43 Funny Funeral Songs, All Very Inappropriate

“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

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.