Popular Anniversary Songs – Podcast E73
Matt talks about the best songs to play for the anniversary dance during your wedding reception. Hear some song lyrics that go with anniversary songs too!
Important Links
- View the complete list of wedding anniversary songs
- See all Wedding Songs Podcast episodes
Podcast Transcript
Welcome to episode #73 of the Wedding Songs Podcast. I’m Matt Campbell and today I am going to be talking about great anniversary songs to play at your wedding, and also to wish somebody a Happy Anniversary! If you prefer to read the list or listen to the list, you can go to our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. Just go to song ideas in the main menu and anniversary songs is right there. While you are there don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter the offers new wedding songs released in the prior month, and also unique songs you could play for your party and at your wedding.
When anniversary songs are typically played at a reception it is called an anniversary dance, it is called other things but I like the term anniversary dance. Now the anniversary dance is when the DJ or Master of Ceremonies brings all of the wedded couples onto the dance floor and then eliminates each couple by 5 years trying to determine who is the longest-married at your reception. Then what happens is the couple gives a gift to the longest-married bride and the longest-married groom and then they continue on with an anniversary dance while inviting all of the other married couples onto the dance floor.
So, let’s get started with our 100 Anniversary songs. I am going to break these up by genre and then also give you the newest songs first. Starting off are anniversary dance songs in the R&B genre. The first one is “Our Song” by Tank, released in 2019. This was a song that he dedicated to his wife after several years of being married. Lyrics include..we can get thru, it’s been worth the fight, yeah. So this is our song. Next up, in 2018, is “Beautiful (You Are so Beautiful to Me)” Old Skool Gang. This is an R&B cover of the famous “You are so Beautiful” by Joe Cocker. 2013, Avant and KeKe Wyatt released “You and I” with the lyrics…You and I, Together for always, Baby I, Breathe every single breath for you baby. In 2004 John Legend released “Stay with You” with the lyrics…I will stay by your side, And I know we’ll be alright, I will stay with you.
Lionel Richie released “Still in Love” in 1996 with the lyrics…You’re every song I want to sing, My joy, my everything, I’m still in love with you. 1993, Tony! Tony! Tone! released “Anniversary” with the lyrics…It’s our anniversary, Made for you and me. In 1992 Shanice released “Saving Forever for You” with the lyrics..Look inside my heart, Love is all you’ll see, I’m loving you forever, baby. In 1991 Jodeci released “Forever My Lady” with the lyrics…Tell me where would I go, Life would have no meaning, And I pray that you will always stay with me.
Then we jump to 1983 with Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack with “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” with the lyrics…Tonight there’ll be no distance between us, What I want most to do, is to get close to you, Tonight I celebrate my love for you..hint, hint, nod, nod. In 1981 Lionel Richie and Diana Ross released “Endless Love” with their lyrics…Forever, I’ll hold you close in my arms, I can’t resist your charms. In 1981 Grover Washington, Jr. and Bill Withers released “Just The Two Of Us” with the lyrics…Building them castles in the sky, Just the two of us, You and I. If you are looking for a more fun and upbeat song, then in 1980 Kool & The Gang released “Celebration”.
One of my favorites on the list is from 1980. “Happy Anniversary” by Ray, Goodman & Brown with the lyrics..‘Cause I made my resolution, This is my own constitution, To love you more and more each day. In 1975 Natalie Cole released “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” with the lyrics…You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime, And made me believe you’ve got more thrills to spare, This will be an everlasting love. Barry White released “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” in 1974 with the lyrics We’ve got it together baby, Ahh, the first, my last, my everything, And the answer to all my dreams.
Stevie Wonder has his song, in 1973, “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”, and in 1972 Al Green released “Let’s Stay Together”. The perfect anniversary song with…Ooh baby, Let’s, let’s stay together (Together), Loving you whether, whether, Times are good or bad, happy or sad. And our last R&B anniversary song, “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King in 1961. Everybody knows these song lyrics with…I won’t cry, I won’t cry, No, I won’t shed a tear, Just as long as you stand, stand by me.
