Most popular funeral songs ranked by Spotify data

Creating a playlist for a special occasion or event can pose a challenge, but none quite as daunting as putting together a funeral song playlist. Music holds the power to deeply personalise a funeral service, and the importance of making the right choices cannot be overstated. In this guide, you'll discover the most popular funeral songs and gain insights on selecting music that captures the essence of your loved one's life.

The most popular funeral songs

Have you ever wondered which songs people most frequently choose for funerals and why? To uncover these most liked funeral songs, an extensive analysis of Spotify data was undertaken by Legal and General. Over 300,000 songs from playlists titled 'funeral songs,' 'my funeral playlist,' 'mum's funeral,' and 'dad's funeral' were analysed to identify the most commonly selected funeral tracks of 2021.

Legal and General's data revealed that 'Cigarette Daydreams' by Cage the Elephant emerged as the top choice for funerals, making frequent appearances in these playlists. Other notable mentions include Wiz Khalifa's 'See You Again' and Ed Sheeran's 'Supermarket Flowers.' Just outside the top ten, you'll find renowned tracks like 'Spirit in the Sky' by Norman Greenbaum and 'Where Is My Mind?' by the Pixies.

1. Cigarette Daydreams by Cage the Elephant
2. See You Again by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
3. Mr Loverman by Ricky Montgomery
4. Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran
5. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
6. I Can Only Imagine by Mercyme
7. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
8. Creep by Radiohead
9. Amazing Grace by LeAnn Rimes
10. I'll See You Again by Westlife

How to select the perfect funeral songs

Recognizing that everyone possesses unique tastes, what constitutes an ideal funeral song is highly subjective. Traditionalists may lean towards orchestral compositions, while those with contemporary sensibilities might favour pop, rock, or hip-hop. When choosing funeral music, it's important to contemplate how the music can authentically encapsulate your loved one's life.

Celebration of life funeral songs

For those seeking an uplifting and smile-inducing option during a challenging time, consider Norman Greenbaum's 'Spirit in the Sky.' Originally recorded in 1969 but covered by various artists since, this psychedelic rock track addresses death with an infectious gospel groove. Alternatively, 'In My Life' by The Beatles offers a nostalgic journey back to the '60s.

Classic funeral songs

If you want a certified classic, Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' holds a special place, particularly for fathers. 'Time To Say Goodbye' by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman is a timeless orchestral piece, originally crafted as a farewell song for boxer Henry Maske. Queen's 'Who Wants To Live Forever' is a poignant choice, acknowledging the inevitability of death while celebrating everlasting love. "Amazing Grace" by various artists, is a hymn that touches the hearts of many.

Modern funeral songs

Not everyone wishes to include baby boomer classics in their funeral playlist. Thankfully, a growing list of modern funeral songs has gained popularity. Robbie Williams' 'Angels' from 1997 is now considered a modern classic. A more recent addition is Green Day's 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' from 2004, penned by Billie Joe Armstrong after his father's passing. For a moving piano ballad, Adele's 'Someone Like You' from 2011 is a beautiful option to consider.

Humorous funeral songs

If your loved one had a playful sense of humour, Eric Idle's 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life,' written for the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe, can bring a smile to mourners' faces. On the other hand, if they appreciated dark humour, AC/DC's 'Highway To Hell' could provide a fittingly irreverent farewell.

Funeral songs for remembrance

When the time comes that you need to start selecting funeral songs, an important factor to consider is the song's appropriateness for the occasion. In most occasions, songs should be respectful and steer away from lyrics that might be deemed offensive or unsuitable. In essence, funeral songs should be chosen for their capacity to stir emotions of love, hope and remembrance.

Although the songs listed above are popular choices for Spotify audiences, they may not align perfectly with the tone of the funeral service you are organising. Therefore, dedicating time to select songs that bear personal meaning and relevance to the person being commemorated is most important.

Music possesses a profound ability to unite people, creating a collective experience that can be both therapeutic and cathartic. It has the power to assist friends and family in coming to terms with their grief.

If you are looking for more funeral songs ideas, we have classical, rock and country songs listed below:

• Popular funeral songs
• Classical funeral songs
• Top 50 best rock funeral songs
• Top 10 best funeral country songs

Sources:

• https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/over-50-life-insurance/funeral-planning/what-would-be-your-funeral-song/