INXS Wins Australia's Favourite Lyric | Coldplay Fifth

They were the words used to farewell Australian rock icon Michael Hutchence at his funeral.

Timeless INXS classic Never Tear Us Apart has taken top spot as Australia's all-time favourite lyric. The hit, released in 1988, was voted Nation's Favourite Lyric by viewers of pay TV music channel VH1. Edging out Jeff Buckley's sorrowful ballad Last Goodbye by a mere ten votes, Never Tear Us Apart had proved a sentimental favourite, said Nation's Favourite Lyric host Billy Thorpe.

"That song is particularly dear to most Australians so it's no surprise it has come out on top," Thorpe said. "It was a wonderful song before Michael's death but those lyrics became particularly sad and poignant after his death since it was the song they played at his funeral. It added a whole new meaning to the song after Michael's death and I think Australians remember him when they hear that song."

You're Beautiful by James Blunt rated third amongst viewers, thousands of votes ahead of Wonderwall by Oasis in fourth, and Coldplay's Yellow in fifth [seen performed live in 2006, above].

Kasey Chambers and AC/DC continued the Australian showing in the top ten, with 35 Aussies taking spots in the top 100.

Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin' was the oldest entry, from 1964, and Pete Murray's recent hit Opportunity was the most recent.

Midnight Oil, U2 and silverchair were the most nominated bands, each getting three nods.