Many surveys are done in UK, Europe and Australia noting the most requested songs for funerals. Funeral Directors across the world commonly say they are receiving more and more requests for popular music as people attempt to personalise funerals and choose songs that are relevant to them.
A recent 2007 poll found the Top Ten funeral songs:

1. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
2. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
3. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
4. The Best - Tina Turner
5. Angels - Robbie Williams
6. You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry And The Pacemakers
7. Candle In The Wind - Elton John
8. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
9. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
10. Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman

The best songs to select are those that meant something special to your loved one or a reflection of the family and friends emotions.

Other alternative requests can include the famous Monty Python - Always look on the bright side of Life, Queen - Another One Bites The Dust. Other odd choices include ‘Roll out the Barrel’ and the Village People's YMCA.

"What may seem wacky to one person can make perfect sense to another who sees that song as the ideal way to remember a partner," Ms Sheasby Funeral Director

Suggestions for live music - vocalists, string quartet, harp player or any other instrument, band, bagpipers and others. Many websites advertise the services of the above professions or your funeral director is there to assist the family.

A most important factor to remember when selecting the music is to respect the place of service and the beliefs/views of people attending the service