Next up we have Country anniversary songs. The first one in 2020 is “Through The Years” by Rascal Flatts. This is the cover of the famous Kenny Rogers song with the lyrics…Through the years, through all the good and bad, I knew how much we had, I’ve always been so glad to be with you. Russel Dickerson with his son “Love You Like I Used To” in 2020. This song is actually a very good song for an anniversary with the lyrics…I don’t love you like I used to, This gets better every time you kiss me like this, It’s stronger the longer I’m with you. Also in 2020, “Our Song” by Willie Nelson with the lyrics…You make it all alright,
When everything’s wrong, And this is our song. Chase Rice released “Forever To Go”, the last song in 2020, with the lyrics…Our song never gets old, The honeymoon phase, And butterflies fade, But I’ll never let you go. You can also look for the acoustic version of this song as well.
“You’re Still The One” by King Calaway in 2019. This is a cover of the famous Shaina Twain song. Lyrics include…You’re still the one that I love, The only one I dream of, You’re still the one I kiss goodnight. One of my favorite Country anniversary songs is “Can’t Remember Never Loving You” by Ian James released in 2018 with the lyrics…It’s like you’ve been the only one for all my life, Like I’ve never looked into another’s eyes, The only hand I’ve ever held on to, No, I can’t remember never loving you. In 2017 the Mega Country Duo, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill released released “The Rest of Our Life” with the lyrics…If my waistline grows, I’ll be fine, Even if time takes its toll, We’ll stay young for the rest of our lives.
In 2016, “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay, and in 2015 Thomas Rhett with “Die A Happy Man”. “Forever and For Always” by Shaina Twain in 2003 with the lyrics..’Cause I’m keepin’ you forever and for always, We will be together all of our days, Wanna wake up every mornin’ to your sweet face. Always. In 2001 Brad Paisley released “Two People Fell In Love” with the lyrics…Every single choice we make, Every breath we get to take, Is all because two people fell in love.
In 1999 Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black released “When I Said I Do”. Also in 1999, Patty Loveless and Vince Gill have their song “My Kind Of Woman / My Kind Of Man” with the lyrics…You’re my kind of woman, you’re my kind of man, A match made in Heaven by God’s gentle hands. In 98 Shaina Twain released “Your Still The One” and in 97 Tim McGraw released “You Just Get Better All The Time” with the lyrics…And just today I heard you read my mind, That kind of magic is so hard to find, You just get better all the time. In 1995 Mary Chapin Carpenter with her song “Grow Old With Me” with the lyrics…Grow old along with me, The best is yet to be, When our time has come, We will be as one.
Appropriately themed “Anniversary Song” by the Cowboy Junkies released in 1993 with the lyrics…And now every morning there’s a cup of coffee, And I wear your ring. In 91 Alan Jackson released “I’d Love You All Over Again” with those famous lyrics…If tomorrow I found one more chance to begin, I’d love you all over again. 1987 brings Randy Travis with his song “Forever And Ever, Amen”, for a mid-tempo song, with the lyrics…Oh, baby, I’m gonna love you forever, Forever and ever amen.
In 1982 Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle with their famous duet “You And I” with the lyrics…And I know in time, We’ll build the dreams we treasure, We’ll be all right just you and I. In 1980 Anne Murray with her song “Could I Have This Dance” with the lyrics…Could I have this dance, for the rest of my life, Could you be my partner, every night? Another Kenny Rogers song “You Decorated My Life”, released in 1979 with the lyrics…And you decorated my life, By paintin’ your love all over my heart. In 1974 Roy Clark released “Honeymoon Feelin’” with the lyrics…I still get that honeymoon feeling, After all these years my heart goes reeling, Every time you touch me it’s the living end. You may remember Roy Clark from the “Hee Haw” TV show, just as a flashback. Our final Country son is “A Thing Called Love” by Johnny Cash in 1972 with the lyrics…Can’t see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands, Like the rules that govern our land, Strong enough to rule the heart of every man, this thing called love.
