Hymns gain new popularity at funerals, Co-op finds

Co-op Funeralcare has released its 2023 Funeral Music Chart that revealed a shift in music at final farewells consisting of more hymns topping the Top 10, which has not been seen for over seven years. 

Based on data and insights from Co-op’s own funeral directors, who conducted 93,000 funerals in the last year, the latest top 10 reveal the non0movers, risers, and new entries. 

While Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ is still top of the funeral music chart, followed by Frank Sinatra’s iconic ‘My Way’, both ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and ‘Abide with Me’ placed at number eight and nine respectively. 

The Co-op attributes this rise in popularity for hymns to the recent historical royal events and cultural moments of the past few years influencing a return to tradition, including the funerals of Prince Philip and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

Two hymns that were performed at the late Queen’s funeral, ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ and ‘The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended’, have been requested more frequently to Co-op’s Funeral Directors over the last year.

Gill Stewart, managing director at Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Music plays such a big part in all of our lives so it’s no surprise that our favourite songs play a role in the way we say goodbye too. 

“Each element of a funeral is a very personal choice and we’re encouraging the nation 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, and music is a really simple and comforting place to start.”