Funeral Music Chart 2023: Time To Say... Hello to Hymns

20 June 2023

• ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ climbs five places and secures the number one spot in the funeral music chart

• ‘Abide With Me’ re-enters the top 10, as historical events such as the Queen’s funeral see hymns make a resurgence

• ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ remains the most popular sport anthem to feature in funerals across the nation, with Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’ in at number five

• Unique song requests include ‘Break My Soul’ by Beyonce, ‘Candy Shop’ by 50 Cent and ‘Living in a Box’ by the band of the same name

The UK’s leading funeral provider, 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.”

Commenting on the Co-op Funeral Music Chart, Martine McCutcheon, award winning singer and actress said: “Music at funerals is such a personal choice and it’s interesting to see that traditional hymns are starting to make a return, whilst some other songs that you wouldn’t necessarily think would be requested have also made an appearance. It just shows you how personal it is and why it is so important to have those conversations with your loved ones.

“When it comes to my funeral, I’d probably choose more modern songs than hymns. I’d have Evergreen by Barbra Streisand as it’s been a song that’s played a huge part in my life since I was very young and the lyrics are about a love that’s everlasting no matter what.

“And perhaps something upbeat and feel-good like ‘Last Dance’ by Donna Summer. All of my friends and family know how much I love this song and I can’t resist getting up and dancing to it. I would hope they would be up dancing and celebrating my life too!”

As a member owned business, over 7,000 Co-op Members have also had their say about what song they would like played at their funeral – with ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman and ‘Jerusalem’ by Sir Hubert Parry being the top two favourites.

Co-op Members’ Top 10 most wished for songs:

James Murray, the 'Singing Undertaker' from William Pressdee Co-op Funeralcare in Mumbles, Swansea, added: “When meeting with families after the funeral has taken place they often tell me that they think of their loved ones when they least expect to and music can play a big part in this.

“These memories are all linked to the senses and nothing is more powerful than hearing a piece of music to transport you back to a particular moment in time or to help you recall a fond memory. I am honoured to help people choose the right piece of music that will forever be synonymous with someone who is precious to them.”

To find out more and listen to some of the most requested songs, visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/funeralcare/music/charts

Ends

All the charts and other key findings:

Notes to editors

Research was conducted among Co-op’s Funeral directors and arrangers in April 2023 based on approximately 93,000 funerals conducted in the last 12 months For more information, visit: Funeral music charts - Co-op Funeralcare (coop.co.uk)

For further information please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,500 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing over 57,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11.5 billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.