40+ Inappropriate Songs You Should Never Play at a Funeral cake blog (2023)

Songs help us express feelings that we cannot put into words, and they are a common part of many modern funerals. Some people request that a particular favorite song be played as part of theirscondolences. In other cases, the family chooses a song that they feel reflects the life and attitude of their deceased loved one.

Jump to these sections:

• How to tell whether or not you should play a song at a funeral
• List of the worst songs to play at a funeral

There are a number of fantastic ones thoughmourning songsto choose from, there are some songs better left for other occasions. Unless specifically requested otherwise by the deceased in their funeral plan, it is best to choose a song that is respectful and honors your loved one.

These are 40+ inappropriate songs you should never play at a funeral.

Top:Your loved one may have created a funeral plan that includes the songs they would like to play at the service. But more often than not, a close family member assumes that responsibility after death. If you're responsible for planning a funeral and other loose ends, ours is oursChecklist after the losscan help.

How to tell whether or not you should play a song at a funeral

When do you know whether or not you should play a certain song during a slideshow, reception, or memorial servicezoom funeral? In general, your common sense should suffice as a guide. These tips should also support your selection process.

• Start with your favorite music: The first tip is to consider the favorite music of the deceased. If they loved rock, it's not a good idea to play a rap song at their funeral as that's probably not what they wanted.
• Consider the irony or sense of humor: You'll quickly discover that some of the inappropriate songs would be tongue-in-cheek if played at a funeral (e.g., "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees). Unless the person who died joked about having that kind of irony or humor at their funeral, skip that type of song.
• Avoid controversy or explicit language: Funerals are generally conservative events. Avoid songs that are controversial or have overly explicit language. Remember, funerals are more for the surviving family than for the deceased.

COVID-19 Tipp:If you host azoom funeralwith a service likeGatheringUs, test your audio before the service to ensure online guests can hear the music. If the music doesn't sound good, create a digital playlist and send it to your guests before the funeral.

List of the worst songs to play at a funeral

Unless you are specifically told otherwise in the funeral wishes, you should avoid playing any of the following songs at a funeral. when you studyhow to plan a funeral, realize the importance of staying respectful and keeping things supportive. These songs will generally fail to achieve that goal. Even if the person who passed it issomeone you didn't particularly like, it is nevertheless necessary to honor their death with appropriate songs.

1. "Another One Bites the Dust" von Queen

Unless the deceased is a die-hard Queen fan, it is best to avoid this song. There are many more appropriate Queen songs to choose from than one about dying.

2. „Highway to Hell“ von AC/DC

Although we all appreciate this rock classic, most people enjoy thinking about the best of their loved ones after death. For those who are religious, there is nothing worse than taking the highway to hell.

3. „Celebration“ von Kool and the Gang

This song might be a favorite for family gatherings, but it has no place at a funeral. It sounds a bit like you're celebrating the death of your loved one, not their life.

4. „Stayin’ Alive“ von The Bee Gees

As previously mentioned, the lyrics here are a bit too tongue-in-cheek to play at a funeral since the deceased is no longer "staying alive".

5. "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

Although this song has an undeniably funny beat, it might come across as offensive as it is said to be "happy" at the death of your loved one.

6. "Problem" by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande may be one of the biggest stars of our time, but her song "Problem" shouldn't be heard at a funeral. A song about having one less problem without you sends the wrong message.

7. "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead" from Glinda and the Munchkins

Unless the deceased was a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz, avoid this song, which is about celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.

8. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

While this song would be great for anyone recovering from life's challenges, it is not suitable for a funeral.

9. „Hells Bells“ von AC/DC

Much like "Highway to Hell," this song just has too many negative connotations for most funerals. It's probably a good idea to avoid AC/DC altogether.

10. "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin

This reggae classic is sure to put a smile on your face — but it probably isn't a good song to play at a funeral. Again, it means that it is good to rejoice over the death of a loved one.

11. "Come as you are" by Nirvana

While the repeated references to having a gun in this song imply that people don't always have the best of intentions, it feels like a premonition for Kurt Cobain's death.

12. „(Don’t Fear) the Reaper“ von Blue Oyster Cult

When in doubt, avoid songs that refer to the devil, the grim reaper, or other dark symbols of death.

13. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke

This song was controversial when it was released due to its questionable lyrics, so it has absolutely no place in a funeral.

14. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson

"Thriller" might be a classic, but that doesn't mean you should play a song about dead people rising from the grave during a funeral service.

