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.
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“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.
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