1980s Funeral Songs
About 1980s Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
1980s funeral songs capture Generation X's coming-of-age soundtrack, featuring new wave innovation, power ballad grandeur, synth pop's electronic revolution, and MTV's visual culture that transformed how music was experienced and remembered. This decade witnessed synthesizers becoming mainstream, guitar solos reaching theatrical heights, and artists like U2, Prince, and Madonna creating music that balanced artistic ambition with massive popularity. For those who grew up with MTV, cassette tapes, and John Hughes films, eighties music represents formative experiences of first loves, teenage angst, and cultural optimism, making these songs deeply resonant for funeral services. The era's distinctive sound—from atmospheric new wave to bombastic rock anthems to sleek pop production— ensures memorable options whether honoring someone who loved dance clubs, concert arenas, or bedroom stereo introspection. Whether celebrating a life with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" or reflecting solemnly with The Cure's melancholy masterpieces, 1980s songs offer instant recognition, emotional authenticity, and period-specific atmosphere that speaks powerfully to multiple generations.
Top 1980s Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
Cohen's masterpiece captures the bittersweet nature of life and love, resonating deeply at farewell moments.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
Celebrates the quiet heroes in our lives who lifted us up without seeking recognition.
Dance With My Father
Luther Vandross
Celebrates the special bond between fathers and children.
Angels Among Us
Alabama
Provides comfort in believing your son is now an angel watching over you, transforming devastating loss into ongoing spiritual presence.
When I Get Where I'm Going
Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton
While emotional about separation, the focus on eventual reunion and heaven's peace brings comfort.
Tips for Choosing 1980s Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Tip 1. Include power ballads for emotional impact - Songs from Journey, REO Speedwagon, or Bon Jovi offer soaring, memorable tributes.
Tip 2. Consider new wave sophistication - The Cure, Depeche Mode, or U2 provide introspective, atmospheric options for reflective moments.
Tip 3. Balance synth pop with rock - Mix electronic sounds with guitar-driven tracks to capture the decade's musical diversity.
Tip 4. Honor MTV generation memories - Choose songs with iconic music videos for added nostalgia and cultural significance.
Tip 5. Think about arena rock anthems - Eighties produced stadium-filling songs perfect for celebrating larger-than-life personalities.
Tip 6. Consider adult contemporary hits - Whitney Houston or Lionel Richie offer polished, universally appealing funeral options.
Tip 7. Include British new wave variety - From Duran Duran to The Smiths, British bands offered diverse emotional tones for services.
Complete List of 1980s Funeral Songs Funeral Songs
Leonard Cohen
A haunting meditation on love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.
Why it's meaningful: Cohen's masterpiece captures the bittersweet nature of life and love, resonating deeply at farewell moments.
Best moment: Perfect for reflection during the service or viewing.
Bette Midler
A tribute to someone who was a source of strength and inspiration.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the quiet heroes in our lives who lifted us up without seeking recognition.
Best moment: Beautiful during eulogies or photo tributes.
Angels Among Us
Alabama
A country classic about angels walking among us and watching over us from heaven, offering comfort that loved ones become our guardian angels.
Why it's meaningful: Provides comfort in believing your son is now an angel watching over you, transforming devastating loss into ongoing spiritual presence.
Best moment: Uplifting choice for celebrating the belief that your son is still with you.
When I Get Where I'm Going
Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton
A hopeful country duet about heaven's promise of reunion with loved ones who've gone before.
Why it's meaningful: While emotional about separation, the focus on eventual reunion and heaven's peace brings comfort.
Best moment: Bittersweet choice balancing sorrow with hope of reunion.
Superstar
Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross' devastating cover of the Carpenters classic, dripping with longing and sorrow.
Why it's meaningful: The yearning to be reunited with someone far away captures the ache of separation by death.
Best moment: Beautiful for honoring those who felt larger than life or expressing deep longing.
Lead Me Home
Johnny Lang featuring Blind Boys of Alabama
A soulful prayer for guidance on the journey home.
Why it's meaningful: Blends gospel tradition with modern soul to express the longing for eternal rest.
Best moment: Powerful for those with strong faith seeking comfort in spiritual traditions.