Not everyone wants a funeral that’s all tears and sadness. Some people had a life full of making others laugh and enjoying every moment. In that case a slow organ piece of music might not feel right for them at all.
If that sounds like the person you’ve lost then an upbeat song can reflect them and be fitting for the person they were. And all those attending can smile as well cry.
So we have over 150 upbeat funeral songs. They’re split by who you’re saying goodbye to, then by style, with feel good classics, soul, country, gospel, island songs and a few funny ones for someone with a cheeky sense of humor. Most have a short note eight then so you know what the song is about before you choose it.
There are tips at the end as well about where upbeat songs fit best in a service. If you’re planning a celebration of life rather than a traditional funeral, nearly every song here will work for it.
The Most Popular Upbeat Funeral Songs
These are the happy songs families choose most often.
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. Gentle and hopeful rather than loud. It works for almost anyone.
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python. From the film Life of Brian. A long-time favorite at British funerals for someone who never took life too seriously.
- Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and The Wailers. A simple reminder that everything is going to be alright.
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles. About the light coming back after a long, cold winter.
- Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. For someone who lived at full speed.
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Just a voice and a ukulele. Soft but full of joy.
- My Way by Frank Sinatra. Not bouncy, but proud and triumphant. For someone who did things their own way.
- Celebration by Kool and the Gang. The title says it all.
- Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra. Bright and big, like the sun coming out.
- Lovely Day by Bill Withers. Warm and easy, about one person making every day better.
- I’ll Fly Away, written by Albert E. Brumley. An old, foot-tapping gospel song about going home.
- Happy Trails by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Their famous sign-off song. A sweet way to end a service.
Upbeat Funeral Songs for Dad
Think about what he played in the car, at every family barbecue etc. That’s usually the right answer. Our funeral songs for dad have more ideas, including slower ones.
- Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger. For a dad who thought music peaked a long time ago.
- Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen. About looking back on the good old days with a grin.
- Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver. A singalong about going home.
- King of the Road by Roger Miller. For a dad who loved to travel or worked on the road.
- On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
- Life Is a Highway by Tom Cochrane, or the Rascal Flatts version
- Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Fishin’ in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Lovely for a dad who loved a quiet night by the water.
- Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
- My Way by Frank Sinatra
- Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry. For a dad who could still dance.
Upbeat Funeral Songs for Mom
Moms are so often the one who got everyone up to dance at weddings. If yours was like that then give her a song she’d have danced to. You’ll find more in our funeral songs for mom.
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Thank You for the Music by ABBA. A gentle thank you that works well at the end of a service.
- You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
- Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. He wrote it for his newborn daughter, but it suits any woman who lit up a room.
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
- Respect by Aretha Franklin. For a strong mom who didn’t take any nonsense.
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
- You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer
- Lovely Day by Bill Withers
- Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Happy Songs for a Husband or Wife
Your wedding song or a song you always danced to together will mean more than anything on a list.
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. About a love nothing can keep apart.
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder
- Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
- Happy Together by The Turtles
- When I’m Sixty-Four by The Beatles. Sweet and playful, for a long marriage.
- You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall and John Oates
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
- I’m a Believer by The Monkees
- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
- Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
- I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) by Four Tops
- My Girl by The Temptations
- Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Upbeat Songs for a Friend
Friends are often the ones who know the real story, the inside jokes and the songs from road trips and nights out. Choose one that will mean something to the people in your life and that will make them laugh and cry at the same time.
- Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold. Best known as the theme from The Golden Girls.
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
- With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles, or the Joe Cocker version
- Lean on Me by Bill Withers
- Count on Me by Bruno Mars
- Stand by Me by Ben E. King
- Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks. For the friend who was always first to the bar and last to leave.
- The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy
- Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day. Not really upbeat, but warm and grateful.
- We Are Family by Sister Sledge. Lovely for a sister or a friend who felt like one.
Upbeat Songs for a Grandparent
Older songs from the big band and early rock and roll years can bring a whole room back to Grandma’s kitchen or Grandpa’s record player. Many older guests will know every word.
