Directed by , the official video takes a more literal—and tragic—narrative approach than the lyrics themselves.
: An earlier version of the track appeared on the band's self-titled EP under the title "Billion Day Funeral" . Official Music Video Analysis Band of Horses - The Funeral [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
: Pitchfork ranked it as the 67th greatest song of the 2000s in 2009. Directed by , the official video takes a
: Bridwell wrote the song as a "whining" commentary on his dread of social obligations and holidays like Christmas or New Year's Eve. He likened the pressure of "forced togetherness" and the need to pretend to be excited to the heavy feeling of attending a funeral. : Bridwell wrote the song as a "whining"
: Its "ambiguous relatability" has made it a staple in pop culture, appearing in everything from military films to the TV series How I Met Your Mother and the video game Skate .