The Best Wedding Songs – Podcast E67
Matt talks about the best wedding songs to play during weddings. Hear some song lyrics that go with the country wedding songs too!
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Podcast Transcription
Welcome to the 67th episode of the Wedding Songs Podcast. I am Matt Campbell and today I’m going to be talking about 100 of the best wedding songs of all time. Now I’m not going to be giving you the best wedding songs, because I feel like the younger generation doesn’t know a lot of the songs from the forties or fifties that they haven’t been exposed to. But I definitely want to include some of the newer songs that are instant classics. If you prefer to read the list or listen to the list you can do so on our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. Just go to song charts and then best wedding songs. While you’re there, make sure you sign up for our newsletter. It goes out on the last day of the month and it features all of the new wedding songs from the prior month, that I have found, and also some great wedding song ideas.
(01:01):So let’s go ahead and get started with the first song on the list. “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber, released in 2019 with great lyrics…And I might never get there, but I’m gonna try if it’s 10,000 hours or the rest of my life, I’m gonna love you. Next up is a great party song from 2016, “24k Magic” by Bruno Mars. Who could forget this instant classic from the movies, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perry released in 2011 with lyrics…darling, don’t be afraid. I have loved you for a thousand years, and I’ll love you for a thousand more. Released in 2019 is “Adore You” by Harry Styles with lyrics…I’d walk through fire for you. Just let me adore you. Like the only thing, I’ll ever do. It makes for a great background song during cocktail hour, and during dinner to keep the mood up a little bit.
And so does the next one, “Africa” by Toto released in 1982. If you don’t like the original version, you can always check out the Weezer version as well, but you may offend some truly Classic Rock fans by doing so. “All Of My Love” by George Ezra, released in 2018, with lyrics…baby, I’ll be there no matter where you go. Baby, I’ll be there. I’ll be there. Yes, this is a great Indie song by George that you could play throughout the wedding day, or even as a first dance song. Speaking of first dance songs, released in 2013 is “All Of Me” by John Legend. Who could forget this song as it became an instant classic with the great lyrics…cuz all of me loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections. Next up is a classic R & B love song, “Always And Forever” by Heat Wave. Released in 1976 with the great lyrics…melt all my heart away with a smile. Take time to tell me you really care and will share tomorrow together. Always forever. Love you.
The widely popular Country song “Amazed” by Lone Star was released in 1999 and became an instant classic and first dance song favorite. The lyrics…I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever. Released in 1960 is “At Last by Etta James. It’s a very popular ceremony song with the lyrics…At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over and life is like a song. Next up is a very popular recessional song by American Authors called “Best Day Of My Life”, released in 2013 with the lyrics…This is gonna be, this is gonna be, this is gonna be the best day of my life. Released in 2017, “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R., with the lyrics…You’re my water when I’m stuck in the desert. You’re the Tylenol I take when my head hurts. You’re the sunshine of my life.
Released in 2006 is “Better Together” by Jack Johnson. A very popular wedding song with lyrics…but I will still tell you one thing, we’re better together. A recently released song in 2018 is one of my favorites. “Beyond” by Leon Bridges with lyrics…Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife? She might just be my everything, and beyond. Still, a very popular dance song you could choose, from Michael Jackson, released in 1982 is “Billie Jean”. The theme of the song doesn’t really fit weddings but will get everybody out on the dance floor. A very romantic Country song released in 2004, by Rascall Flatts is “Bless The Broken Road” with the lyrics…This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
A popular sing-along song that you could have during dinner, or even to get everybody out on the dance floor, is “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison first released in 1967. And just a little bit before that is what I consider the greatest wedding song of all time, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. Just simply for the fact that how many people have covered this song, including Kina Grannis’ version of it in Crazy Rick Asians. You have Hailey Reinhardt, you have Music Travel Love, I mean everybody covers this song. It makes for a great wedding ceremony song, or even as a first dance song. Lyrics include…Take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can’t help falling in love with you. And just like I said before, the next song by Kina Grannis, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” was released in 2017. A very popular party starter is up next, by Justin Timberlake released in 2016, is “
“Can’t Stop The Feeling” with…I can’t stop the feeling. So just dance, dance, dance.