- In the Mood by Glenn Miller. A big band classic with no words, great for walking in or out.
- Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by The Andrews Sisters
- Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. About looking on the bright side.
- Pennies from Heaven by Bing Crosby
- Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) by Doris Day
- You Are My Sunshine. There are many versions, from Johnny Cash to Elizabeth Mitchell. Pick the one they’d have hummed.
- Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino
- Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and His Comets
- Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe and Wise. A British favorite, for a grandparent who loved a laugh.
- When I’m Sixty-Four by The Beatles
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Feel Good Classics from the 60s and 70s
These are the songs people hear at weddings, parties and on the oldies station. Almost everyone knows them so they’re good choices when you want the room to join in.
- Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
- Wouldn’t It Be Nice by The Beach Boys
- Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. Expect people to sing the “so good” part.
- Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations
- Daydream Believer by The Monkees
- Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest
- Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival, or the Ike and Tina Turner version
- Take It Easy by Eagles
- Peaceful Easy Feeling by Eagles
- Hey Jude by The Beatles. The long “na na na” ending is made for everyone to sing together.
- Twist and Shout by The Beatles
- Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
- I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash. About the rain clearing and brighter days ahead.
Upbeat 80s Funeral Songs
For anyone who grew up with big hair, mixtapes and MTV, an 80s song can bring a smile like nothing else.
- Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
- I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers. A loud singalong that’s very hard to sit still through.
- Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
- Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
- The Best by Tina Turner. For someone who truly was simply the best.
- Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!
- Footloose by Kenny Loggins
- Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
- Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle
- Jump (For My Love) by The Pointer Sisters
- I’m Still Standing by Elton John
- Love Shack by The B-52’s
Motown and Soul Songs to Celebrate a Life
Soul music has a way of being joyful and deep at the same time. These are great for a service that feels more like a gathering of family than a formal goodbye.
- Reach Out I’ll Be There by Four Tops. About always being there for the people you love.
- Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas
- I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- Lovely Day by Bill Withers
- Lean on Me by Bill Withers
- Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder. Written as a tribute to Duke Ellington. Perfect for a music lover.
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder
- My Girl by The Temptations
- Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
- Respect by Aretha Franklin
- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
Disco and Dance Songs for a Funeral
For the person who never missed a chance to get on the dance floor. These usually work best at the end of the service or at the reception when people are ready to move.
- September by Earth, Wind and Fire
- Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind and Fire
- Celebration by Kool and the Gang
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- We Are Family by Sister Sledge
- Le Freak by Chic
- Y.M.C.A. by Village People. Only if they were the first one doing the arm moves at every wedding.
- You Make Me Feel Like Dancing by Leo Sayer
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
Upbeat Country Funeral Songs
Country music is full of songs about living well and not wasting time.
- Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw. About a man who gets bad news and decides to really live.
- Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney. A very old man’s advice that life goes by fast.
- Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson
- Good Time by Alan Jackson
- Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show, or the Darius Rucker version
- Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks
- Thank God I’m a Country Boy by John Denver
- Boot Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks and Dunn
- Should’ve Been a Cowboy by Toby Keith
- Life’s a Dance by John Michael Montgomery
- I Saw the Light by Hank Williams. A happy gospel song from one of country’s greats.
- Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
Uplifting Gospel and Religious Songs
If faith was part of their life in a big and important way then these songs celebrate going home with real joy. Many churches will be happy to have the choir or congregation sing them. For quieter choices see our Christian funeral songs and funeral hymns.
- I’ll Fly Away, written by Albert E. Brumley. Lots of great versions, including Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch.
- When the Saints Go Marching In. Traditional, best known by Louis Armstrong. A New Orleans favorite for leading people out.
- Oh Happy Day by The Edwin Hawkins Singers
- Soon and Very Soon by Andraé Crouch. A joyful song about meeting the King.
- This Little Light of Mine. Traditional, and easy for everyone to sing.
- Down by the Riverside. A traditional spiritual about laying your burdens down.
