Manchester Based Co-op Funeralcare, has today released its 2023 Funeral Music Chart.
The hot list, which first launched in 2002, sees Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ top of the funeral music chart, followed by Frank Sinatra’s iconic ‘My Way’.
Based on data and insights from Co-op’s own funeral directors, who conducted 93,000 funerals in the last year, the latest top 10 reveals the non-movers, risers, and new entries.
The 2023 Funeral Music Chart Top 10 in full:
Revealing a shift in music at final farewells, hymns are now back in the Top 10 – not seen for over seven years – with both ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and ‘Abide with Me’ placing at number 8 and 9 respectively. One answer to this could be the recent historical royal events and cultural moments of the past few years influencing a return to tradition, including the funerals of Prince Philip and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Two hymns that were 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, suggesting the lasting legacy and impact the late monarch has on people’s feature on own funeral choices.
2021 winner ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Gerry and the Pacemakers has fallen six places, however, the Liverpool anthem remains the most requested sports song. The Late Tina Turner’s ‘The Best, famously sung by Rangers fans, also makes the Sports Top 10.
Sports Top 10:
New requests identified by Co-op’s funeral directors include ‘Break My Soul’ by Beyonce, ‘Candy Shop’ by 50 Cent, ‘Take Me Back to London’ by Ed Sheeran ft. Stormzy, ‘I’m a Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child, ‘Living in a Box’ by the band of the same name, and ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman’ by Shania Twain, perhaps tracks to look out for in future funeral charts.
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.”
