Another One Bites the Dust is a rock classic with an irresistible hook that gets everyone stomping and nodding along. If you’d rather have people dancing and laughing than sitting somberly at your funeral, it’s an obvious yet brilliant choice.

Want your funeral to be both emotional and delightfully over-the-top? Play *I Will Survive* by Gloria Gaynor. Is it wildly inappropriate? Absolutely. But it’s sure to spark a mix of raised eyebrows, heavier sobbing, and bursts of laughter.

Some rock songs are so intense they feel like they could raise the dead, which might explain why *Bodies* by Drowning Pool is a popular funeral pick. With Earth-shaking vocals rarely heard in a church, its appeal lies in just how unconventional it is.

Some songs are so irresistibly groovy that they transcend inappropriateness and become perfect for any occasion. *Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go* is one of those songs. While its upbeat vibe might seem out of place for a final farewell, even George Michael’s iconic t-shirt in the video makes it work!

This choice is a bit self-deprecating, but the humor is clear. If you want your relatives to wonder where you’re headed in the afterlife, this is the way to do it. Plus, the song’s energy is enough to shake anyone out of their sadness—and maybe even spark some air guitar from the pews.

*The Final Countdown* is such a universally loved anthem that it seems fitting for almost any occasion—until you picture it at a funeral. With a chorus powerful enough to blow your hair back, it might not suit everyone’s idea of a solemn farewell, but some rockers see it as the perfect send-off.

For a funeral full of irony and humor, *I’m Still Standing* by Elton John is hard to beat. If you’re planning this kind of playful musical prank, though, it only makes sense to pair it with an equally outrageous dress code for your guests.

If you’re set on playing a cheesy pop classic at your funeral but NSYNC isn’t quite your style, *Cutting Crew* could be the way to go. *(I Just) Died In Your Arms* might be a little on the nose, but hopefully it’s more amusing than unsettling in the context of a funeral.

It’s unlikely anyone over 35 would pick this for their funeral, but plenty of millennial emos might find it amusing. What makes this choice so inappropriate is Jared Leto screaming “Bury me! Bury me!” at the top of his lungs for what feels like forever.

*Bring Me to Life* is another millennial emo classic that’s a terrible funeral pick—unless your aim is to make people laugh through their tears. Its inappropriateness is heightened by the fact that most people can’t help but scream along to the chorus when they hear it.

Sure, it’s a bold choice, but it’s easy to understand why someone might pick this Stone Roses track for their final farewell. The title is undeniably amusing in this context, and the song’s hopeful, upbeat vibe would definitely bring some light to an otherwise solemn occasion.

Not all inappropriate song choices are problematic because they’re too dark or edgy. The opposite can also be an issue. *Hot In Herre* by Nelly is perfect for a club or a fun barbecue, but it’s definitely less suited for a funeral—especially one that ends in cremation.

Another Britpop track with an innocuous title that becomes unexpectedly punny at a funeral is *Going Underground* by The Jam. For maximum humor, though, you’d need to be buried rather than cremated—otherwise, it just feels tonally off!

When *Everything is Awesome* was released in the 2010s, its catchy, maddening tune sparked both panic and frustration. This makes it a poor funeral choice for two reasons: it’s far too upbeat and joyful, and it’s bound to elicit groans from half the attendees.

Live Forever is sonically a great funeral choice—contemplative, hopeful, and anthemic without being overpowering. The only issue is the title and the song’s central theme. Depending on the crowd, it could either provoke laughter or trigger intense sobbing.

Not all funny funeral songs are rock tracks—pop music fans have their darkly humorous choices too! Bye Bye Bye delivers a very concise final message to your loved ones, and at least everyone might end up doing the choreography!

While you might have been knocked down, it’s safe to say you’re not getting back up again in a coffin. That said, Tubthumping by Chumbawumba is an upbeat, hilariously inappropriate choice—and it even throws a nod to the power of unions in the workplace.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “one foot in the grave,” and playing Should I Stay or Should I Go at your funeral would make it feel all too fitting. While it’s an early punk classic that no one would object to, it might give the impression that you’re too indecisive to even face mortality.

There’s something about disco that makes it the perfect choice for a funeral if you’re aiming for a legendary social faux pas. Disco Inferno is the kind of choice that will make everyone nervously shift in their seats, half wondering if they should be looking for fire exits, thanks to its audacity.

If you’re looking for emo flair as you head to your grave, I’m Not Okay by My Chemical Romance is hard to beat—though whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your take on social conventions. While the band has songs more directly about death, only I’m Not Okay offers a deeply inappropriate yet soaring, almost defiant chorus.