Next up are Rock Anniversary songs. So in 2021, Duran Duran released “Anniversary”, and in 2009 one of my favorite anniversary songs on the whole list is “Happy Anniversary” by Kelly Morrison with the lyrics…Happy Anniversary, Another year of you and me, Happy Anniversary, You and me in love. In 2008, “After All These Years” by Journey with the lyrics…After all these years, You stood by me the days and nights that I was gone, After all these years, You sacrificed, believed in me, and you stood strong. In 2003 “100 Years” by Five For Fighting with the lyrics…I’m ninety-nine for a moment, And dying for just another moment, And I’m just dreaming, Counting the ways to where you are. In 2000 Cold Play released “Yellow” with the lyrics…Oh yeah, your skin and bones, Turn into something beautiful, Do you know, You know I love you so.
In 1999 Edwin McCain released ” I Could Not Ask For More” with his lyrics…Looking in your eyes, Seeing all I need, Everything you are, Is everything to me. “Always” by Bon Jovi in 1984 with the lyrics..‘Til the heavens burst and the words don’t rhyme, And I know when I die, you’ll be on my mind, And I’ll love you, always. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart in 93 and “More Than Words” by Extreme in 1991 with the lyrics…More than words, Is all I ever needed you to show, Then you wouldn’t have to say, That you love me, ‘Cause I’d already know. “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison in 1989, and “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart in 1988.
In 1985 “Sea Of Love” by The Honeydrippers with the lyrics…Come with me, my love, To the sea, the sea of love, I want to tell you just how much I love you. Ambrosia released “Biggest Part Of Me” in 1980 with the lyrics…(Forever) For me there’s nothing better, You’re the biggest part of me. Climax Blue’s Band released “I Love You” in 1980 with the lyrics…If ever a man had it all, It would have to be me, And, oooh, I love you.
In 1979 America released “All My Life” with the lyrics…All my life, I will carry you through, All my life, between each hour of the passing days, I will stay with you. “You Take My Breath Away” by Rex Smith in 1979 with the lyrics…You take my breath away, And I don’t know what to say, Cause you take my breath away. Now I do have “Happy Anniversary” by Little River Band in 1977, but just realize that the song speaks about a guy wishing his ex-wife Happy Anniversary. In 1977 Eric Clapton released “Wonderful Tonight” and in the same year “Just The Way You Are” by Billie Joel. Also in 1977, “You Make Loving Fun” by Fleetwood Mac with the lyrics…It would be different and you know it will, You, you make loving fun, And I don’t have to tell you but you’re the only one.
A great Anniversary themed song is “Still The One” by Orleans in 1976 with the lyrics…You’re still the one that makes me laugh, Still the one that’s my better half, We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one. “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen in 76, and “We’ve Only Just Begun” by the Carpenters in 1970 with the lyrics…Watching the signs along the way, Talkin’ it over, just the two of us, Workin’ together day to day, Together. “When I’m Sixty-Four” by The Beatles in 1967 with those famous lyrics…Doing the garden, digging the weeds, Who could ask for more, Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I’m sixty-four. “Here, There and Everywhere ” by The Beatles in 1966. Also, their song in 1965, “In My Life” with the lyrics…For people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them, In my life, I love you more.
Next up I have a couple of Folk Anniversary songs with the first one “As Time Goes By” by Anna Nalick in 2019 with the lyrics…A fight for love and glory, A case of do or die, The world will always welcome lovers, As time goes by. A fun Anniversary song is “Just To Say I Love You” by Michael Franti & Spearhead in 2018. In 2004 “Swept Away” by the Avett Brothers with the lyrics…Well, life is ever-changing but I can always find a constant and comfort in your love, With your heart, my soul is bound.
Next up we have Pop Anniversary songs. The first one from 2022 is Tyler Shaw’s “Love You Still (abcdefu romantic version)” with the lyrics…Love you, I’ll be here, I will never disappear, Said forever, I swear, So I will be there. Teddy Swims released “You’re Still The One” in 2020. This is a cover of the Shaina Twain song, but with his raspy voice, it is one that I love. In 2018 Lady Gaga released “Always Remember Us This Way” from the A Star is Born soundtrack. Lyrics include…But all I really know
You’re where I wanna go, The part of me that’s you will never die.
