The most-played song at funerals - and some of the most controversial music requests made this year (2024)

You'll Never Walk Alone has overtaken Frank Sinatra's My Way as the most-played funeral song, new figures suggest.

The version of the song by Gerry and the Pacemakers - long associated with Liverpool Football Club - has been played at an estimated 9,500 funerals in the past year.

It spent four weeks at number one in 1963 and has been covered by Michael Ball, Sir Captain Tom Moore and the NHS Voices of Care Choir in April.

The rankings also feature some more controversial requests, including W.A.P by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys, F*** Forever by Babyshambles, Ha Ha You're Dead by Green Day, and Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead from The Wizard of Oz.

Potentially offensive songs can end up being vetoed by funeral venues, or the person who ordaining the service.

The top 10 songs in the past year also include upbeat new entries including Tina Turner's Simply The Best and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.

Sam Tyrer, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare, said: "The songs we choose for a funeral all hold unique and personal meaning for ourselves and loved ones but naturally some songs remain more popular than others.

"Each element of a funeral is a very personal choice and we're encouraging the nation to be more open about their funeral wishes, music is a really simple and comforting place to start."

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Pauline McAvoy, funeral service manager at Co-op Funeralcare, added: "You'll Never Walk Alone really has been a stand-out song over the last year, its sentiments around weathering the storm of life by coming together and supporting one another have really struck a chord with so many after the extraordinary events of the last 18 months.

"It's a beautiful melody which carries such deep meaning."