Funeral Music-Better To Burn Out Than Fade Away

June is supposed to be the month for weddings and planning new beginnings….but planning for the end is popular too! Some people are planners and some people are..well…me.  There’s the 5 year plan, ten year plan…some even plan their own funerals.  In fact, it's not unusual that funerals are planned in advance, such as Elizabeth Taylor's request to be late to her own funeral. But get this, those who are planning funerals today are opting for rock music and electric guitar riffs, according to a poll conducted by a British funeral company called Funeralcare. The trend to choose popular tunes over classical music at funerals has been growing since the 1960s. So instead of "The Old Rugged Cross," the congregation will be asked to stand and join in a rousing version of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."  Seriously.  But that is the musical exception and not the rule.  Funeralcare has comprised a list of the most popular funeral songs.  Plan accordingly!

The top five most popular songs played at funerals:

1. "My Way," by Frank Sinatra/Shirley Bassey
2. "Wind Beneath My Wings," by Bette Midler/Celine Dion
3. "Time to Say Goodbye," by Sarah Brightman/Andrea Bocelli
4. "Angels," by Robbie Williams
5. "Over the Rainbow," by Eva Cassidy

The top five most popular hymns played at funerals:

1.  "The Lord Is My Shepherd"

  2.      "Abide With Me"

  3.       "All Things Bright and Beautiful"

  4.        "Old Rugged Cross"

  5.        "Amazing Grace"