Traditional hymns and religious or classical tracks are no longer the music of choice for funerals in Dundee, according to a list of the top 10 songs played at city services.
Dundee Crematorium has revealed the most requested pieces of music for funerals held at the facility during 2019, with pop music often chosen above more traditional options.
Sad, moving or reflective songs which family members believe pay tribute to their loved one dominate the “funeral top 10” but centre bosses say choices are often linked to the decades of music most enjoyed by the deceased.
My Way by Frank Sinatra is the number one option for Dundonians paying their final respects, followed by Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler and Eva Cassidy’s version of Somewhere over the Rainbow.
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole is another popular choice, while a sign of changing attitudes is demonstrated by Westlife and Robbie Williams both making the top 10.
Personal favourites of the deceased are also regularly chosen for their send off, with the Beatles, Elvis Presley and Gerry and the Pacemakers evident of a time when music began to play a bigger part in many people’s lives.
The diversity of genres available to music lovers in the 80s and ’90s – such as R&B, new wave and indie – is also reflected in songs being chosen by such varied artists as Tina Turner, Blondie and Oasis.
Dundee Crematorium manager Vincent Millar said: “We all live such different and unique lives now that it’s natural for people to want to make a funeral as individual and personalised as possible.
“The importance of music in our lives is demonstrated by our research which shows it’s the third most common topic for a family to discuss prior to a funeral.
“Popular music is now a major part of many funerals and we’ve invested in specialist equipment to ensure we provide the highest quality service.”
Most commonly requested music for funerals at Dundee Crematorium during 2019:
1. My Way – Frank Sinatra
2. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
3. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
4. You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & The Pacemakers
5. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
6. Time To Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
7. Angel – Sarah McLachlan
8. Dancing In The Sky – Dani & Lizzy
9. You Raise Me Up – Westlife
10. Angels – Robbie Williams
