You're retiring! Congrats, you are now #LifeGoals. If you're looking for the perfect retirement song for your celebration or dinner, we have some song ideas to spice up your party. So whether you want something country, love R&B, live for rock, or are just looking to make a humorous exit, our memorable ideas of songs for retirement will help you leave with flair.
Blues/R&B Retirement Songs
Even though we hope you won't be singing the blues after you retire, blues and R&B songs can make a great addition to your retirement party or celebration.
- Can't Take It With You by Allman Brothers Band: We're so sorry. You're going to have to leave your computer and favorite stapler at the office. You can. not. take. them. with. you.
- Celebration by Kool and The Gang: Do we really need to explain?
- Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles: That's it. You're done. Don't even think of coming back. Toodles!
- I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown: So good! So nice! Let your coworkers know how overjoyed you are to say, "See ya!"
- I'll Always Remember You by The Robert Cray Band: After all, you spent a third of your life with them.
- I'm Ready to Go by Dion: The fact that you're having a retirement party makes the theme of this song obvious, but it's still fun for communicating your state of mind. Later gators.
- Rockin' Chair by Eric Clapton: We can already see you sitting in your rocking chair with headphones on, not a worry in your head.
- Soul Man by The Blues Brothers: A Jake and Elwood send-off as you hit the road? Count us in.
- Work Is Overrated by Chicago Skinny: The title says it all. You've got that right, Chicago Skinny!
- You Should Stay I Should Go by Joanne Shaw Taylor: Oof. A little on the nose for those left behind. It sends a message, that's for sure.
Country Songs for Retirement
If a retirement hootenanny fits your vibe, look no further than Country Western for the ideal retirement songs. Country songs can be upbeat, nostalgic, and great inspirational tunes to add to your retirement playlist.
- 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton: Dolly knows what the grind is like. No more working 9 to 5 for you.
- Blue Skies by Willie Nelson: We love Willie's laid-back approach, and "Blue Skies" is definitely the approach we want to take to retirement.
- Get a Haircut and Get a Real Job by George Thorogood: You're done hearing that in this lifetime. Lucky you! This country rock anthem could serve as a parting shot or a look back at days long past.
- Happy Trails by Roy Rogers: A song that needs no introduction or explanation as the perfect retirement ditty.
- Hard Workin' Man by Brooks and Dunn: Once you worked hard. Now you don't have to.
- I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack: You may be done working, but don't forget to live. Get out there and dance. You'll have all day tomorrow to recover from the aches and pains it causes.
- It's Five O'clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffet: You're retired now. Cocktails for breakfast? Go you!
- Take This Job and Shove It by Johnny Paycheck: You don't need us to tell you why this one works.
- Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone by June Carter Cash: Spoiler alert: They will. Spoiler alert: You probably won't miss them.
- Working Man Blues by Merle Haggard: No need to be blue anymore, bro. You're outta there.
Easy Listening/Jazz Retirement Songs
Looking for retirement music that's a little more mellow? We've got you. These songs for retirement will help you ease into having every day off for the rest of your life.
- Cry Me a River by Nina Simone: To paraphrase A League of Their Own, there's no crying in retirement.
- Gone Gone Gone by Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet: That's what you'll be as soon as this party ends. Enjoy your parting gifts.
- I've Got the World on a String by Frank Sinatra: Let Ol' Blue Eyes remind you that you're about to spend your days "sittin' on a rainbow?" Sounds way better than sittin' in an office chair.
- My Way by Frank Sinatra: Maybe you weren't always able to do it exactly your way at work, but tomorrow is another day, and we bet that's how you're going to do it from here on out.
- Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' by Bing Crosby: Any mornin' that an alarm doesn't wake you up is a beautiful mornin' in our books. Everything is definitely going to be goin' your way.
- Thanks for the Memories by Bob Hope: Surely there were plenty of good ones. If not, pretend there were. You can be gracious in retirement.
- The Best Is Yet to Come by Frank Sinatra: You have your whole work-free life ahead of you.
- Unforgettable by Nat King Cole: This is for all those moments at work where you knew you were exactly where you wanted to be. Unforgettable!
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong: Picture it. Every day with trees of green and red roses, too. Life after retirement truly is a wonderful world.
- You Better Go Now by Billie Holiday: No. Seriously. It's time. Go. Now! Before they talk you into staying.
Pop/Rock Songs for Retirement Parties
You've worked alongside these people for years, but have you ever really danced with them? Or sang karaoke? Now is your chance, with some fun, upbeat songs that make you want to dance, sing, and celebrate your retirement.
- Already Gone by The Eagles: It is totally time to sing this victory song because we bet you've been already gone in your mind for months now.
