Popular Father Daughter Dance Songs – Podcast E63
Matt talks about popular father-daughter dance songs played during wedding receptions. Hear some song lyrics that go with the father-daughter theme too!
Important Links
- View the complete list of the Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs
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Podcast Transcript
Welcome to the 63rd episode of the Wedding Songs Podcast. I am Matt Campbell, and this year is 2022, and I’m going to be doing things a little bit differently. I’m going to be starting off with a bunch of song ideas for moments during the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception. The first one on the list being father-daughter dance song ideas. I have about a hundred songs to give you today in just five genres. So, that way you can figure out what song you want to play and what songs are popular for the father-daughter dance. Now, if you want to listen to the list you can do so on our website, by going to song ideas and wedding song lists. Then scroll down to father-daughter dance songs. This will be the list that I’m going to go through today. At the bottom, will be the list of songs that we have that you can listen to.
Now, if you have any questions about any of the songs on the list, you can reach out to us. So, let’s go ahead and get started with a Rock father-daughter dance songs. We have “Story Of Love” by Bon Jovi released in 2020. Next up is “Walk With You” by Edwin McCain released in 2010. This is a great song, I love the words…I’ll take this slow sweet walk with you. You’ll let go of my hand and say I do. Just a great moment for a father-daughter dance. Another great one is “Gracie” by Ben Folds released in 2005, and “Daughters” by John Mayer released in 2004. Now, a lot of people don’t like the theme of this song but make sure that if you want to play this for your father-daughter dance song, you do review the lyrics. You know, it does include…so fathers be good to your daughters. Daughters will love you like you do. So it does have a good meaning, but it also has another meaning as well that you want to check out the lyrics.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine”, it’s not Guns N’ Roses, but it is by Sheryl Crow. So, if you want a toned-down version of the Guns N’ Roses song, this was released in 1998. If you want a lullabye-type song, then “Lullabye (Goodnight. My Angel)” by Billy Joel was popular when released in 1994. Another 90s song, “Wildflowers” by Tom petty who’s in the rock and roll hall of fame. It was released in 1994. And like I said earlier, Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses was released in 1988, for those true Rock fans. Another popular parent-child dance song is “Forever Young” by rod Stewart released in 1988. It’s been played for many parent-child dances and is one that you could incorporate into your wedding reception.
10,000 Maniacs released “How You’ve Grown” in 1992. “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel, released in 1977, and “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton released in 1977. You know, this is more of a love song, so it’s a little bit more lovey-dovey. Maybe one that I would stay away from, but it has been a very popular, father-daughter dance song. Released in 1975 is “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. And finally, in 1967 is “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison. You know, this is another song, even though it talks about a brown-eyed girl, if your daughter’s brown-eyed you know, this really fits the theme. But, this is really another love song that I’d probably stay away from to dance with my daughter. But you know, if you love the theme of this, and this means a lot to you, then it’s a song that you could definitely play for your wedding.
Next up, we’re going to go into the more Folk songs, starting off with “Forever Young” by Andrea Von Kampen. This is a remake of the Rod Stewart song which was released in 2019. One of my favorite songs on the list is “Father Daughter Dance” by Craig Cardiff released in 2018. The lyrics for the song go…oh daughter, know we’re always here. I love you more than all the way past Florida, China, and the United States. So it really fits the wedding theme. Also released in 2018 is “The Old Man And His Daughter” by Kaitlin Huwe. This is another great song to check out for Folk fans. Released in 2016 is “Promise You’ll Stay” released by Joshua Creek. One of the more popular father-daughter dance songs “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright lll released in 2007. One of the more fun and mid-tempo songs, “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee released in 2006, it goes…Hey, sweet pea apple of my eye. Don’t know when, and I don’t know why. But you’re the only reason I keep on coming home. It’s a great song that you could add a little levity to your reception.
“Father And Daughter” by Paul Simon was released in 2002, and another mid-tempo song, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor, was released in 1975. You can’t forget his other great song, “You’ve Got A Friend” released in 1971. Next up, I’m going to cover a few Country songs. Starting off with, “You’ll Always Be My Baby”. This is written for Alan Jackson’s daughter’s wedding. It was released in 2021. And if you didn’t know, he does have three daughters and has released many songs that are dedicated to when his daughters get married. This is a great song to play because he mentions in the lyrics…No matter where you are, you’ll always be my baby, forever in my heart.
