate, and inspirational song about making it and getting stronger than ever after a tough breakup or difficult situation.
Obviously, and unfortunately, the person you are grieving did not survive. But if you want to be a bit droll on the day of mourning, playing “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child is a satirical gem.
“I’m Like A Bird” by Nelly Furtado
Song year: 2000
Some people envision those who have passed flying away into the clouds, heaven, or the abyss.
So playing a song about wanting to fly away like a bird can be a lighthearted way to symbolize the departed.
“Over the Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole
Song year: 1993
Speaking of lighthearted, “Over the Rainbow” is one of the cheery songs. And similar to “Like a Bird,” it depicts imagery of birds flying over the rainbow and dreaming.
Some may associate this with their loved one’s spirit flying into a dream-like afterlife.
“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
Song year: 2009
If you’re into the “spirit” imagery, calling the departed your “soul sister” isn’t bad.
Plus, the cheerful but not overly boisterous tone of the song and its sweet lyrics make it not as inappropriate to play at a funeral as other funny funeral songs on this list.
12. “Win Some, Lose Some” by Big Sean
Song year: 2015
In the song “Win Some, Lose Some,” Big Sean is not referring to people who have passed away as the “lose some.”
But playing this song is a witty way of expressing a sentiment that’s sometimes too challenging to express seriously.
“The Best Day Ever” by SpongeBob SquarePants
Song year: 2004
Believe it or not, there’s tons of dark humor and adult jokes in the popular kid’s show SpongeBob SquarePants.
If you and your late friend always got a kick out of this silly character, ironically, playing “The Best Day Ever” at the funeral might make you giggle—and make your late friend laugh in spirit.
“Stronger” (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson
Song year: 2011
It’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But what might people think you are suggesting by playing this at a funeral? Perhaps the deceased is no longer able to grow in their strength?
That’s why it’s a tough song to hear at a funeral, but some might find it funny in a highly satirical way.
“The Final Countdown” by Europe
Song year: 1986
“The Final Countdown” is a song about a rocket launched into space. However, it’s become an ironic anthem for funerals.
It’s funny and inappropriate—funny because it’s relevant to the finality of life and inappropriate for a funeral because it’s such an upbeat song.
“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
Song year: 2004
If you and the fallen had a friendship in which no jokes were off the table and you could tease others until the cows came home, you could get a good laugh at imagining playing “Since U Been Gone” at their funeral.
It takes saying “ugh, I hate you” in a funny, sarcastic way to a whole new level.
“No Tears Left to Cry” by Ariana Grande
Song year: 2018
Crying is a normal part of the grieving process for many people. But if the deceased was a happy-go-lucky person who always wanted everyone to cheer up, this could be a fun, lighthearted song to play towards the end of a funeral.
Or perhaps you could play it at a future memorial service that’s more geared at celebrating their life rather than crying about their passing.
“Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC
Song year: 2000
Like “Since U Been Gone,” this song is a hilarious way to memorialize a relationship in which friends or lovers constantly poked at each other in good fun.
It’s also an inappropriate but silly way to say bye to a forever NSYNC fan.
“Everything Is Awesome!!!” by Tegan and Sara
Song year: 2014
Like SpongeBob’s “The Best Day Ever,” the irony of playing “Everything Is Awesome” when everything is, in fact, not awesome at all because you lost someone close to you is peak dark humor.
However, it’s not for everyone and may extremely aggravate other friends and family members in attendance who are grieving in a different way. So place this one on your songs not to play at a funeral list!
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
Song year: 1980
“Another One Bites the Dust” is a saying that refers to death, making it funny and ironic for a funeral. It’s also cheeky and inappropriate—because the lyrics are about triumphing in the face of death.
“In Da Club” by 50 Cent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qm8PH4xAss
Song year: 2003
If the person who’s passed always imagined or hoped for heaven to be like a club, or they were known for their wild party nature, this song could be the perfect fit for their funeral, albeit very inappropriate.
“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
Song year: 1972
The ironic thing about this song is that the lyrics are about an arrogant person who doesn’t realize they’re the subject—making it fun to play at a funeral where the attention is completely on one person.
Some people might get the joke, while others could be confused.
“Die Young” by Kesha
Song year: 2012
If your loved one was a Kesha fan, there aren’t many relevant, appropriate choices to choose from in her early discography.
So, if you want to go the extremely inappropriate route, a song speaking of living life to the fullest as if you might “die young” is the “best” option.
“Life Is Good” by Future, Featuring Drake
Song year: 2020
Playing a song called “Life is Good” at an event about someone who died is an interesting choice that some may find a bit comical.
If the person would’ve wanted you to celebrate their life instead of mourning their passing—or just really liked Future and Drake’s music—then you might get a pass.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 1982
“Thriller” is a Michael Jackson hit about zombies who rise from the dead, so it’s a fair choice to use if you want to make a completely inappropriate but relevant joke about the fallen.
The song’s tone is a bit scary, so it’s a risky choice—especially if there are children in attendance.
“Forget You” by Cee Lo Green
Song year: 2010
Nobody wants to forget their loved one after they’ve passed, so it’s clearly satirical to play a song called “Forget You” at a funeral.
The song would be even more inappropriate if you played the explicit version of the song in which Cee Lo Green exclaims the F word loud and proud.
