Funny Funeral Songs
Funny funeral songs honour the person who made everyone laugh. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python is the most requested humorous funeral song, followed by “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC and “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. The best funny funeral songs give mourners permission to smile — because laughter and grief are not opposites.
Funny Songs for Funerals
Funny songs for funerals range from gentle humour to full-on irony. The best ones work because they were genuinely part of the person's life — not because they're generically comedic. A song that made them laugh is always more powerful than a song that makes the audience laugh.
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” — Monty Python (Eric Idle)
The UK's most requested funeral song for years running. Its irreverent optimism in the face of death — literally sung during a crucifixion scene — makes it the perfect funeral icebreaker.
“Highway to Hell” — AC/DC
The ultimate ironic exit song. Works best for rock fans, atheists, and anyone who'd find the literal interpretation hilarious. Often played as the coffin leaves the building.
“Another One Bites the Dust” — Queen
The title alone raises eyebrows — and that's exactly the point. The driving bass line and Freddie Mercury's delivery make it an unexpectedly powerful funeral moment.
“My Way” — Frank Sinatra
Not inherently funny, but becomes humorous when chosen by someone who lived stubbornly on their own terms. The dramatic delivery invites knowing smiles from everyone who knew them.
“Don't Stop Me Now” — Queen
Infectious energy that turns a sombre room into a celebration. "I'm having such a good time" takes on a different meaning at a funeral — and that's what makes it work.
Humorous Funeral Songs
Humorous funeral songs serve a genuine psychological purpose — they create what psychologists call “emotional relief,” allowing mourners to release tension and process grief through laughter. Research shows that humour at funerals helps people remember the deceased more positively and cope more effectively with loss.
The most effective humorous funeral songs fall into three categories: ironic titles (“Another One Bites the Dust,” “Stayin' Alive”), celebratory anthems (“Don't Stop Me Now,” “I Will Survive”), and personal favourites that carry inside-joke significance for the family. The third category is always the most powerful — a song that meant something specific to the deceased will land harder than any generically funny track.
Best Funny Exit Songs for Funerals
The exit (recessional) is the most popular moment for a funny funeral song. As mourners leave, a humorous song transforms the mood from sorrow to celebration — sending everyone off with a smile rather than tears.
“Stayin' Alive” — Bee Gees
The irony is unmissable and the disco beat gets people moving. One of the most requested funny recessional songs — the title alone does the work.
“Spirit in the Sky” — Norman Greenbaum
Upbeat rock with explicitly afterlife-themed lyrics. "Goin' up to the spirit in the sky" feels celebratory rather than mournful. Works across religious and secular services.
“I Will Survive” — Gloria Gaynor
The ultimate survivor anthem takes on darkly comic new meaning at a funeral. Works especially well for strong-willed personalities who never let anything keep them down.
Lighthearted Songs for Celebration of Life
Celebrations of life are the natural home for funny funeral songs — there are no venue restrictions, the atmosphere is already more relaxed, and the focus is on celebrating who the person was rather than mourning their death. Lighthearted songs for a celebration of life should feel authentic to the deceased's personality.
For the party lover: “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang. For the karaoke champion: whatever their signature song was. For the sports fanatic: their team's anthem. For the gardener: “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. For the traveller: “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey. The funniest choices are always personal — an obscure song that only the family understands will create more genuine laughter than a crowd-pleasing comedy track.
Top Upbeat & Lighthearted Funeral Songs
The most popular uplifting and celebratory songs that bring lightness to funeral services and celebrations of life.
Amazing Grace
Traditional
A timeless hymn of redemption and hope that has comforted mourners for centuries.
Why it's meaningful: This beloved hymn speaks of salvation and the journey from loss to grace, offering profound comfort to those grieving.
Best moment: Often played during the processional or as a closing hymn.
When the Saints Go Marching In
Louis Armstrong
The quintessential New Orleans jazz funeral song, starting somber then exploding into joyful celebration during the second line.
Why it's meaningful: Embodies New Orleans jazz funeral tradition - mourning the loss while celebrating the soul's journey to heaven.
Best moment: Recessional or second line celebration, especially for New Orleans funerals.
Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
Epic rock ballad building from gentle acoustic opening to soaring electric climax, considered one of the greatest rock songs ever.
Why it's meaningful: The journey from quiet to powerful mirrors life's progression and the soul's ascent to heaven.
Best moment: Powerful choice for brothers or classic rock lovers, especially the acoustic opening.
In My Life
The Beatles
A tender reflection on places and people who shaped us, acknowledging that love endures even as life changes.
