What would be your funeral tune?
Thursday 16th April 2009, 8:25AM BST.
Church Aston graveyard, by Martin James
It seems the British way of death is changing. No longer are only hymns played as we say our last goodbyes – these days the music can be anything from Frank Sinatra to AC/DC.
But it’s not all good. X Factor winner Alexandra Burke’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah was the 25th most popular song at funerals last year – presumably running the risk of the deceased getting up and smashing the CD player.
More than 30,000 funerals were surveyed. The results showed that the popularity of funeral hymns is, well, dying – at least in England. The Scots still favour traditional music, but south of the border more than half of the funerals featured popular music.
And while some of the songs chosen are no surprise – Frank Sinatra’s My Way is the most popular – some are certainly unusual.
AC/DC’s Highway to Hell is a popular funeral tune, as is Another One Bites the Dust, by Queen.
Music from Emmerdale, Only Fools And Horses and even the Radio 4 Shipping Forecast have all been used to send loved ones to the great beyond.
But what would you choose for your final exit? Tell us all about it in the comment box below, and don’t forget to tell us why you would have that particular piece.
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When i die i want Livin’ In The Sunlight, Lovin’ In The Moonlight by Tiny Tim to be played. just to keep everyone in a happy mood at my funeral.
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Mine is going to be (after a nice sombre service) ‘There coming to take me away’ by ‘Napoleon XIV’. Should make them smile.
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Maybe Stairway to Heaven or Knocking on Heavens Door – heard both of these at funerals recently.
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Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.
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i would go for sombre classical, i want people to be moved and remember me fondly – suggest O Fortuna from Carmina Burana, by Carl Orff or the classic hovis song Symphony No. 9 (Commonly known as the “New World Symphony”) by Dvorak.
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halilujah
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I would go for “Bring Me Sunshine” always brings a smile to my face and people could imagine me walking away like Morecambe & Wise.
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Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Brightside” from the Life of Brian.
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A funeral my husband attended had Always look on the bright side of life. He apparently requested it and the honoured his wishes.
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The Script – We Cry
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‘Must you throw dirt in my face’
by Charlie Louvin…
{though I first heard Elvis Costellos version}
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Queen – Don’t stop me know
Abba – Dancing Queen
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“Wake me up before you go-go” ….. in hope!
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Without question, as the curtains obscure my coffin at the crematorium, I want this anthem played: Storm “Time to Burn”.
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A million miles away… if it was good enough for the great Rory gallagher, it’s good enough for me
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Well I’d obviously like ‘Footloose’ by Kenny Loggins, but worried that my wishes may not be respected and get ‘The Road to Hell’ by Chris Rea!
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Has to be Metallica “Enter Sandman”
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Sailing By. Ronald Banje
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Have heard of one person who had “Ring of Fire”
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I have already my music.
On the way in “The entrance of The Queen of Sheba”
and when the curtains go back a song I have written myself called “End of The Line”.
If you would like me to post the lyrics, please ask
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I would have Elvis sing Return to Sender.It would bring a smile to my family and friends hopefully.
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I would like to have ‘who wants to live forever’ played at my funeral. The version I want is by ‘Dune’ It is so appropriate.
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Going Underground by the Jam !
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i would like
Tokio Hotel – Monsoon
Greenday – Wake Me Up When September Ends
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Eve Cassidy – Somewhere Over The Rainbow
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Al right now by Free, it must be al right, as there is no option
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well when i die i have asked for 3 songs i would like to enter to who wants to live forever and then in the middle of service i would like in the arms of the angel and then as is ready to get up i would like everybody hurts dont want much really do i lol
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Id want Abide with me and you’ll never walk alone
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If it’s a burial – Down,Down by the Quo, if it’s a cremation- Smoke gets in your eyes?
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I’ll Be Seeing You – Frank Sinatra
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My husband wants Johnny Cash singing “I fell into a burning ring of fire” for cremation or Bernard Cribbins singing “There I was, digging that hole” for burial.
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Red dwarf theme tune (full original version)
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“the Black Bear” – because it’s only played on the way back to home barracks.
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The Imperial March from Star Wars. I’d also quite like it to play whenever I enter a room.
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jeff bukley – halilujah for me
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“Hit the Road Jack” – Ray Charles
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I would like! “When I Die and They Lie Me to Rest” by Dr and the Medics. The original was by Norman Greenbaum – Classic
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Deb, you might want to ask for it by its actual title, which is ‘Spirit In The Sky’.
I think I’d have either ‘Home’ or ‘DOA’ by Foo Fighters.
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Angels by Sarah McLachlan. There’s a lot of songs written in the words of those left behind. Angel is written in the words of the one who is gone comforting those left behind – it really is a very beautiful song. Anyone who hasn’t heard it is missing out on something special
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I will have Softly As I Leave You and My Way both by Frank Sinatra
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WHISTLESTOP- by roger miller, otherwise known as disneys robin hood whistle song… classic!!
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Highway To Hell – AC/DC
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I’d choose “I was only joking” by the one and only Rod Stewart.
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I’d have a nice sombre traditional service for the oldies in the congregation nicely finished off with Iron Maiden’s Number of the Beast.Great stuff!
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it’s got to be ” I’m coming up, so you better get the party started ! ” Pink !!!!
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High by Feeder
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I’d have glitter in the air by pink and circle of life just to remind everyone that nothing lasts forever and that death is apart of something great.
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