There are many seemingly inappropriate funeral song picks on this list that might make sense depending on the context or circumstances. Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex, however, is not one of them. If you’re considering making your loved ones endure this despised one-hit wonder, at least allow them to do the choreography.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, if you want a song that brings a rueful smile and a tear through sheer defiance, Destiny’s Child is the way to go. That is, if your guests know you well enough to get the joke. Otherwise, expect a lot of awkward shuffling in the seats.

Depending on the cause of death, Down With the Sickness by Disturbed could range from mildly inappropriate to downright in poor taste. However, if it’s always been your dream to have people headbanging as your coffin is carried away, there are worse song choices you could make.

There’s no denying that (Don’t Fear) The Reaper has a certain class, with its intricate guitar work and sweeping, romantic lyrics. However, that won’t protect you from the angry shouts of relatives who may be displeased with your very nihilistic choice—especially if they’re not on board with the vibe.

Technically, Titanium by David Guetta & Sia should be an okay choice—it’s not overly silly or bombastic, just affirming and anthemic. The issue lies with the chorus, which insists that whoever is knocked down will surely get back up. That sentiment probably doesn’t fit the tone of a funeral.

Given that most people’s knowledge of this song extends to just one line, it’s surprising how instantly recognizable its inappropriateness for a funeral is. While it’s as sunny as you’d expect, which might lift some of the gloom, do you really want this song stuck in your head at a wake?

The old saying goes that punk will never die, and playing this song at your funeral is certainly one way to embody that spirit. However, a track that mentions adult literature, narcotics, and anarchy might not be the best choice for a church—unless, of course, you’re really cool with breaking the rules.

To be completely honest, Crazy Frog by Axel F should probably never be played anywhere—definitely not at a nightclub, rave, or funeral. In any context, this inexplicable one-hit wonder is grating and intolerable. At a funeral, it borders on blasphemous. If you still want to choose it, proceed with caution.

There are few occasions where ska isn’t welcome—it’s alternative without being inaccessible and groovy without being overbearing, especially when it comes to Madness. However, even though House of Fun is a classic, there are some situations where it just doesn’t fit. Unfortunately, a funeral is one of them.

If you think about it, I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ might seem like a fitting sentiment for most funerals. However, its cheerful delivery and screeching falsetto by the Scissor Sisters make it more suited to a lively wedding reception or karaoke night—not someone’s final farewell.

Hit Me Baby (One More Time) is already an odd pop hit, thanks to a misunderstanding by its European lyricist, who thought “hit me” meant “call me.” At a funeral, it becomes even stranger—unless you’re fully committing and requiring everyone to show up in schoolgirl outfits with fluffy hair accessories.

Choosing Loveshack by the B-52’s for a funeral comes with two major issues. The first is its overly joyful tone, which feels completely out of place. The second, more practical issue, is its length—it’s just too long for the humor to remain funny from start to finish.

Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot is arguably inappropriate for any serious occasion—weddings, baptisms, graduations—you name it. However, playing this ode to derrières at a funeral takes things to a whole new level of unsuitable, unless you’re planning to be buried face down.

At first glance, Mad World might seem fitting for a funeral—its solemn tone and themes of existentialism align with the occasion. However, it’s almost too perfect, making it feel like a parody in such a serious context. The song has become a meme in its own right, so playing it risks unintended laughter rather than reflection. Best to steer clear.

Many people have chosen David Bowie to accompany their final journey, and why not? His music is transcendent. However, Ashes to Ashes might not be the ideal pick. Beyond the title’s awkward fit for cremation, the song delves into themes of substance abuse and inner turmoil. While musically stunning, it doesn’t quite match the reflective or celebratory tone most aim for at a funeral.

Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven is a Place on Earth is a heartfelt love song and a favorite for many, making it a touching tribute to a surviving partner. But playing it at a funeral could unintentionally raise some awkward theological questions. If heaven is here on Earth, where exactly does that leave the person being honored? It’s a beautiful choice, but maybe not without its hiccups!

Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead might be the ultimate funeral song for making a statement, but it’s certainly not one that exudes warmth. Famously used to mark polarizing moments, its playful, satirical tone ensures no dry eyes—though whether those tears are from laughter or disbelief is another matter. If you pick this for your own service, you’re leaning into some bold, Wizard of Oz level irony.

Playing Friday by Rebecca Black at your funeral is peak chaotic energy. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the ultimate way to leave your mark is to troll everyone in attendance. Sure, it’s inappropriate, cringe-worthy, and completely off-tone—but isn’t that part of its charm? If you’re aiming for an unforgettable exit, this meme-worthy bop might just do the trick… whether they like it or not.

Dear God by XTC is an undeniably beautiful track with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, but it’s a risky choice for a funeral. While its philosophical musings on faith and suffering might resonate deeply with some, it could also leave attendees shifting uncomfortably in their seats. If you’re okay with stirring up some existential debates instead of tears, this New Wave classic might be the way to go—just be ready for the mixed reactions!