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And Finally Artist News
Hymns drop out of top ten funeral songs, as the dead turn to pop
By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 2 May 2019
Frank Sinatra is a non-mover at number one in the top ten most popular funeral songs in the UK. In fact, the whole top four is the same as last time Co-op Funeralcare published its chart in 2016. What has changed, though, is that there are now no hymns in the list, with people turning to pop as they’re shoved into the afterlife.
Three years ago, there were three hymns in the top ten: ‘The Lord Is My Shepard’, ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’ and ‘Abide With Me’. But now none are anywhere to be seen, with Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’ returning to the top ten at number five and Ed Sheeran a new entry at six. I think that means Ed Sheeran is now officially bigger than God. Westlife make up the other hymn-busting new entry at number eight.
The news follows stats released by the Church Of England last year, which showed a decline in the number of people holding funerals in churches. Now, it seems, people are also more likely to want more contemporary music to see them off. Although the songs chosen are generally on the old side – with artists including Bette Midler, Nat King Cole and Vera Lynn represented.
“We all live such unique lives and funerals should completely reflect that”, says David Collingwood, Director Of Funerals at the Co-op. “Each element of a funeral is a very personal decision which is why the music choice plays such an important and impactful role”.
He goes on: “We’re always encouraging people 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. Even knowing what song someone would have wanted can bring such comfort at an incredibly hard time”.
Right, OK, I guess we need to think about this. What song would I like played as I’m rolled through those little doors? Actually, you know what, I’m a modern person in tune with what’s going on in the world right now. I think I’d like a podcast.
Anyway, here is the top ten end credits songs in the UK:
1. Frank Sinatra – My Way
2. Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman – Time To Say Goodbye
3. Eva Cassidy – Over The Rainbow
4. Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings
5. Robbie Williams – Angels
6. Ed Sheeran – Supermarket Flowers
7. Nat King Cole – Unforgettable
8. Westlife – You Raise Me Up
9. Vera Lynn – We’ll Meet Again
10. Eric Idle – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life
There is, of course, an official streaming playlist to go along with this, just in case you want to know what it’s like to attend ten funerals in 40 minutes.