Speaking of dancing, if you like to get everybody out on the dance floor for a group dance, then next up released in 2000 is “Cha Cha Slide” by Mr. C. And in 2008, “Chicken Fried” was released by Zach Brown Band. A very popular party song for Country fans with the lyrics…So if you agree to have a drink with me, raise your glasses for a toast to a little bit of chicken fried. Next up is a very popular recessional song. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones, released in 2002 with the lyrics…come away with me and we’ll kiss on a mountaintop, come away with me and I’ll never stop loving you. A mid-tempo song that you could have during cocktail hour, or during dinner, is Bruno Mars’s “Count On Me” released in 2010. It could even be used as a parent-child dance song as well. With the lyrics you can count on me like 1, 2, 3, I’ll be there.
It’s hard to believe this next song was released in 2003, but Beyonce and Jay-Z’s mega-hit “Crazy In Love” with the lyrics…Just know your love can do what no one else can, got me looking so crazy right now. Your loves got me looking so crazy right now. Another group dance song was released in 2007 by Cupid, called “Cupid Shuffle”. A very popular Disco dance song by Abba was released in 1976. “Dancing Queen” with the lyrics…having the time of your life. Oh see that girl, watch that scene. Digging the dancing queen. The first Latin song on our list was released in 2017, “Despacito” by Luis Fonzi and Daddy Yankee. Next up is one of the very popular songs to play to end the evening, as it’s a great sing-along song from my favorite band of all time, Journey, “Don’t Stop Beliving. Released in 1981.
If you’re looking for a little Jazz feel, other than Nora Jones, you also have Michael Bule with his song. “Everything”. Released in 2007 with the lyrics…it’s you, it’s you, you make me sing. You’re every line. You’re every word. You’re everything. Leela James’ song “Fall For You” was released in 2014 with the lyrics…My heart is ready for love and to be loved. And I choose you, baby. One of the biggest songs of 2021 is up next. “Forever After All” by Luke Combs with the lyrics…they say nothing lasts forever, but they ain’t seen us together. Everybody knows this next song. It could be played as an up-tempo to get everybody hyped. And that is “Forever” by Chris Brown, released in 2008. And the great sing-along song by Garth Brooks, “Friends In Low Places” released in 1990. A great song to play, to get everybody out on the dance floor and circling the wedding couple.
A very popular ceremony song, and also a song as a parent dance, or a first dance (just one of those instant classic wedding songs) “From The Ground Up” by Dan + Shay. Released in 2016 with the lyrics…beside you I’ll stand, through the good and the bad. We’ll give all that we have, and we’ll build this love from the ground up. Talking about from the ground up, “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain was released in 1997 with the lyrics…I will love you, I promise you this. There is nothing I won’t give, from this moment on (a very popular recessional song). Just for all of the ladies at your reception, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper was released in 1983. And if you’re trying to pump up the mood right before the wedding couple enters into the reception, the song “HandClap” by Fitz & The Tantrums, released in 2016, and also “Happy” by Pharrell Williams released in 2013.
The Lumineers are up next with “Ho Hey”, released in 2012 with the lyrics…I belong with you. You belong with me. You’re my sweetheart. Talking about sweetheart, next up, released in 1975 is “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor. And the next song is one of the greatest love songs in Country music of all time. “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait. Released in 1992 with lyrics…In all the world. You’ll never find a love as true as mine. And now that we had one of the greatest Country love songs, here is one of the greatest Rock love songs. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith. Released in 1998 with the lyrics…And I just want to stay with you. In this moment forever, forever, and ever. Maybe you haven’t heard of Ruelle before, but if you haven’t, make sure you check out this next song “I Get To Love You” released in 2016. A very popular ceremony song with the lyrics…whatever may come, your heart will I choose. Forever I’m yours forever. I do. I get to love you.