Why it's meaningful: Perfectly balances honoring the past while acknowledging loss.
Best moment: Universal choice for honoring anyone, celebrating their place in your life.
My Way
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra's iconic declaration of a life lived on one's own terms—'I did it my way.'
Why it's meaningful: The ultimate tribute to someone who lived authentically. No regrets, no apologies.
Best moment: Recessional or closing. The definitive send-off.
Hallelujah
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.
Time to Say Goodbye
Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
A powerful duet about parting that combines classical grandeur with emotional depth.
Why it's meaningful: The soaring vocals and orchestral arrangement create a moment of beautiful farewell.
Best moment: Often chosen for the final farewell or committal.
How Great Thou Art
Traditional Hymn
A majestic hymn praising God
Why it's meaningful: Offers hope of reunion in heaven and celebrates faith
Best moment: Powerful as a congregational hymn or solo performance.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
A gentle ukulele version that transforms the classic into a peaceful farewell.
Why it's meaningful: The Hawaiian rendition brings a sense of peace and the promise of a better place.
Best moment: Creates a serene atmosphere during reflection or exit.
God Bless the U.S.A.
Lee Greenwood
A patriotic anthem expressing love for America and gratitude for those who serve.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates the values and freedoms that veterans fought to protect.
Best moment: Inspiring as a processional or during military honors.
All Lighthearted Funeral Songs
Unchained Melody
The Righteous Brothers
A timeless ballad about enduring love and longing that spans generations.
Why it's meaningful: Speaks to the eternal nature of true love, even beyond death.
Best moment: Beautiful for services celebrating long marriages.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon and Garfunkel
A promise of support and comfort through life's troubled waters.
Why it's meaningful: Celebrates those who were sources of strength and refuge for others.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring someone who was always there for others.
Going Up Yonder
Walter Hawkins
This uplifting anthem celebrates the promise of heaven and eternal life, transforming grief into hope.
Why it's meaningful: A staple in Black Protestant funeral traditions, it focuses on the glorious reunion awaiting believers in heaven during homegoing services.
Best moment: Powerful as a recessional or celebration of life moment.
Soon and Very Soon
Andraé Crouch
This triumphant song anticipates the joy of seeing Jesus and being reunited with loved ones in heaven.
Why it's meaningful: Based on Revelation 21:3-4, it speaks of no more crying or dying. Performed at Michael Jackson's memorial service.
Best moment: Celebratory recessional or closing hymn.
I'll Fly Away
Albert Brumley
This song uses the metaphor of a bird freed from prison to describe the soul's joyous release into heaven.
Why it's meaningful: The most recorded gospel song of all time with over 1,000 versions, celebrating joyous liberation death brings to believers.
Best moment: Perfect for New Orleans jazz funerals and celebration of life services.
One Sweet Day
Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
A powerful duet about missing someone and looking forward to reunion, expressing all the things left unsaid.
Why it's meaningful: The soaring harmonies and emotional vocals create a cathartic release while offering hope of eventual reunion and expressing unspoken love.
Best moment: Emotional peak moment during service, allows congregants to fully feel their grief.
I Can Only Imagine
MercyMe
Written by lead singer Bart Millard about his father's death, imagining what it will be like to finally see Jesus face to face.
Why it's meaningful: For families of faith, this song processes grief through the lens of eventual reunion in God's presence.
Best moment: Powerful for Christian services, building from quiet contemplation to triumphant hope.
A Song for You
Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway's soul-stirring interpretation of this love song, sung as a private declaration of devotion.
Why it's meaningful: One of the most personal and vulnerable R&B songs ever recorded, celebrating profound love that transcends time.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring deep love and connection with spouse or parent.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men's acapella ballad about parting ways, made iconic by the movie Cooley High.
Why it's meaningful: The harmony-driven vocals capture the collective grief of saying goodbye, making it perfect for young people or tight-knit groups.
Best moment: Powerful for younger generations or honoring friendships and brotherhood.
Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Southern rock anthem about freedom and living without constraints, featuring one of rock's greatest guitar solos.
Why it's meaningful: For free spirits who refused to be caged, this song celebrates independence and the soul's liberation.
Best moment: Perfect for brothers or men who lived boldly and valued freedom.
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's folk-rock classic about preparing for death, originally written for the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.
Why it's meaningful: The tired resignation in the lyrics honors those ready to rest after life's long journey.
Best moment: For honoring lives of struggle or those ready to lay down burdens.
Stand by Me
Ben E. King
Ben E. King's timeless soul classic about loyalty and devotion through life's darkest moments.
Why it's meaningful: The promise to stand by someone no matter what honors relationships built on unwavering loyalty and support.