Now, if you have a stepfather and you want to do the father-daughter dance song too, then check out “Step By Step” by Brandon Davis released in 2021. He has in it…call it stepping up or stepping in, but step by step my world went spinning around that little heart and angel face. Another song released in 2021 is “She’s Somebody’s Daughter (the wedding version)” by Drew Baldridge. Another great stepfather song is “My Boy (My girl version)” by Elvie Shane released in 2020. He mentions in the song…I could never walk away. Yeah, she’s my baby my whole world. She ain’t my blood, but she’s my, she’s my girl. That gives me a little bit of chills, but a great song to play for your stepfather. Next up is “Half The Man” by Jennifer Smestad, released in 2020. If you haven’t heard this song before it goes…daddy set the bar real high, showed me what a real man looks like. It’s gonna take one to fill those shoes, in his eyes nothing less will do. Just a great father-daughter moment during your reception. “Prettiest Girl In The World” by Logan Mize released in 2020 really does talk about a father and his young daughter but is a great father-daughter dance song. Another great song to check out is “Dads And Daughters” by MaRynn Taylor released in 2020. You know, if you’ve never heard of her I actually got to interview her and I have that interview with MaRynn Taylor on our website. It is about this song and the lyrics go…like boats and water they’re meant for each other, through wind and the waves they’ll sail away from the storm and make it to shore. There’s nothing stronger than the love between dads and daughters. Another great Country song, you know, Country really does share the stories and the moments for weddings and this one is perfect, by Zach Brown Band “The Man Who Loves You The Most” released in 2020, a very popular father-daughter dance song.
Next up is a song by David “Ace” Cannon called “Maggie May Dreams” released in 2019. You know, he lost his daughter and he created this in his love for his daughter. So one to check out. Now, next up is a song that could be controversial by Kane Brown called “For My Daughter”, just because he mentions that he wants to be a better father than his dad was to him. So it may not be perfect for all weddings, but if it fits the story, then it could be a father-daughter dad song that you choose. Next up is more of a father-son song, but it could also fit the Moment Is “Dad” by Tyler Wood released in 2018. It goes…you carried the weight so we’d have a good life, raised us with love so we could fly. Anyone else would call you Superman, but I just call you Dad, love those lyrics in the song. And the song Dad could fit as a father-daughter dance song.
Next up is another one of my favorites “Dance With My Daughter” by Jason Blaine released in 2016 with lyrics…gonna dance with my daughter, spin her around under the lights, ‘cause I’m just a father making the most of this moment in time. Just makes for a special moment during a reception. The Shires released “Daddy’s Little Girl” in 2016, not the same one that was released many years ago, but it fits the moment. If you’re not looking for a lovey-dovey song between a father and daughter, then “Humble And Kind” by Tim McGraw is a great choice, released in 2015.
Another great father-daughter dance song by Zach Brown Band is “I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)” released in 2015. The lyrics go…There was a time when I thought I knew love until you came into this world. Time keeps on flying, but you’re always gonna be my baby girl. If you’re looking for a female artist, then Abby Anderson produced the song “Daddy” in 2014. She sings how…he’s my shoulder to cry on. He’s my best friend. Oh, and daddy he loves me just like you. Next up is Krystal Keith’s “Daddy Dance With Me” released in 2013. Another great father-daughter dance song from the perspective of a dad “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Atkins was released in 2008. And one of his other songs, that if you fished a lot with your dad, “Just Fishing” is another great father-daughter dance song.
Next up is “You Can Let Go” by Crystal Shawanda released in 2008, and another from the dad’s perspective “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” by Darius Rucker, released in 2008. Just for the Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus fans, we have “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus released in 2008. Another great father perspective of the father-daughter dance is “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks released in 2007. Probably one of the most popular father-daughter dance songs of all time, “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, released in 2006 with lyrics…and I prayed that she’d find you someday, but it’s still hard to give her away. I loved her first. Another non-mushy song is “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts because he’s really wishing his daughter well because the song could be really taken as I’m really wishing my daughter well in her future life.
And another one of the most popular father-daughter dance songs “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw, released in 2006 with the lyrics…go on, take on this whole world. But to me, you’ll always be my little girl. “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Cheney released in 2003 is another perspective from the dad. “Then They Do” by Trace Atkins was released in 2003. And also “There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill released in 2001 has been a popular parent-child dance song, with lyrics…for all of my life, I’ll keep a part of you with me and everywhere I am, there you’ll be. Speaking about popular parent-child dances, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack was released in 2000 with lyrics…whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens, promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance. And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.
