Arranging a funeral for someone who grew up, had their teen years, got married or had other big life events during the 80s? You might want to consider an 80s funeral song for the ceremony, wake, or other elements of the day. We’ve collected some classic 80s songs that could fit well, or that you might just want to listen to for comfort.
Pop 80s funeral songs
Some of the most popular 1980s funeral songs tend to be pop songs. A song that topped the charts can hold a lot of memories for you and your loved one who has passed. Here are some that might hold some sentimental value for you.
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Time After Time was released in 1984, hitting #1 in the US charts and #3 in the UK charts. It sounds undeniably 80s thanks to its simple keyboard synth chords. And its lyrics about devotion make it one of the best suited 80s songs for funerals.
“Lying in my bed
I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles
Confusion is nothing new
Flashback, warm nights
Almost left behind
Suitcase of memories
Time after.”
When Doves Cry – Prince
When Doves Cry brings together a synthesiser, looped vocals and a drum machine to create a distinct 80s sound . While the lyrics were written about the end of a relationship, they’re transferrable, making this one of the most popular 80s funeral songs. If you’re looking for an alternative version of this song, you might want to consider the choirboy cover by Quindon Tarver that features in Baz Luhrman’s Romeo and Juliet.
“This is what it sounds like
When doves cry
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world that's so cold? (A world that's so cold).”
Don't You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
This song from 1980s classic film The Breakfast Club was a huge hit in the 80s. It holds sentimental value for a lot of people who grew up during the decade. The lyrics can reflect a sense of remembering your loved one and holding memories close to your heart.
“Don't you forget about me
I'll be alone, dancing, you know it, baby
Going to take us apart
I'll put us back together at heart, baby.”
80s rock funeral songs
If you’re planning a funeral for someone who had alternative taste in music, 80s rock funeral songs could be a better match. Here are a few that you might recognise or that could express your feelings well.
With or Without You – U2
This song by U2 is a popular choice of funeral songs from the 80s. It builds up through the course of the song, bringing deep emotions to the surface. Its words talk about the strong feelings of connection and attachment that we can feel in our relationships.
“With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you.”
Pictures of You – The Cure
Pictures of You by The Cure has a bittersweet feel, making it a sentimental choice of 80s funeral song. It keeps the band's usual melancholy style and shares a real sense of loss in both its music and its words. At the same time, it can bring a smile to your face remembering memories and good times.
“I've been looking so long at these pictures of you
That I almost believe that they're real
I've been living so long with my pictures of you
That I almost believe that the pictures are all I can feel.”
Every Breath You Take – The Police
This emotional song by 80s favourites The Police has a slow beat. Some of the lyrics, particularly the section highlighted below, could reflect how you’re feeling during this time. The hit was sampled in the 90s by P. Diddy to create I’ll Be Missing You, another popular funeral song.
“Since you've gone, I've been lost without a trace
I dream at night, I can only see your face
I look around, but it's you I can't replace
I feel so cold, and I long for your embrace.”
More funeral song advice
There’s no right or wrong song for a funeral. The most important thing to consider is music your loved one liked or songs that reflect their character. You can find more information on funeral songs across our site, but we’ve linked a few different options that could be helpful below.
Photo by Daniel Sansone on Unsplash.