One of my favorite duets on the list is Jennifer Nettles with Josh Groban, “99 Years”. This was released in 2008 with the lyrics…Live every day hoping, That when we feel broken, Our scars make us golden, Still choose you and I. Ed Sheeran teamed up with Beyonce for a cover of his “Perfect” song, and “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott both in 2017. You can also play the duet version with Leona Lewis. In 2015 Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran with their son “I Was Made For Loving You” with the Lyrics…Even though we may be hopeless hearts just passing through, Every bone screaming I don’t know what we should do,
All I know is, darling, I was made for loving you.
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran in 2014, and “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars in 2010. In 2008 “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz with the lyrics…It cannot wait, I’m sure, There’s no need to complicate, Our time is short, This is our fate, I’m yours. Next up is “The Best is Yet To Come” by Michael Buble in 2007 and in 2002 “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson with the lyrics…Well, I may be dreamin’, But ’til I awake, Can’t we make this dream last forever? And I’ll cherish all the love we share.
David Pomeranz released “On This Day” in 2001 with the lyrics…Here I stand, take my hand, And I will honor every word that I say, On this day. “Anniversary Song” by Eva Cassidy in 2000 with the lyrics…So sing with me softly, As the day turns to night, And later I’ll dream of paradise with you, I love you and good night. “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden in 1997, also in 1997, “As Long As You Love Me” by the Backstreet Boys. Lyrics include…I don’t care who you are, Where you’re from, what you did, As long as you love me. “Because You Love Me” by Celine Dion in 1996, and the famous song from Dirty Dancing, “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes in 1987. Lyrics include…I’ve had the time of my life, No, I never felt this way before, Yes, I swear, it’s the truth, And I owe it all to you.
“How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees, released in 1977 with the lyrics ‘Cause we’re living in a world of fools, breaking us down when they all should let us be, We belong to you and me. “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille in 1975 with the lyrics…I will be there to share forever, Love will keep us together, I said it before and I’ll say it again, while others pretend, I need you now and I’ll need you then. From 1975, “Times Of Your Life” by Paul Anka. “Your Song” by Elton John in 1970 with my favorite lyrics…I hope you don’t mind, That I put down in the words, How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.
In 1967 Bobby Vinton released “Please Love Me Forever” with the lyrics…Oh, I’ll love you forever, Can’t forget you ever, Our love was meant to be, Please don’t stop loving me. For a fun mid-tempo song, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher from 1965, and the last song in 1965 in the Pop genre is “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
The last genre we have on our list is Jazz Anniversary songs. The first one from 1991 is Harry Connick Jr. with “It Had To Be You” with the lyrics…With all your faults I love you still, Baby, it had to be you, wonderful you, It had to be you. In 1969, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. Lyrics include…Each careful step along the byway, And more, much, much more, I did it, I did it my way. “L-O-V-E’ by Nat King Cole in 1965 with the lyrics…L is for the way you look at me, O is for the only one I see, V is very, very extraordinary, E is even more than anyone that you adore can. The last song on our list, “The Best Is Yet To Come” by Frank Sinatra in 1964 with the lyrics…The best is yet to come, and babe, won’t it be fine? The best is yet to come, come the day you’re mine.
So there you have it. 100 Anniversary dance songs to play at your reception or also to dedicate to your lover on your anniversary. If you want to read the list or listen to the list, you can do so on our website MyWeddingSongs.com. Just go to song ideas and then Anniversary songs. While you are there make sure you sign up for our monthly newsletter of all of the great new songs being released that you could play at your wedding or just on a date night while having a romantic dinner. This is the first podcast of June. For the next one, we are going to have a little surprise of “Selfie” dance songs so make sure you tune in for that.
Thanks for listening and have a great day!
Listen to Podcast Episode 74 – Selfie Dance Songs
