John Lennon’s classic hit Imagine has been looked upon scornfully by religious figures carrying out funerals.
New research has shown that a quarter of funeral homes have refused to play the piece of music as it is deemed in poor taste, with the track’s line ‘imagine there’s no heaven’ ruling it out.
Last year pop music outplayed hymns by two to one at funerals, according to the Co-operative Funeralcare research.
Some of the more comical music selections chosen to celebrate a person’s life included Eric Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and Spike Milligan’s Ying Tong Song.
Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance was chosen by some people, while others opted for the clock from Channel Four’s Countdown marking down the seconds as the curtains drew to a close.
Company spokeswoman, Lorinda Robinson, said: ‘Song lyrics now provide the poignant words to remember a loved one’s life, either to acknowledge how much they were loved and will be missed or as a reminder of their favourite hobby, pastime or humour.’
The top three contemporary songs chosen by people for funerals last year were My Way by Frank Sinatra, Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli and finally Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler.
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FAQs
A concert choir sang Lennon and McCartney songs, including Eleanor Rigby, which is full of religious scepticism. “Father McKenzie,” they chorused, “wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave.
What Beatles song is appropriate for a funeral? ›
Yesterday is a nostalgic Beatles song for a funeral. It talks about the past when things seemed easy and trouble-free. It's a good choice when you want guests at the funeral to think about good times they had with your loved one.
Is the song imagine anti religion? ›
Lennon stated: "'Imagine', which says: 'Imagine that there was no more religion, no more country, no more politics,' is virtually The Communist Manifesto, even though I'm not particularly a Communist and I do not belong to any movement."
Is imagine a good funeral song? ›
Some of the most popular songs to play for your father at a memorial or funeral include: “You'll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers. “Imagine” by John Lennon. “Living Years” by Mike + the Mechanics.
What songs are banned at crematoriums? ›
Songs not to play at a funeral: cremation/burial
Those arranging cremations should avoid 'Burn' by The Cure, 'Light My Fire' by The Doors, 'Ring of Fire' by Johnny Cash, 'Burning Down the House' by Talking Heads and The Trammps' 'Disco Inferno'.
What is the famous funeral song called? ›
Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:
My Way – Frank Sinatra. Angels – Robbie Williams. The Best – Tina Turner. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler.
What song does Ringo want played at his funeral? ›
“'Octopus's Garden' is Ringo's song,” George Harrison once said.
What is the Beatles song "Blackbird at a Funeral"? ›
"Blackbird" is a good pick for funeral songs by the Beatles, a metaphorical song written by Paul McCartney about finding strength and hope amid adversity. Inspired by the American Civil Rights Movement, the song's lyrics can resonate with those grieving, encouraging them to persevere and find their own inner strength.
Why is the song "Imagine" so controversial? ›
But while Imagine has been taken up as an anthem of peace and unity for half a century now, it's also received its fair share of criticism. Lennon was accused of hypocrisy - as a millionaire ex-Beatle, the line about "Imagine no possessions" rang hollow with people when they considered the enormous mansion he lived in.
What is the ideology of the song Imagine by John Lennon? ›
“Imagine” has nothing to do with communism or any other political philosophy. “Imagine” encourages the listener to imagine a world at peace, without the things that divide us—religion, countries and material possessions. The lyrics encourage “living for today,” “living life in peace” and “sharing all the world.”
The most requested song for a traditional funeral service is “Amazing Grace,” a Christian folk hymn written by English poet John Newton. Many find the message of forgiveness and redemption a beautiful tribute to the mercy of God.
What is the most beautiful funeral song? ›
Traditional Funeral Songs and Funeral Music
- Amazing Grace – Traditional. ...
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. ...
- His Eye is on the Sparrow – Mahalia Jackson. ...
- My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion. ...
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Mahalia Jackson. ...
- You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban. ...
- I'll Fly Away – Albert E.
She wants her dad's favorite song, which the two used to sing together. Parton grew up in the mountains of Tennessee. While Dolly is one of 12 children, she connected with her father over a shared love of music. His favorite song was “If We Never Meet Again”, a country-gospel song written by Albert E.
Is there a song about John Lennon's death? ›
"Here Today" is a song by Paul McCartney from his 1982 album Tug of War. He wrote the song as a tribute to his relationship with John Lennon, who was murdered in 1980.
Did any of the Beatles attend John Lennon's funeral? ›
There was no formal funeral for John Lennon, as per the expressed wishes of Yoko Ono [1]. Instead, John Lennon's body was cremated in secrecy shortly after it was released back to the family [1]. None of the Beatles, including Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, attended the funeral [1].
What was the song at the 70s funeral? ›
Like Let It Be, Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water isn't just a popular 70s funeral song, but one of the most popular funeral songs from all decades. The chorus talks about going through a difficult time in your life and the perseverance that will help you to find your way through it.