- Bang the Drum All Day by Todd Rundgren: That's right! Hobbies are important in your retirement. It's time to finally take up the drums. Your partner and neighbors are going to totally love it.
- Days by The Kinks: Leave on a high note with a thank you for all the days. Maybe even the ones that weren't so great.
- Goldwatch Blues by Donovan: I worked here for 40 years, and all I got was this stinkin' watch.
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day: See ya, suckers! I hope you had the time of your life.
- Happy Together by The Turtles: Imagine me and you... aideu. Yeah... we know those aren't the real lyrics. But isn't it time to bid your work peeps adieu? You were happy together, but now you get to fly free. Enjoy.
- I'm Free by The Rolling Stones: It may not have totally hit you yet, but after tonight, you are free to do what you want any old time.
- I've Had the Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes: It's the perfect goodbye song for the end of the season at Kellerman's — or for leaving your job in the dust.
- Lean on Me by Bill Withers: There's always tomorrow. You're about to be a bastion of work-stress-free strength. Some of your co-workers may need to do a little leaning. Don't play it if you don't mean it.
- Manic Monday by The Bangles: No more manic Mondays for you, friend. Sleep in. Take your time with the crossword. You've earned it.
- Old Days by Chicago: You could be feeling a little nostalgic, but remember this about the good old days. Time to make good new days instead.
- Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks: Sure, you had joy, and you had fun at work. But retirement is your new season in the sun. Especially if you move to Florida.
- These Are the Days by Van Morrison: Indulge in a wistful remembrance tonight. Because tomorrow, you're heading off into endless summer. (Seriously, think about the whole Florida thing.)
- Time Has Come Today by The Chambers Brothers: The time has come. Don't put it off. Get the heck out of the office and get on with your life!
- Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli: Seriously. Stop lingering. It's time. Get outta here and retire already.
- Too Much Time on My Hands by Styx: We're almost certain you won't have too much time on your hands when you retire, what with moving to Florida and learning to play the drums and all.
- Watching the Wheels by John Lennon: Get off the merry-go-round. You're done playing the game. Your time is your own from here on out.
- When I'm 64 by The Beatles: This is perfect if you're retiring early. And if you are, we're pretty jealous.
- Work is a Four-Letter Word by The Smiths: We offer this as a reminder since you'll probably have time to do Wordle every day. W-O-R-K is a four-letter word and won't fit. But guess what 5-letter word will? R-E-L-A-X (also S-L-E-E-P, D-R-I-N-K, and C-H-I-L-L).
Songs for Retirement Videos
Is it even a retirement party without a fun, funny, or cheesy video? We think not. If you're looking for the backing track to your retirement video, we have a few retirement songs that will definitely set the right vibe.
- Beautiful Day by U2: Upbeat. Fun. Bono. What more do you need as you ride off into the sunset?
- Take It Easy by The Eagles: Hey! Now you have time to go stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona with a bunch of other people your age who also have time to do it. C'mon baby. Don't say maybe. Do it!
- Champagne Supernova by Oasis: This song is catchy and calming. Kinda like not having to ever go to work again.
- Feeling Good by Nina Simone: It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life for you. We bet you're feeling good.
- We Have All the Time in the World by Louis Armstrong: So much time. Seriously. What are you going to do with all that time?
- Escape by Rupert Holmes: Lots of piña coladas in your future. Lucky! Your whole life is a vacay now.
- Free Fallin' by Tom Petty: You're free as a frickin' bird!
- Raise Your Glass by Pink: It's the ultimate party anthem for the ultimate party occasion.
- Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship: Go out on a high note and let the powers that be know you're never coming back. Also, isn't this pretty much the perfect song for a montage?
Funny Retirement Songs
Go out with a laugh with funny retirement songs. Let 'em remember you as the person who always had a dad joke or a bad pun (and who never figured out how to use the copier).
- Work by Rihanna: Rub it in. Let your co-workers know they'll still be doing work work work work work. And you won't.
- I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor: Remember when you were a newb on the job... maybe at first you were afraid, a little petrified. But now, you're walking out that door and not hanging around anymore. They'll survive without you (maybe). And you'll definitely survive without them.
- School's Out by Alice Cooper: We think this is a great song for retiring educators. But, y'know, you can use schools as a metaphor for work since you probably feel as excited as kid you felt when summer break started.
- Gettin Jiggy Wit It by Will Smith: It's time to celebrate on your way out the door. Totally get jiggy with it.
Finding the Perfect Collection of Retirement Songs
Music for a retirement party can be sweet, sentimental, funny, or just downright fun. Pick songs you love or that say how you feel. Have that one, great last night at work. Then, get on with your life.
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