“Ha Ha You’re Dead!” by Green Day
Song year: 2002
The only way you can get away with playing this song is if your loved one and everyone they know is a passionate Green Day fan.
In that case, it could be really funny. Otherwise, people might find it atrocious to play such a song at a funeral.
“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
Song year: 1980
Celebration is a happy-go-lucky classic and is super ironic to play when everyone is sad.
It’s so drastically different from the vibe at a funeral that some people might break out into an uncomfortable chuckle, while others will surely get upset.
“Born To Die” by Lana Del Rey
Song year: 2012
If you’re the deceased’s lover, people might let you take the reins on the playlist. But they’ll certainly be shocked to hear a song about two lovers acting as if nothing else matters because they were “born to die” anyway.
Relevant? Maybe. Funny? Sort of. Appropriate? Absolutely not.
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Song year: 2013
Like “Celebration,” “Happy” is seen as a funny funeral song because of the blatant irony. People attending a funeral are far from happy that their loved one has passed.
However, even if they don’t get the ironic joke, some people might take it as a sign to be happy that they at least got a chance to know that person.
“Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l482T0yNkeo
Song year: 1979
“Highway to Hell” is one of the riskiest and worst songs to play at a funeral. By playing this at a funeral, you risk bringing in negative energy and suggesting that the departed has gone to hell.
If the people in attendance know your intentions or the person who has passed is a huge AC/DC fan, you can potentially get away with it.
“Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees
Song year: 1977
The irony of playing a song about “Stayin’ Alive” at a funeral is as clear as day.
It’s egregious, to say the least, and will definitely raise eyebrows. Even the chipper, dance-worthy vocals and instrumentals are completely out of place, let alone the lyrics.
“Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead” by Glinda and the Munchkins
Song year: 1939
This song is from the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” and celebrates the death of the wicked witch. It’s funny only to a very specific audience who understand it’s an inside joke.
Perhaps the departed considered themselves a “witch” or loved the Wizard of Oz enough that those at the funeral would understand the reference.
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
Song year: 1978
Like “Stayin’ Alive,” playing “I Will Survive” at a funeral can be seen as either funny, relevant, or wildly inappropriate.
The lyrics encourage strength and perseverance in the face of adversity—which is an appropriate message at a difficult time. However, hearing the word survive when mourning the dead will likely be too triggering for most.
“Fame” by Irene Cara
Song year: 1980
In “Fame,” Irene Cara sings about the prospect of living forever, which is why it’d be sarcastic to play at an event memorializing someone who did not, in fact, live forever.
If the deceased appreciated the corresponding film and had a great sense of humor, it might be a cheeky pick for the playlist.
“Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
Song year: 2014
Not only is the song “Best Day of My Life” entirely way chipper than what most people expect to hear at a funeral, but its lyrics are also always so false that it’s laughable.
Many people feel that losing someone is the worst day of their lives, so playing this song is beyond caustic.
“Burn” by Ellie Goulding
Song year: 2013
“Burn” is an incredible EDM song from what we like to call the “party era.”
But it’s inappropriate for a funeral not only because a funeral is far from the party environment, but it also alludes to the imagery of burning. Some people might find this comical if the deceased is going to be cremated, while others will find it horrifying.
“We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
Song year: 2013
Another song from the lively year of 2013 is “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus. The song conveys dancing, drinking, taking drugs, and other themes that are irrelevant at best and shocking at worst for a funeral.
But the idea of not stopping is ironic when referring to a person whose life has ended, which people with dry senses of humor could find humorous.
“Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers
Song year: 2016
Playing “Don’t Let Me Down” at a funeral, and specifically during the burial, is one way to try and bring slight smiles or chuckles to people’s faces.
However, people might not appreciate the joke at one of the most heart-wrenching parts of the day.
“Six Feet Under” by Billie Eilish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZgiAgYXneE
Song year: 2016
Billie is making a direct comparison to burial in this song, essentially stating that her love for someone is as good as dead.
Similar to “Don’t Let Me Down,” there are definitely people with very dark humor that would find it funny to play this during the burial, although it’s a very risky choice.
“Na Na Hey Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by STEAM
Song year: 1969
This simple song has left a significant mark on society, with people referencing it in all sorts of spaces, including sporting events, workplaces, and more.
Although it is funny, relevant, and not necessarily offensive to all, the upbeat nature of it might be inappropriate in the somber setting of a funeral.
“Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
Song year: 1983
Another classic hit that could make a jovial appearance at an otherwise disheartening event is “Walking On Sunshine.” Katrina & The Waves meant this as a metaphorical expression for feeling happy and at ease.
But one can make a joke about their deceased loved one now literally being able to walk on the sun, as they have turned into limitless spirit form.
“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
Song year: 2012
If playing “Burn” by Ellie Goulding isn’t offensive enough during a cremation, then “Girl on Fire” might take the winning spot.
Outside of this context, however, Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” is a beautiful, inspirational song. So maybe it’s best to leave it off your funeral playlist unless you’re sure your loved one would get a huge kick out of it.
Funny Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Choosing which songs should play at a loved one’s funeral is tough—especially when you’re tempted to pick one that they’d find funny or ironic but that would be wildly inappropriate to other people in attendance.
Many people wouldn’t find this list funny, but these funny funeral songs definitely align with dark humor. We hope you enjoyed the list.