We were interested to read the 2023 Chart of Funeral Songs by leading UK funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare. The annual survey is based on data and insights from Co-op’s own funeral directors. The 2023 survey draws on 93,000 funerals in the year leading up to its publication.
Based on this data, Co-op Funeralcare compiled a series of charts for best funeral songs in various different musical genres. The most popular classical songs for funerals include 'Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations, Clair de Lune by Debussy, and The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams. Read our guide to the best classical music for funerals for more great choices.
Here are the ten most popular and best songs for funerals, across all genres:
Best songs for funerals and memorial services
10. 'Dancing in the Sky' by Danni & Lizzy
Vancouver twins Danni and Lizzy wrote their hit 'Dancing in the Sky' in remembrance of a friend who had died. Their lyrics carry the message that the friend is still being thought of, loved and missed. They speculate on what it's like up in heaven for them.
9. 'Abide with Me' by Henry Francis Lyte and William Henry Monk
'Abide with Me' is an enduringly popular hymn at funerals. In fact, it even features in our own list of the best funeral hymns.
The words are by Anglican minister Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847). Typically, the tune that accompanies them is ‘Eventide’ by William Henry Monk (1823-89). It is believed that Lyte wrote his hymn in anticipation of his own impending end and it was sung for the first time at his funeral. Football fans sing 'Abide with Me' before matches at the FA Cup Finals, in a tradition that dates back to 1927.
- The best football chants based on classical music
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8. 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' by Cecil Frances Alexander and William Henry Monk
The hymn writer and poet Cecil Frances Alexander wrote the lyrics for All Things Bright and Beautiful in 1848. He was also responsible for the carol 'Once in Royal David's City' and the Passiontide hymn 'There is a green hill far away'.
The hymn's second line, 'All creatures great and small', might be familiar to book lovers. Vet James Herriot wrote a book of the same name, which Channel 5 then adapted for a popular TV series.
Interestingly, the hymn is most commonly sung to a tune composed by William Henry Monk. He also provided the tune for 'Abide with Me' above.
7. 'You'll Never Walk Alone' by Rodgers and Hammerstein
This profoundly moving song was written by the prolific songwriting duo Rodgers and Hammerstein for their 1945 musical Carousel.
It later got a hugely popular cover version by 1960s Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers. This is why Liverpool fans (among many other football fans) have taken the song to their hearts.
The song took on another level of meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it became an anthem of support for medical staff and those in isolation. Its uplifting message - essentially, you'll never be alone, even after death - has long made it a favourite among funeral songs.
6. 'Over the Rainbow' by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg
You'll recognise this dreamy, gently longing ballad from the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Memorably sung by actress Judy Garland, playing the story's heroine Dorothy, the song won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
We included Over the Rainbow in our list of the best movie songs ever. The Wizard of Oz itself made the cut in our list of the best film musicals of all time.
5. 'We'll Meet Again' by Vera Lynn
Singer Vera Lynn, aka the 'Forces' Sweetheart', recorded this much-loved song during World War II.
Its nostalgic lyrics provided great comfort to those separated from their loved ones by the conflict. 'We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when / But I know we'll meet again some sunny day'. Small wonder it became one of the most popular songs of World War II.
These poignant lyrics also work very well in a funeral setting. Mourners can consider the idea that they will ultimately have a reunion with their loved one.
4. 'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Bette Midler
While Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley wrote this emotional ballad in 1982, it was quickly transformed in cover versions. Within two years of being composed, it had undergone several cover versions by Roger Whittaker, Sheena Easton, Lou Rawls and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Its most famous cover version was the 1988 recording by singer and actress Bette Midler. It featured in the soundtrack to the film Beaches. It was this version that won Grammy Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year in February 1990.
The Bette Midler version has long been one of the most popular funeral songs.
3. 'Supermarket Flowers' by Ed Sheeran
The album closer on Sheeran's third album ÷ (Divide), 'Supermarket Flowers' is a tribute to the singer's late grandmother. Sheeran played the song at her funeral. It's a real tearjerker.
2. 'My Way'
'My Way', most famously recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1969, makes one of the very best funeral songs. The song's protagonist sings about the experience of facing 'the final curtain'. They then go on to reflect that 'I've lived a life that's full/I travelled each and every highway/And more, much more than this/I did it my way'.
A life well loved: a very fitting tribute to a departed loved one.
What is the most popular funeral song?
1. 'Time to Say Goodbye'
This lushly orchestrated ballad was first performed in its Italian version ('Con te partirò) by singer Andrea Bocelli at the 1995 Sanremo Music Festival in Italy. Bocelli then went on to do an English/Italian duet with opera singer Sarah Brightman. It was this version that then became a huge global hit.
Once again, the poignant theme of saying goodbye to a loved one is clear to see from the title onwards. Thanks to its gorgeous melody and swooning strings, 'Time to Say Goodbye' is one of the most powerful and emotional funeral songs out there.