The most popular songs played at funerals have been revealed by the Co-op, with Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s Time to Say Goodbye topping the chart.
Frank Sinatra’s My Way was the second most popular based on research from Co-op’s funeral directors, who conducted 93,000 funerals in the last year.
Other popular songs included Ed Sheeran’s Supermarket Flowers, Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings and Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.
Two hymns performed at the late Queen’s funeral, The Lord’s My Shepherd and The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended, have been requested more frequently to Co-op’s funeral directors over the last year.
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers remains the most requested sports song.
New requests identified by Co-op’s funeral directors include Break My Soul by Beyonce, Candy Shop by 50 Cent and Take Me Back to London by Ed Sheeran.
Gill Stewart, managing director at Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Music plays such a big part in all of our lives, so it’s no surprise that our favourite songs play a role in the way we say goodbye too.
“The songs we choose for a funeral all hold unique and personal meaning for ourselves and loved ones, but naturally some songs remain more popular than others and we’re delighted to unveil this year’s music chart.
“Each element of a funeral is a very personal choice and we’re encouraging the nation to be more open about their funeral wishes, making it clear to their loved ones what they would want for themselves when the time comes, and music is a really simple and comforting place to start.”
The top 10 is:
1. Time To Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman/Andrea Bocelli
2. My Way – Frank Sinatra
3. Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
4. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
5. We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
6. Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
7. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & The Pacemakers
8. All Things Bright & Beautiful – Hymn
9. Abide With Me – various/Hymn
10. Dancing In the Sky – Dannii & Lizzy
