Retirement songs are an ideal way to say farewell to coworkers as they embark on their next chapter. They provide some encouraging words of parting and keep the party atmosphere upbeat.
When selecting a song for a retirement party, ensure the lyrics match the theme and are upbeat. Furthermore, words that celebrate the retiree’s achievements and memories would be ideal.
1. The Show Must Go On
One of the iconic songs in music history, The Show Must Go On was composed by Brian May for Queen’s 1991 album Innuendo and served as its final track. It poignantly recalls Freddie Mercury’s battle with AIDS while still alive.
Even as Freddie was near death, his lyrics served as a powerful reminder that even death can’t stop us from living. Even in the face of an illness that would soon claim him, Freddie was determined to live and perform for his fans as much as possible.
No matter what happened, he was determined to make his last performance as a member of Queen an unforgettable one for everyone who attended. That is why his rendition of The Show Must Go On is so remarkable.
The lyrics of the song capture Freddie’s journey, from schoolboy to world-famous singer. It makes an ideal song for anyone retiring, as its sentimental and inspirational tone can help ease your colleague’s transition into retirement.
This song is perfect for a coworker who may feel shy or nervous about their retirement celebration. It will remind them that they’ll still have plenty of fun, as well as give them the assurance that they can handle whatever comes next in life.
Another excellent song that could be played at a retirement party is the timeless hit, 9 to 5. This timeless tune speaks about the difficulties of working full time and ultimately reaching retirement age. It can be an inspiring way for people to open up about their own struggles and how they overcame them to reach success in their careers.
2. I’m Free
Florence + the Machine’s latest single, I’m Free, is an ode to her anxiety as well as her body and dance. It’s a beautiful song about finding strength to move on from overwhelming emotions; its video was directed by Autumn de Wilde and evokes that same feeling of liberation.
This video stars Welch as herself, running or stretching across buffet lines wearing a red dress while her anxiety (Bill Nighy) sits behind her talking on the phone. It’s an inspiring demonstration of how exercising can benefit mind and body, giving us strength to tackle life’s obstacles with grace and resilience.
Recent years, Florence + the Machine have become one of the top names in this genre. Their ability to capture their subjects’ spirit with poetic precision and upliftment is truly remarkable; I’m Free is another prime example.
No surprise here – the band is co-produced by Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) and Nick DiDia (Bruce Springsteen). While the production may be the highlight of this album, the songwriting remains consistently excellent throughout. The jumbo-sized record features some excellent tracks, including aptly named lead single ‘Mermaid Beach’.
With their signature flimsy middle percussion and an unexpectedly large budget, the band managed to craft an album that is much more than just a collection of catchy rockers. There are several songs that take on bigger themes than your average pop hit, and their quality is top notch. I’m Free is their finest work to date and should be on everyone’s must-listen list.
3. Walking on Sunshine
Written as a ballad, the catchy tune was transformed into an upbeat anthem and became the title track of Katrina and the Waves’ debut album. Released in 1985, it spawned several hits such as “Love Shines a Light” and “Walk on Water,” which went on to become top ten hits on both Billboard and UK charts for decades.
This iconic song has gained the love of a devoted cult following, being covered by everyone from VeggieTales to the Muppets over two decades. Moreover, its success has spawned numerous innovations like an advanced mobile phone app, interactive musical theatre and an entirely new generation of music lovers. Most importantly though, this timeless gem continues earning royalties for advertisers and will likely remain so for many more years to come. Aside from having an effective retirement plan in place, some optimism can go a long way toward helping you enjoy your golden years in style!
4. End of the Line
The Traveling Wilburys’ upbeat track “End of the Line” is perfect for a retirement celebration. It has just enough pace and an infectious melody that will have everyone on the dance floor.
Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison comprise the band members that compose “In Memory of Roy Orbison”, written in 1981 when they performed it aboard a train as a tribute to their late bandmate.
It’s an appropriate tribute to Orbison, who passed away before the song’s music video was finished. The Wilburys’ video features a clip of Orbison playing his guitar in a rocking chair next to a photograph of him – it is truly heartwarming.
Though this acoustic song may appear melancholy at first, it actually conveys a very sweet sentiment that acknowledges the fact that someone has worked their entire lives and now has time to pursue all their interests. With lyrics such as ‘Liberation’, it would make an excellent addition to any retirement party.
A coworker or friend’s retirement is an important milestone, so you need to do your best to keep the atmosphere upbeat. Playing some nostalgic songs on a playlist is an effective way to evoke fond memories, but make sure you select appropriate ones for this special occasion.
When selecting music for a retirement celebration, it’s essential to include both upbeat and uplifting tunes. While including some sad songs can be appropriate when saying goodbye, if you want your party to have more energy, try including songs like “The Show Must Go On” or “I’m Free,” both of which will get everyone dancing and singing along.
5. Take It Easy
“Take It Easy,” The Eagles’ first single and opening track on their self-titled debut, has long been a part of their live shows. Written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, it quickly became one of the band’s signature songs; reaching number 12 on Billboard Hot 100 chart and being inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll list.
Though it may be tempting to write off this song as an old school throwback, its lyrics are actually quite sophisticated and deeply personal. Not only are the words not about taking things easy but rather represent Frey’s internal battle with his own demons.
In the second verse, bassist Randy Meisner provides a soft harmony vocal that’s immediately replaced by drummer Don Henley’s more assertive drawl for the chorus. This exchange of backing vocals keeps the song moving along at an energetic pace while constantly altering its feel.
In the third verse, Frey’s plaintive twang gives way to a more restrained croon. Leadon’s banjo riff adds some country charm without becoming overbearing.
No wonder “Take It Easy” has become one of the iconic songs from California’s early ’70s rock scene, earning itself a place in the hearts of West Coast folk and country-rock icons such as Jackson Browne.
In 1993, The Eagles’ reunion was made possible through the success of this song. For years after Frey’s passing, it remained a staple part of their live shows.