- Victory in Jesus. A Southern gospel favorite that gets everyone singing.
- I Saw the Light by Hank Williams
- Joyful, Joyful from Sister Act 2, led by Lauryn Hill. A modern spin on Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
- I Smile by Kirk Franklin. About holding on to joy when life is hard.
- Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Traditional spiritual
- Will the Circle Be Unbroken. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version is lively and full of voices.
Island and Reggae Songs
For someone who was happiest with sand between their toes or who just had a laid back way about them.
- Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and The Wailers
- One Love by Bob Marley and The Wailers
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett. For the person who was always on island time.
- Kokomo by The Beach Boys
- Island in the Sun by Weezer
- I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
Modern Upbeat Songs for a Funeral
These newer songs can suit a younger person or anyone whose taste stayed current. Check the radio edit for anything with explicit lyrics.
- Happy by Pharrell Williams
- Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake
- Best Day of My Life by American Authors
- Ho Hey by The Lumineers
- Budapest by George Ezra
- Shotgun by George Ezra
- Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine
- Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
- Beautiful Day by U2
- Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
- Good Life by OneRepublic
- Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root. Bouncy, with a title that fits the day.
- Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
- Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
- See You Again by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth. Written as a tribute to actor Paul Walker. More hopeful than happy.
Happy Instrumental Songs
Music without words is useful for when people arrive, during a slideshow or while everyone leaves. These are bright and cheerful rather than somber.
- Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman
- The Entertainer by Scott Joplin
- Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin
- Green Onions by Booker T. and the M.G.’s
- Classical Gas by Mason Williams
- Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
- Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
- Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke. Often used at weddings, but just as lovely for a proud exit.
- Hornpipe from Handel’s Water Music
Funny Funeral Songs for Someone with a Dark Sense of Humor
Some people would have laughed out loud at the thought of these playing at their own funeral. Only choose one if you’re sure the close family is on board. I’ve always thought they work best as the very last song once people have cried. There are more ideas for lightening the mood in our funny eulogy examples.
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python
- Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
- Highway to Hell by AC/DC
- Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees
- Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
- Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
- I’m Gonna Live Till I Die by Frank Sinatra
- Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. Sometimes picked as a wink at a cremation. It’s really a love song.
- Disco Inferno by The Trammps. Same joke, with a disco beat.
- Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle
- The Final Countdown by Europe
- I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Upbeat Songs to End a Funeral
The last song is the one people take out the door with them. An upbeat closer can make them feeling sad into warmth and set the tone for the reception afterward.
- Happy Trails by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
- Closing Time by Semisonic. About endings that lead to something new.
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- Thank You for the Music by ABBA
- Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
- When the Saints Go Marching In by Louis Armstrong
- Celebration by Kool and the Gang
- Hey Jude by The Beatles
- I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
- Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe and Wise
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
SEE MORE: Songs for a Celebration of Life
Tips for Using Upbeat Songs at a Funeral
- Talk to the close family first. Not everyone will be ready for a dance song especially after a sudden loss. Make sure the people closest to them are comfortable.
- Mix the moods. A gentle song at the start and an upbeat one at the end often works better than three loud songs in a row. It gives people time to grieve before they smile.
- Listen to every word. Some happy sounding songs are about breakups, drinking or worse. Play the full song before you choose it.
- Use the clean or radio edit. Especially with modern songs, and especially if children or older relatives are there.
- Check with the church or venue. Some churches only allow religious music during the service. If so play the upbeat songs at the graveside, during the slideshow or at the reception.
- Let people know it’s okay to join in. A word from the officiant like “she’d want you to sing along” gives people permission to clap or sing.
- Print the song titles in the program. People often want to find them again later. Our funeral program wording examples show how to lay that out.
- Make a playlist for the reception. If you can’t pick just one or two put the rest on a playlist for the gathering afterward.
I think the best funeral songs are the ones that make people look at each other and smile because it instantly reminds them of the deceased. If that’s ABBA or AC/DC instead of a hymn, that’s okay. It’s their goodbye.