Looking for a Song for Your Funeral? Here are 78 Suggestions.

This is pretty grim, but given that we’re all going to shuffle off one day, it’s always good to think ahead, you know?

The Telegraph reports on a research project by the largest funeral director that looked at 30,000 funerals and the music that was played for the deceased. Let’s begin with the 20 most popular rock and pop songs through the years. But I’m warning you: This is pretty weak.

1. Frank Sinatra, “My Way” – A bit boastful, but you can see why this is popular.
2. Robbie Williams, “Angels” – Williams can’t get arrested in North America, so this wouldn’t fly on this side of the atlantic.
3. Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli, “Time to Say Goodbye” –
4. Westlife, “You Raise Me Up” – See #2 above.
5. Eva Cassidy, “Over the Rainbow” – Appropriately sweet.
6. Bette Midler, “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Over my dead body.
7. Tina Turner, “Simply the Best” – I suppose…
8. Gerry and the Pacemakers, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” –
9. Dolly Parton OR Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”
10. Sarah McLachlan, “Angel” – It works.
11. Nat King Cole, “Unforgettable” – Something pleasant in a major key. Nice.
12. Ellie Goulding, “How Long Will I Love You”
13. Celine Dion, “My Heart Will Go On” – No. Just no.
14. Led Zeppelin, “Stairway to Heaven” – Imagine grandma’s reaction when we get to the guitar solo.
15. Vera Lynn, “We’ll Meet Again” – A classic tearjerker for the generations.
16. Westlife, “Flying Without Wings” – See #4 above.
17. ABBA, “Dancing Queen” – Seriously?
18. Eva Cassiday, “Fields of Gold” – Like Westlife, Eva seems to be a funeral favourite. An interesting musical legacy,..
19. Queen, “Who Wants to Live Forever” – Um, most people?
20. Nat King Cole, “Smile” – Another classic.

I think we can do better. Suggestions?

More funeral songs here.