The top 20 most popular funeral songs

Get your tissues at the ready

James Moore

15:21 27th July 2015

We don't want to sound too morbid, but have you ever thought about what songs you want played at your funeral? We all have - and here are the most popular selections.

In case you need some help brainstorming that all important tune, here's a list of the 20 most popular funeral songs of the 21st Century - as found by Co-operative Funeralcare. You know, just to give you an idea of what's already in the mix.

The list features some "duh" moments, but also hosts a number of tracks that will leave you feeling slightly puzzled. For instance, surely even the most die-hard Corrie fan wouldn't want the theme tune played during their sombre fare well?

From biblical hymns to football chants, click ahead for our definitive list on the most popular funeral tracks.

20. Georges Bizet - 'Adagio': A classical, floating number to begin proceedings, this song is as traditional and inoffensive as they come. A moving piece of classical genius to stand the test of time, for all time.
20. 'Puccini - 'Nessun Dorma': In joint 20th place is this legendary composer's classic opera piece - certain to make the hairs on your back stand to attention. Haunting and beautiful.
19. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - 'World In Union' (Rugby Theme): "A new age has begun" bellows throughout the song, as well as lines about fulfilling your destiny. Roaring stuff.
18. Eva Cassidy - 'Over The Rainbow': This sweet and understated cover of Harold Arlen's 'Wizard Of Oz' song is sure to stir up plenty of emotion. A gorgeous farewell number, with a tinge of optimism for the future.
18. Westlife - 'You Raise Me Up': Joint in 18th place and originally written by Secret Garden, this track has been covered by over 100 different artists, including these famous Irish lads.
17. 'Coronation Street Theme Tune': Oddly enough, this collection of horns can be quite the tear jerker in funeral scenarios. We imagine this one is more popular up North.
16. Schubert - 'Ave Maria': This monster opera song is one of the most rousing pieces of music ever recorded - ultimately soothing, moving and humbling.
15. Vivaldi - 'Four Seasons': Vivaldi's iconic string section reminds us more of a wedding, but we supposed everybody is entitled to their own opinion...
14. Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bochelli - 'Time To Say Goodbye': If there's a more fitting song title, we'd like to hear it.
13. 'Only Fools and Horses Theme Tune': A British institution - why not? It does subtly pose questions about the meaning of life too - why do only fools and horses work?
13. 'Last of the Summer Wine Theme Tune': Joint at 13th is this sweet, classical number that actually seems quite fitting - packed with memories of those calming Sunday afternoons.
12. Celine Dion - 'My Heart Will Go On': The soppiest of soppy ballads, but each to their own...
11. Pachelbel - 'Canon in D': A classical piece that has influenced a great deal of music over the years, it's another inoffensive and surprisingly jolly number.
10. Booker T. & the MG's - 'Soul Limb'o (Cricket Theme): This uplifting, Caribbean influenced anthem seems bizarre in a funeral setting, but who doesn't love cricket? We love it.
9. Gerry and the Peacemakers - 'You'll Never Walk Alone': Adopted by fans of Liverpool FC, this is widely considered to one of the greatest football anthems. Powerful and uplifting stuff.
8. Elgar - 'Nimrod' (Enigma Variations): A stirring piece, the title is believed to be linked to a cryptic melody that still hasn't been discovered within the song. Hmm, interesting...
7. Robbie Williams - 'Angels': Wondering when this would pop up? Before Robbie got a blonde mohawk and started chasing UFO's, he sung a schmaltzy ballad that is adored by the masses - including those who are loving angels instead.
6. 'All Things Bright and Beautiful': Written by Cecil Frances Alexander and originally published in 1848, this timeless hymn is one of the most powerful things when sung en masse.
5. Frank Sinatra - 'My Way': A wonderfully written ode to regret and perseverance, Sinatra's track is perfectly fitting for a day of reflection. A classy farewell.
4. 'Match of The Day Theme Tune': A little bit too upbeat for our taste, even if you're celebrating a life rather than mourning a death. Still, it's a song that will be ingrained in most of our brain's forever.
3. 'Abide With Me': Another sombre classic. If you're looking to flood the church hall with tears, this is a sure thing.
2. 'The Lord Is My Shepherd Psalm 23/Crimond': It's all getting very biblical in here, isn't it? Praise the Lord then for the No.1 spot...
1. Eric Idle - 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life': A stone cold, monster classic from Monthy Python's The Life Of Brian. Belonging to one of the greatest comedies of all time, the chorus' mantra is universal and wonderfully uplifting. The perfect funeral song? We'd say so.

Photo: WENN/Press