Black Eyed Peas released a party starter, “I Gotta Feeling” released in 2009. A very popular parent-child dance song “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, released in 2000, with the lyrics…promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance. And when you get the choice to sit out or dance..Dance. I hope you dance. A great dinner song, or background song during cocktail hour, is Lauvs “I Like Me Better”. Released in 2017 with the lyrics…I knew from the first time, I’d stay for a long time. Cause I like me better when, I like me better when, I’m with you. A very popular father-daughter dance song, “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, was released in 2006 with the lyrics…and I prayed that she’d find you someday, but it’s still hard to give her away. I loved her first.
One of the greatest party songs of all time, released in 1987, is Whitney Houston’s song “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”. In 2008 Jason Mraz released “I’m Yours” with the lyrics…There’s no need to complicate. Our time is short. This is our fate. I’m yours. Brett Young released “In Case You Didn’t Know” in 2017, with the lyrics…in case you didn’t know baby, I’m crazy about you. And I would be lying if I said that I could live this life without you. The next song is a great anniversary song, but also a great wedding love song. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green in 1972. “Living On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi was released in 1986, for those 1980s hairband fans.
This next song became a very popular first dance song and wedding song. “Love Someone” by Lukas Graham. Released in 2018 with the lyrics…When you say you love the way I make you feel. Everything becomes so real. Don’t be scared. No, don’t be scared. Cause you’re all I need. Taylor Swift is on our list next with “Lover” released in 2019. Also, “Made For You” by Jake Owen, released in 2019, with the lyrics…like a ship without a sea, or a song without a melody. I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d do cause I was made for you. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele was released in 2008. This came back on the scene because of her latest album, released last year, and the lyrics…no, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do to make you feel my love. Next up, for Pop Rock fans, is Train’s song “Marry Me”. Released in 2009 with the lyrics…promise me You’ll always be happy by my side. I promise to sing to you when all the music dies.
This next song has become a very popular father-daughter dance song. But if you’re not gonna have it for that, I would even recommend just playing it throughout the night. It’s one of those great sing-along songs that will get everybody out on the dance floor. It is “My Girl” by the Temptations released in 1965. Another popular parent-child dance song “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts, released in 2006 with the lyrics…My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big. Your worries stay small. You’ll never need to carry more than you can hold. This next song might seem a little bit of a cheesy song, but it does get everybody out on the dance floor. It is Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” released in 1987 with the lyrics. Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you.
The next song you may not have heard of before, “Never Stop (Wedding Version)” by SafetySuit was released in 2012 with the lyrics…And as this mirror says we’re getting older. I want to look the other way. You are my life. My love. My only. “No One” by Alicia Keys, released in 2007, is a great R & B love song, with the lyrics…you and me together through the days and nights. I don’t worry ’cause everything’s gonna be alright. “Nobody But You” by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani was released in 2019 with the lyrics…I don’t wanna live without you. I don’t wanna even breathe. I don’t wanna dream about you. Wanna wake up with you next to me. A very popular recessional song, or even as a song to play as you enter the reception hall, is “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons, released in 2012.
Another great parent-child dance song “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth was released in 2016 with the lyrics…I’ll be there to save the day. Superman got nothing on me. I’m always one call away. You know, this would also be a great song to play as a background song during dinner. “Over The Rainbow” by IS. I’ve seen this released in 1990 and in 1993. A great song that says…someday I’ll wish upon a star. Wake up where the clouds are far, behind me. Where trouble melts like lemon drops. A modern party song “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO was released in 2011. A very popular wedding song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran released in 2017, with lyrics…darling, just hold my hand. Be my girl. I’ll be your man. I see my future in your eyes. And if you haven’t checked out the other remixes of this song, make sure you check out Beyonce’s duet with Ed, and also the duo with Bocelli.
I would consider this next song one of the greatest party songs of all time. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, released in 1978. This is why everybody celebrates this song on September 21st because it does…do you remember, 21st night of September? Love was changing the mind of pretenders. While chasing the clouds away. Taylor Swift returns to the list with “Shake It Off” released in 2014, and “Shout” by Otis Day & The Knights released in 1978, which was featured in the movie Animal House. “Shut Up And Dance” by a Walk The Moon was released in 2014. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder, released in 1970, has been a very popular recessional song. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce was released in 2008. You could play this for all of the single ladies at your reception. “Speechless” by Dan + Shay, released in 2018, has been a very popular processional song with the lyrics…after all this time. I’m just as nervous. Every time you walk into the room, I’m speechless.
