Music is an important part of funerals and is often used to invoke memories and feelings for the deceased. Hymns and classical pieces used to be the norm for funerals but each year more pop and contemporary tracks are being played at people’s sendoffs.
The undertakers’ annual music chart was launched in 2002 and is based on data and information gathered by Co-op Funeralcare’s directors and arrangers, who conduct over a 100,000 funerals a year.
This year some of the golden oldie staples such as Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” retained places in the chart but there were also new entries from Ed Sheeran and a song from The Greatest Showman as more recent tracks made their way into funeral playlists.
“Music plays such a big part in all of our lives, it’s no surprise that our favourite songs play a role in the way we say goodbye too,” said Sam Tyrer, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare.
“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.”
The Top 10 funeral songs for 2021
