CWM Rhondda named Wales’ most popular funeral song

·       The UK’s leading funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare, releases its 2023 Funeral Music Chart

·       115 years after it was written, CWM Rhondda tops the charts in Wales as the most requested funeral song

·       Nationally, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ climbs five places and secures the number one spot

·       ‘Abide With Me’ re-enters the national top 10, as historical events such as the Queen’s funeral see hymns make a resurgence

·       ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ remains the most popular sport anthem to feature in funerals across the nation, with Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’ in at number five

·       Unique song requests include ‘Break My Soul’ by Beyonce, ‘Candy Shop’ by 50 Cent and ‘Living in a Box’ by the band of the same name.

Co-op Funeralcare, which has branches in Llanelli, has today released its 2023 Funeral Music Chart. The hot list, which first launched in 2002, sees Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ top of the funeral music chart, followed by Frank Sinatra’s iconic ‘My Way’.

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 reveals the non-movers, risers, and new entries.

The 2023 Funeral Music Chart Top 10 in full:

Revealing a shift in music at final farewells, hymns are now back in the Top 10 – not seen for over seven years – with both ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ placing at number 8 and 9 respectively. One answer to this could be 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, suggesting the lasting legacy and impact the late monarch has on people’s feature on own funeral choices.

2021 winner ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Gerry and the Pacemakers has fallen six places, however, the Liverpool anthem remains the most requested sports song. The Late Tina Turner’s ‘The Best, famously sung by Rangers fans, also makes the Sports Top 10.

Hymns continued their popularity into Wales, with CWM Rhondda taking the top spot as the regions most requested funeral song. Unsurprisingly this was followed closely by the Welsh national anthem, a patriotic theme proving favourable amongst mourners.

Across the nation, new songs identified by Co-op’s funeral directors include ‘Break My Soul’ by Beyonce, ‘Candy Shop’ by 50 Cent, ‘Take Me Back to London’ by Ed Sheeran ft. Stormzy, ‘I’m a Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child, ‘Living in a Box’ by the band of the same name, and ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman’ by Shania Twain, perhaps tracks to look out for in future funeral charts.

Michael Pengelly, Head of South Division 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. 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 and we’re delighted to unveil this year’s music chart.

“With Covid restrictions lifted, families are now able to hold larger, in-person funerals at places of worship, it comes as no shock that songs such as CWM Rhondda were so popular in Wales. Although they were traditionally sung in churches, hymns are often the soundtrack for some important life moments, which can help conjure up precious memories, CWM Rhondda in particular has a rich cultural heritage which has contributed to its popularity.

“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.”

To find out more about the Funeral Music Charts, visit Funeral music charts – Co-op Funeralcare (coop.co.uk)

To find your local funeral home in Wales, visit Co-op Funeral Homes and Funeral Directors – Co-op Funeralcare (coop.co.uk)