One of the greatest R & B songs of all time “Stand By Me” by Ben E King was released in 1961 with the lyrics…I won’t cry. I won’t cry. No, I won’t shed a tear just as long as you stand, stand by me. Another great sing-along song, released in 1969, is “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. A great song to end the evening, if you’re looking for a sing-along song, is “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver released in 1971. A very popular Country love song, “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton released in 2015, could be a song that gets everybody out on the dance floor, dancing as couples. With the lyrics…You’re as sweet as strawberry wine. You’re as warm as a glass of Brandy, and Honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time.
Gabby Barrett released her song “The Good Ones” in 2020, with the lyrics…He’s one of the good ones and he’s all mine. Another great jazz-pop crossover “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra released in 1964. You know, you really can’t go wrong with Frank Sinatra, but the lyrics are perfect with…keep that breathless charm. Won’t you please arrange it? ‘Cause I love you. Just the way you look tonight. Ed Sheeran released “Thinking Out Loud” in 2014 with the lyrics…kiss me under the light of a thousand stars. Place your head on my beating heart. I’m thinking out loud that maybe, we found love right where we are. Montell Jordan released “This Is How We Do It” in 1995 as a great party song. And also, a great song that you could have as a recessional song or even throughout your wedding reception is, “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole. Released in 1975 with the lyrics…you’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime and made me believe that you’ve got the thrills to spare. Oh, this will be an everlasting love.
“Twist And Shout” by the Beatles, released in 1960, is a great party starter. So is “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars released in 2014. Depending on the part of the country that you’re in, you could choose the Old Crow Medicine Show, but I have the Darius Rucker version of “Wagon Wheel” released in 2013. Who could forget this song with the lyrics…So rock me, mama, like a wagon wheel, rock me, mama, any way you feel. Hey, rock me, mama. Just for all the ladies that love the Pop music of the ’90s, “Wannabe” by Spice Girls was released in 1996. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, released in 1979, will bring all the families together out on the dance floor.
Just for EDM fans, “We Found Love” by Rihanna and Calvin Harris, released in 2011. This is a great party song that will have everybody out on the dance floor. Lyrics include…It’s the way I’m feeling. I just can’t deny, but I’ve gotta let it go. We found love in a hopeless place. A wedding song classic, released in 1967, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, with the unforgettable lyrics…the bright blessed days, the dark sacred nights. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. The next song is another 1990s throwback that will have everybody singing along, it’s “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes, released in 1993. And if you want a dance version of this song, make sure that you listen to DJ Miko’s remake of this song. Another group dance song “Wobble” by V.I.C. was released in 2008, and “Yeah!” by Usher, Ludacris, and Lil’ Jon, released in 2004. Just for Indie/Fold fans, “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne was released in 2008 with the lyrics…you please me, You don’t even have to try. Oh, because you are the best thing.
“You Are The Reason”, I chose the duet version with Calum Scott and Leona Lewis. Released in 2018 with the lyrics…just to be with you and fix what I’ve broken. Oh, ’cause I need you to see that you are the reason. The next song is a very popular recessional song, but it could also be played as a party dance song. It is “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Daryl Hall & John Oates, released in 1980. And just for all of you rockers out there, “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC, released in 1980. And the last song on our list is Russell Dickerson’s “Yours”, released in 2015 with the lyrics…I came to life. when I first kissed you, the best me has his arms around you. You make me better than I was before. Thank God I’m yours.
There you have it. My 100 best wedding songs of all time. If you prefer to read the list, or listen to the list you can do so on our website MyWeddingSongs.com. Just go to song charts and best wedding songs. While you’re there, make sure you sign up for our newsletter. Just go to the subscribe button and you’ll get a monthly newsletter of all the new wedding songs released from the prior month, plus some new wedding song ideas. In two weeks I’m going to be dropping a new podcast episode about songs to “walk down the aisle too”. So make sure you tune in for that. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
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Listen to Podcast Episode 68 – Songs To Walk Down The Aisle To
