Recognising the importance of music when it comes to saying goodbye, James Murray, Funeral Director at Co-op Funeralcare’s William Pressdee Funeralcare, started to sing for families at funerals during the pandemic.

James, a baritone, began singing more than two decades ago in his local church choir. When restrictions on funerals started due to Covid, he decided to make the most of his gifts and give local people the send-off they would have wanted, no matter the circumstances.

Despite the restrictions now being lifted, James still sings live versions of a variety of songs, mainly Welsh choral classics as well as hymns – which are now making a comeback, according to Co-op Funeralcare’s 2023 Funeral Music Chart. Both ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ have now reappeared in the UK top 10 funeral songs for the first time in seven years, respectively landing at number eight and nine – while nearly a quarter of Welsh funerals (22%) played hymns during the service.

The hot list, which first launched in 2002, is based on data and insights from Co-op’s own funeral directors, who conducted 93,000 funerals in the last year. It revealed that Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, followed by Frank Sinatra’s iconic ‘My Way’, are the nation’s funeral songs of choice.

James said: “It’s wonderful to see hymns returning to the top 10 of the 2023 Funeral Music Chart for the first time in over seven years.  

“With Covid restrictions lifted, families are now able to hold larger, in-person funerals at places of worship, which is certainly an important factor. We’re also seeing a shift in attitudes, with more and more families wanting to celebrate life, and music is the perfect way to do so.  

“Although they were traditionally sung in churches, hymns are often the soundtrack for some important life moments, such as weddings, sporting occasions or even favourite films – which can help conjure up precious memories. That’s why I love doing what I do; being able to give someone the best possible send-off and supporting their loved ones throughout the process is absolutely priceless.” 

Most popular songs at Funerals

Overall Top 10

Rock Top 10

Indie / Band Top 10

Pop Top 10

Classical Top 10

Hymn / Traditional Top 10

R&B Top 10

Country Top 10

TV / Soap Top 10

Movie Songs Top 10

Sports Top 10