When planning a retirement party – whether for yourself or someone else – you simply can’t afford not to properly plan the party playlist. Of course, music is essential to any party, but a retirement party needs a little bit of upfront planning if you want to make it truly special.
As with planning any party, there are always a couple of logistical things you need to take care of. Consider the venue – can you play music there, and if so, until what time? Can you submit your own playlist, or do you need to hire a DJ? Is there even a proper sound system available?
Once you have these technical details sorted, it’s time to get to the fun part. Planning the actual retirement party playlist. But, before you get too excited, there are a couple of tips you need to keep in mind before you start assembling the perfect playlist.
Top 6 tips to think before you start putting together a playlist:
- Think about what type of party you want to have. Of course, everyone wants to have a fun party, but do you want something that is very upbeat or a party that has more moments of reflection? Music can shape emotions in a very powerful way, so it’s worth thinking about this when putting together a playlist.
- Even if you’ve planned for a certain type of party, don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit. For example, you can absolutely combine playing more upbeat songs with a more melancholy one wedged in-between.
- Consider the type of workplace etiquette if you are planning a party for a co-worker. For example, certain explicit lyrics might not go down equally well in all settings.
- Think about the retiree and the type of music they like. Of course, you want to be sure to plan a playlist that the honorary guest will like, but you still want a good balance of music that everyone likes and sets the mood.
- When sending out the party invitations, invite guests to also submit a song. It could be a song that reminds them about the retiree or a special memory they shared together. Or it could simply be a song that they think would work well for a retirement party. You can never have too many good suggestions.
- Have a backup plan. If you see the playlist isn’t doing its magic, you can always opt for one of the playlists on Spotify. On Spotify, you can easily filter on the type of mood or decade of music, for example. Just be sure that you have a premium account so that constant advertisements don’t interrupt the music.
Top songs to include in your playlist:
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
Parton’s recognizable song fits this celebration even though it is not specifically retirement-themed. This is a great song to celebrate the guest of honor’s newfound freedom and escape from the 9-5 working life.
- Work is Overrated – Chicago Skinny
The title really sums it up. If Dolly Parton isn’t your (or the retiree’s) cup of tea, try this blues version to celebrate the end of a long chapter.
- “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'” by Bing Crosby
This song is the perfect way to let the retiree know those chaotic mornings of commuting and client meetings are now replaced by an easy start.
- “Hello, Goodbye” by The Beatles
Almost everyone knows and loves The Beatles. And even if someone isn’t the biggest fan – they can surely appreciate the message as the song celebrates how goodbye is simply hellos to a new chapter of life.
- I’ve Had the Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
At almost any retirement celebration, this beautiful ballad should be played as part of a slow dance or slideshow.
- “Hell Yeah” by Neil Diamond
This song is the perfect way to celebrate the retiree for being fearless in all the chapters of their life leading up to this exciting new one.
- “This Ain’t Goodbye” by Train
Retirement parties can be bittersweet, making this song the perfect one to play. While retirement is a momentous journey, in the moment, it feels like everything has to change.
In actual fact, the person’s routine will, but it doesn’t mean that friendships with old friends and colleagues should too. This song is a great way to remind everyone of that.
- “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
This song has a bit of the same sentiment as the previous one – reminding everyone that even know things are changing, you can still treasure and keep the friends you’ve made along the way.
- “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
This is a fun and ironic song to make light of the situation in that you are losing more than just a colleague, but also a friend. Changes can be difficult, so often, the best remedy is a bit of laughter to lighten up the situation.
- Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
If your co-worker was just waiting for this moment so they could break away from the rat race and chase their crazy dreams, then you absolutely have to play this song at their party.
It’s a well-loved song that gets people hyped up, and if it matches the guest of honor’s personality, then it’s a guaranteed winner.
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
The song is a must for the coworker or friend that always stuck to their guns and did things in their own unique way. Many of the songs on this list could be used as tribute songs if you will also have a slide show, but this ballad stands out as the top pick.
- “The Best is Yet to Come” by Frank Sinatra
Sinatra is too much of a classic to only include one of his songs on this list. “The Best is Yet to Come” celebrates the unknown but exciting future that lies ahead. This makes it an absolute hit on any retirement party playlist.
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
Many people think this is a sad song. Instead, it’s a nostalgic ballad celebrating beautiful memories. What a perfect song for a retirement party.
- “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” by Cher
This is a beautiful pick for the retiree that has a long bucket list they want to get through. It’s also a great song to include if the retiree played a pivotal role in the growth of the company or team. It’s a great way to acknowledge the mark they are leaving behind.
- Manic Monday – The Bangles
The recording, like 9 to 5, is especially appropriate for a retirement celebration for a woman because it’s sung by a female rock group.
- Happy Together- The Turtles
If your retirement celebration includes a moment of recognition for your spouse, this nostalgic 60s classic is a perfect choice.
- “100 Years” by Five for Fighting
The song truly celebrates the importance of living in the moment and appreciating where you are at right now. We cannot think of a more perfect song to include in your retirement party playlist.
- I’m Free – Rolling Stones
More and more retirement celebrations feature the music of the Rolling Stones. Laughter and congratulations are sure to follow the simple and direct lyrics.
- Lean on Me – Bill Withers
Several versions have been recorded of this song, but the original 1972 Bill Withers arrangement best conveys the timeless message.
- “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
If you know your coworker is looking forward to lazy days doing only what they want to do – be it gardening or fishing then this is one song you don’t want to skip out on.
- “Hall of Fame” by The Script
This song doesn’t focus on retirement per se – instead, it’s a celebration of someone’s success. It’s a beautiful way to let the retiree know you appreciate and value the work that they’ve done.
- “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney
You’ll enjoy this silly anthem if you’ve got a coworker who’s ready for retirement (and loves country music).
- “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
This is such an upbeat song that it’s guaranteed to get people in a good mood. To be honest, it’s such a good song that you can get away with playing it twice even.
- “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
This song is a fun addition to a playlist, especially if the guest of honor loves Hawaiian shirts!
- “Good Times Roll” by The Cars
This song will remind attendees that some of the best times are still to come. If you have quite a bit of slower and introspective songs, this is a good option to balance out the mood of everyone.
- “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters
Focusing on the future is the whole theme of this song by the Carpenters. Help everyone recognize that retirement is not just an ending. It’s the start of an exciting new stage.
- “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang
This song is a great option to kick off the celebration. Consider playing it early on, so it helps set the mood for a fun evening ahead.