15. "The Best Day of My Life" by American authors

This folk-pop hit has gained a lot of popularity lately for its positive message. However, it's not a good idea to play this at a loved one's funeral, which is definitely not the best day of your life.

16. "You give love a bad name" by Bon Jovi

There are many great Bon Jovi songs to choose for a funeral other than this one. With lyrics like "shot through the heart and it's your fault," it's a little too somber for a memorial service.

17. "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO

This song might make you want to jump up and dance, but playing it at a funeral is extremely disrespectful.

18. "Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj

"Anaconda" is one of the best club dance songs of the generation, and it's also very distasteful to play this song at a funeral.

19. "The Stroke" by Billy Squier

Although the song title suggests that this song is about a cardiovascular event, it's actually much more... intimate. Regardless of your interpretation, keep this song on your private playlist.

20. „The Final Countdown“ von Europa

Again, it's best to avoid songs about "finale" and "end" since the deceased person has already reached the end of their "countdown."

21. "Haha, you're dead!" by Greenday

If the song title wasn't convincing enough, this song is literally about cheering after someone dies.

22. „Dominion / Mother Russia“ von The Sisters of Mercy

This song refers to the Chernobyl nuclear accident and suggests anti-American feelings. Inserting a song about a nuclear disaster during a funeral is not a good way to show support.

23. „Burn“ von Three Days Grace

While this is meant to be a motivational song about proving others wrong, the lyrics are just too heavy for a funeral. With sentiments like "so on the way down I'll see you burn" this is a poor choice for a funeral.

24. „Since U Been Gone“ von Kelly Clarkson

Known as one of the best breakup pop songs, Kelly Clarkson's hit doesn't fit in the context of a funeral.

25. "The Best Day Ever" by SpongeBob SquarePants

It's true that Spongebob warms the hearts of many, but that's still not a good choice for a dirge. It's all about partying and having a good time, save this cartoonish song for another day.

26. „A Little Piece of Heaven“ von Avenged Sevenfold

Although the name may be misleading, this song is actually about an ex-lover who is rotting in hell while everyone else lives in heaven.

27. „Shake It Off“ von Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift may be a pop icon, but this song about letting go shouldn't be at a funeral.

28. "Dead" by Korn

This short song is eerie and memorable, but not in the way you'd want for a funeral. Since the end line is nothing but "every time I advance I feel deader," skip this one.

29. „Loyal“ von Chris Brown

Regardless of your deceased loved one's love life, it's best to avoid singing about their fidelity during their funeral.

30. „Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)“ von Silento

The Whip and Nae Nae may have been the latest dance fad years ago, but it's certainly not a respectful song to honor someone's life.

31. „Bye Bye Bye“ von NSync

There are far better songs about saying goodbye than NSync's classic "Bye Bye Bye."

32. "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus

The ultimate party anthem, this song about drinking, smoking and dancing might be offensive at a funeral.

33. "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel

Even the biggestFrozenFan sees why this is a bad choice for a funeral. A song about moving on and letting go doesn't fit the grieving crowd at a funeral.

34. "Don't Bring Me Down" von Electric Light Orchestra

Since burying a loved one is literally "bringing" them down into the earth, it's best to skip this song.

35. "Everything is great!!!" by Tegan and Sara

This song byThe Lego Movieis great for remembering the best things in life. Not everything is great at a funeral, however.

36. "Body" from Drowning Pool

With a chorus that includes the chant "let the bodies hit the ground" this is self explanatory.

37. "Friday" by Rebecca Black

Even if the deceased passed away on a Friday, this is a song to avoid at all costs. You don't have to "come down" on this particular Friday.

38. "Forget You" by Cee Lo Green

Since the original version of this song has one less PG title, this is a disrespectful song if someone has died recently.

39. "Welcome to the Jungle" from Guns N' Roses

This song is about the darker sides of Los Angeles and is an ode to sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.

40. "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles

While there are many Beatles songs that would be perfect for a funeral, this one isn't. Based on the story of an heir dying in a van, there are numerous mentions of an untimely death.

Find the best funeral songs

With a world of amazing songs out there, you shouldn't have any trouble finding the right playlist for a funeral. Whether youBegin end-of-life planningfor yourself and are you thinking about your own funeral hymns or planning a memorial for a loved one, now you know how to find the best musical tribute.

Music is a great way to bring people together and find peace after losing someone. At the same time, you want the music to respect both the deceased and the funeral guest. When in doubt, avoid these songs above.