Best moment: Perfect for honoring sisters, brothers, or anyone who stood by you.
Fire and Rain
James Taylor
James Taylor's deeply personal song written about the suicide of a close friend.
Why it's meaningful: Written about the death of a friend, this song captures the specific shock and ongoing pain of unexpected loss.
Best moment: Powerful for sudden losses or honoring those who struggled with mental health.
Landslide
Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks' reflective ballad about aging, change, and the passage of time.
Why it's meaningful: The honest confrontation with time's passage resonates deeply at funerals.
Best moment: Powerful for honoring women and reflecting on life's journey.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
The Beatles
George Harrison's melancholic masterpiece with Eric Clapton's weeping guitar solo expressing grief beyond words.
Why it's meaningful: The guitar literally weeps, expressing emotions words cannot capture.
Best moment: Powerful for honoring guitar players or classic rock lovers.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Motown classic about unwavering devotion and the promise to be there no matter what obstacles arise.
Why it's meaningful: The promise that nothing can keep us apart offers hope that death itself cannot sever the bonds of love.
Best moment: Uplifting choice for celebrating unshakeable devotion and enduring connection.
End of the Road
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men's emotional R&B ballad about reaching the painful end of a relationship.
Why it's meaningful: The raw emotion in accepting that we've reached the end captures the finality of loss.
Best moment: Emotional choice for 90s music lovers or expressing the finality of loss.
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Al Green's silky soul classic about eternal commitment and standing by your love.
Why it's meaningful: The promise to stay together through good and bad times honors marriages that endured all seasons.
Best moment: Perfect for long-term marriages built on commitment and devotion.
Midnight Train to Georgia
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight's soulful story of devotion, following love back home no matter what.
Why it's meaningful: The journey back home represents the soul's return to where it belongs.
Best moment: For Georgia natives or honoring the journey home to rest.
You'll Never Walk Alone
From Carousel (1945)
Powerful anthem of hope and companionship through life's darkest storms.
Why it's meaningful: Reassures mourners they are not alone in their grief journey.
Best moment: Inspiring as a closing hymn or recessional.
Common Questions
Is it appropriate to play funny songs at a funeral?
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Yes — if it reflects who the person was. Many people specifically request humorous songs in their funeral plans. Funny funeral songs work best at celebrations of life, receptions, and informal memorial services. They honour the deceased's personality and give mourners permission to smile and laugh alongside their grief. The key is knowing your audience: a light-hearted song that the deceased loved will land differently than a random comedy track. When in doubt, ask close family members.
What are the most popular funny funeral songs?
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"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" by Monty Python is consistently the most requested funny funeral song in the UK and increasingly popular worldwide. "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC, "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, "Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees, and "My Way" by Frank Sinatra (played with a wink) round out the top five. "Pop Goes the Weasel" is a classic choice for someone with dry humour, while "Bat Out of Hell" by Meat Loaf appeals to rock fans with a sense of irony.
When during the funeral should funny songs be played?
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Funny funeral songs work best at specific moments: as the recessional (exit song) to send everyone off smiling, during the reception or wake when the mood lightens, or as background music at a celebration of life. The processional (entrance) is typically more reflective. Many families play one humorous song as a "surprise" moment the deceased planned — this creates a powerful emotional release. Avoid placing funny songs immediately after eulogies or emotional readings, as the tonal shift can feel jarring.
Can you play "Highway to Hell" at a church funeral?
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Most churches will not permit "Highway to Hell" during the service itself — religious venues have music guidelines, and songs referencing hell are typically excluded. However, you can absolutely play it at the reception, wake, or celebration of life held at a non-religious venue. Many families play it in the car park as guests leave the church, or at the graveside. If the deceased specifically requested it, talk to the officiant — some are more flexible than others, especially for clearly humorous intent.
What funny songs work for a celebration of life?
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Celebrations of life have no music restrictions, making them ideal for funny songs. Popular choices include "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen (infectious energy), "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor (ironic triumph), "Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees (obvious irony), "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum (upbeat departure), and "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves (pure joy). For country fans, "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw adds humour with heart. The key is matching the song to the person's actual taste.
How do I mix funny and serious songs at a funeral?
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The most effective approach is to create an emotional arc: start with reflective, serious songs during the service, then transition to lighter and funnier songs as the event progresses. A typical flow might be: hymn or classical piece for the entrance, meaningful ballad during eulogies, a bittersweet song for reflection, then the funny song as the exit or at the reception. This progression gives mourners permission to move from grief to celebration. Many families use 70% serious, 30% humorous as a rough guide.