Fun facts: what are the most requested songs at funerals around the world?

Throughout human history, different peoples and cultures have found the most varied ways of showing love to their loved ones. In addition to words, many forms of art play this role and will continue to fulfill the mission of materializing such complex and profound feelings, whether through literature, visual arts or, above all, music.

Brazilian funeral traditions are usually expressed in a quieter and more reserved way, through tributes with flowers, wreath and prayers. Here, music is rarely played during wakes and burials, except for the singing of songs such as hymns or religious songs to support the faith of the deceased or the mourners who are there to say goodbye to a loved one.

But around the world, it's common for family and friends to choose songs or ballads that express the intensity of love, the pain of parting and hope for those who have lost a family member or someone special. In many cases, even the deceased themselves can communicate in life which song they wish to be played at their own farewell.

Most played list

The practice is so common that the British newspaper The Guardian carried a updated list in 2019 with the most played songs at funerals in the country. The analysis shows that more popular songs are taking precedence over the religious hymns and classics that have been played for decades on these sensitive and emotional occasions.

The data was obtained from Co-op Funeralcare, one of the largest companies in the segment, which organizes up to 100,000 funeral ceremonies every year.

According to experts, the change in the choice of music shows an intense change in behavior in which people are looking for increasingly personalized experiences instead of the traditional funeral, which can be cold and melancholy.

While the absolute classic My Way remains at the top of the podium, the entry of contemporary artists such as pop star Ed Sheeran stands out with the beautiful song he composed to pay tribute to his late grandmother and did so masterfully, adopting his mother's view of her.

See the list

1- My Way - Frank Sinatra

2 - Time To Say Goodbye - Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

3 - Over The Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

4 - Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler

5 - Angels - Robbie Williams

6 - Supermarket Flowers - Ed Sheeran

7 - Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

8 - You Raise Me Up - Westlife

9 - We?ll Meet Again - Vera Lynn

10 - Always Looking To The Bright Side Of LIfe - Eric Idle

Other light and irreverent choices

In addition to the songs in the top 10, other songs released by Co-op Funeral have also been requested to bring lightness or even humor during some funerals. This is an attempt to break up the funeral atmosphere among the mourners and even make them smile at such a delicate and sad time.

Some of these choices include Stairway to Heaven by the iconic Led Zeppelin or even Bat Out of Hell by the hard rock and glam band Meat Loaf.