43 Funny Funeral Songs, All Very Inappropriate

“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

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.