The cheery tune from The Life Of Brian film beat competition from The Jam’s Going Underground and The Animals’ We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.

The survey, commissioned by the Children’s Society, also found that nine out of ten people found talking about funeral arrangements more difficult than talking about sex.

A spokesman for the society said it appeared people were turning away from “serious” funeral tunes such as Robbie Williams’ Angels in an effort to make the experience a more uplifting one.

A fifth of those surveyed said they would like Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life to be played at their funeral while 16% went for Cabaret, sung by Liza Minnelli.

Other popular choices included Sid Vicious’s cover of My Way, They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa by Napoleon and Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think by the Specials.

Lorraine Groves from the Children’s Society said: “Funerals have changed a lot in the past few years - more people are planning ahead to make their funerals personal and reflective of themselves.

“We know many people prefer a simple affair and would rather their mourners give donations in memory rather than lots of flowers, along with a little light hearted twist during the proceedings like an alternative song.”

The research also found that around 40% of people do not have a will, and the Children’s Society is offering free advice to anyone wanting to set one up.

A total of 764 people were questioned for the survey.

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Rest of the list for "Top 10 best “alternative” funeral songs" can be found here:

www.telegraph.co.uk