Music has the power to comfort and heal, especially during times of grief. The 1980s brought us a wealth of emotional and reflective songs that are perfect for funerals, memorials, or celebrations of life. Whether you’re seeking a song that honors a loved one’s memory, offers solace, or celebrates the impact they had on the world, the music from this decade holds deep meaning. In this post, we’ve curated 25 songs from the 1980s, including the first verse of lyrics, with an explanation of why each is well-suited for honoring those we’ve lost.
See also:
- Songs from the 1940s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1950s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1960s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1970s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 1980s suitable for funeral (this post)
- Songs from the 1990s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 2000s suitable for funeral
- Songs from the 2010s suitable for funeral
1. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police (1983)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Every breath you take,
Every move you make,
I’ll be watching you.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song’s haunting melody and lyrics about longing and watching over someone offer comfort, reflecting the enduring presence of a loved one.
2. “With or Without You” – U2 (1987)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“See the stone set in your eyes,
See the thorn twist in your side.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its themes of love, pain, and letting go, this emotional ballad captures the bittersweet nature of loss.
3. “Heaven” – Bryan Adams (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Oh, thinking about all our younger years,
There was only you and me.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song reflects on memories of love and happiness, making it a touching tribute to a life well-lived.
4. “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you.”
Why it’s suitable:
Its heartfelt lyrics about loyalty and enduring love make this song a beautiful choice for remembering someone who was always there.
5. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord.”
Why it’s suitable:
Although spiritual, “Hallelujah” is a deeply reflective song, offering a sense of peace and contemplation, perfect for a memorial service.
6. “The Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler (1988)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“It must have been cold there in my shadow,
To never have sunlight on your face.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song is a powerful tribute to someone who was a source of strength, making it an emotional and fitting choice for a funeral.
7. “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart (1988)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song conveys a message of eternal love and well-wishes for the future, perfect for celebrating the memory of someone’s lasting legacy.
8. “Missing You” – John Waite (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Every time I think of you,
I always catch my breath.”
Why it’s suitable:
A song about longing and loss, “Missing You” resonates with the deep feelings of missing a loved one who has passed away.
9. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House (1986)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“There is freedom within, there is freedom without.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song’s message of hope and perseverance in the face of loss makes it a thoughtful addition to any memorial.
10. “In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins (1981)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord.”
Why it’s suitable:
The song’s somber and reflective tone offers space for quiet contemplation, making it fitting for moments of reflection during a funeral.
11. “Against All Odds” – Phil Collins (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“How can I just let you walk away,
Just let you leave without a trace?”
Why it’s suitable:
Its powerful lyrics about losing someone close and trying to move forward make this an emotional choice for a funeral or memorial.
12. “True Colors” – Cyndi Lauper (1986)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“You with the sad eyes
Don’t be discouraged
Oh I realize
It’s hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small”
Why it’s suitable:
A gentle reminder to stay true to oneself, this song speaks to the importance of recognizing the beauty in life, even in hard times.
13. “Drive” – The Cars (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Who’s gonna tell you when
It’s too late?
Who’s gonna tell you things
aren’t so great?”
Why it’s suitable:
With its melancholic tone and deep reflection on love and care, this song helps capture the emotions tied to loss and remembrance.
14. “Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M. (1983)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song acknowledges the pain of grief but also encourages endurance, offering comfort and understanding.
15. “One Moment in Time” – Whitney Houston (1988)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Each day I live, I want to be
A day to give the best of me.”
Why it’s suitable:
A powerful anthem about living life to its fullest, this song can serve as an uplifting tribute to someone who made the most of their time.
16. “Purple Rain” – Prince (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I never meant to cause you any sorrow.”
Why it’s suitable:
Its soulful, emotional energy makes “Purple Rain” a powerful song for reflecting on life’s difficulties and beauty.
17. “Take My Breath Away” – Berlin (1986)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Watching every motion
In my foolish lover’s game.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song’s haunting melody and reflective lyrics make it an emotional choice for honoring a loved one’s memory.
18. “Faithfully” – Journey (1983)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
Highway run into the midnight sun
Wheels go ’round and ’round, you’re on my mind
Restless hearts, sleep alone tonight
Sendin’ all my love along the wire”
Why it’s suitable for a funeral:
A song about enduring love, “Faithfully” is a beautiful choice to express commitment and devotion, even beyond life.
19. “Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie (1981)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“My love,
There’s only you in my life.”
Why it’s suitable:
This classic love song expresses eternal love and commitment, making it a fitting tribute to someone cherished.
20. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – U2 (1987)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I have climbed highest mountains,
I have run through the fields.”
Why it’s suitable:
This spiritual song about the search for meaning is a powerful reflection on life’s journey, making it ideal for a funeral.
21. “Just the Way You Are” – Billy Joel (1980)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Don’t go changing to try and please me.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song celebrates unconditional love and acceptance, reminding mourners of the love that continues even after death.
22. “Hello” – Lionel Richie (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I’ve been alone with you inside my mind.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its haunting melody and lyrics about longing, “Hello” is a beautiful way to express the ache of missing someone.
23. “I Want to Know What Love Is” – Foreigner (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I’ve gotta take a little time,
A little time to think things over.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song’s introspective lyrics make it a poignant choice for reflecting on life, love, and the impact of loss.
24. “Careless Whisper” – George Michael (1984)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“I feel so unsure,
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor.”
Why it’s suitable:
With its emotional depth and reflective lyrics, this song speaks to the complexity of relationships and the pain of goodbye.
25. “Eternal Flame” – The Bangles (1989)
Lyrics (1st Verse):
“Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling.”
Why it’s suitable:
This song’s tender lyrics and message of everlasting love make it a comforting choice for a memorial or celebration of life.
The 1980s were a decade filled with songs that expressed deep emotion, reflection, and love. Each of these 25 tracks captures the essence of loss, hope, and remembrance, offering comfort and solace to those grieving. Whether you’re looking for a way to honor a loved one or seeking music that resonates with the complexities of life and death, these songs from the 1980s provide a beautiful and meaningful soundtrack for a funeral or memorial service