Another stepfather song is “He Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley released in 1999. I love this song as…looking back, all I can say about all the things he did for me, is I hope I’m at least half the dad that he didn’t have to be. So it’s really more of the perspective of a father and son, but it could also fit the moment of a father-daughter. One of the great classic father-daughter dance songs in the Country genre is “That’s My Job” by Conway Twitty released in 1987, and also “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn released in 1986 with…daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle, but I’ve come to understand. There was always love in daddy’s hands. I used to play that song a lot during the 1990s for the father-daughter dance song.
Next up is Pop father-daughter dance songs. Starting off, released in 2021, is “My Hero” by Westlife with lyrics…And I want to know that I feel like you are my hero. Next up is a collaboration between Mat and Savannah Shaw and The Piano Guys. If you haven’t checked out this video, it’s awesome because it shows all the dads with their daughters. This song is “Grow As We Go”. It was first released by Ben Platt. This was also released in 2021, so it’s all brand new, with lyrics…I don’t know how this river runs, but I’d like the company through every twist and turn. Another new song released in 2021 is “Call My Name” by Lukas Graham. I selected this one because the lyrics go…don’t matter when or where. Just know that I’ll be right there. Call my name. Another brand-new father-daughter dance song released by Jax is called “Like My Father”. This is a great song to select from the daughter’s perspective, with lyrics…I need a man who loves me like my father loves my mom. I just love that, and it could create a special moment during your reception.
In 2020 Dave Barnes released “We’re Gonna Miss These Days”. So more from the father’s perspective. Also released in 2020 is Quixotic Sound and their song “Time To Let Me Go” with…you’ll always be there when I call, that much I know, but it’s time to let me go. So more from the daughter’s perspective from that. The next song was widely popular because she played this song on an award show, Camila Cabello with “First Man” released in 2019 with the lyrics…you held me so tight. Now someone else can. But you were the first man that really loved me. The song was dedicated to her father during the show. “You’ll Always Be My Hero” by Ashley Marina, released in 2018, and “Forever Now” by Michael Bublé in 2018. Finally, “Beautiful Memory” by Scott Keo was released in 2018 with lyrics…I never thought this dance would come. You brighten my life brighter than the sun. You’re beautiful in every single way. And now it’s so bittersweet giving you away. So it’s been a great song to play for the father-daughter dance.
This next song has been making a rapid return in 2021, even though it was released in 2018, called “This Dance” by Scott Thomas Laughridge. And the lyrics I am going to quote are…and this dance is more than just a dance. It gives me one more chance, to show the world how proud I am of you. And as we dance, dance around this room, like we did when you were two, my little girl, this dance is just for you. Love the lyrics, just a great song to play for the father-daughter dance. Next up is Owl City with their song “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” released in 2017. I love the lyrics to this…He’s my Superman. Some folks don’t believe in heroes, cuz they haven’t met my dad. Just a great meaning for a father-daughter dance song.
If you want a song that’s a little bit less lovey-dovey then “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth released in 2015 is a great song to play. Superman got nothing on me. I am only one call away. When you’re weak, I’ll be strong. I’m gonna keep holding on. Just this great song that you could dedicate from a father to a daughter or vice versa. Next up is Michael Bolton with “Father And Daughters” released in 2015. And “You’re My Hero” by Wedding Music Central released in 2012, has been a popular song to play for the father-daughter dance. In 2010, Ellie Goulding released “Your Song” which is a remake of Elton John’s song. And one that you could have as your father-daughter dance. “Never Alone” by Jim Brickman featuring Lady A released in 2010 is a great song. Smile more than grumble and know that when you stumble, you’re never alone. So, a special dedication from a father to his daughter.
A very popular parent-child dance song is “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban released in 2002, and “A Song For My Daughter” by Ray Allaire, released in 2000, has been played at many weddings as well. The lead singer of Genesis, Phil Collins, with his song “You’ll Be In My Heart”, was released in 1999. This song was featured in the Tarzan movie, but still a great song to play. One of the most popular father-daughter dance songs of all time, “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle, was released in 1977. One tip on this, the original song is about five minutes, so I’d really cut this song down. Talk to your DJ and try to get this song down because you don’t want to be standing there dancing for five minutes wondering when the song is over. It does create a great moment but really try to mix in this song so that way it fits the moment. It doesn’t take away from anything else.“Because You Love Me” by Celine Dion was released in 1996, and “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, was released in 1988. If your daughter was a ballet dancer or a dancer through her life, then “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John released in 1971 is a great song to select. And one of the most popular parent-child dance songs “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, released in 1967 for that Pop Jazz feel for your wedding reception.
Next up is the R & B father-daughter dance songs. Starting off with “Like My Daddy” by Lanasha Tyson, released in 2018. Then “Daddy’s Lessons” by Beyonce released in 2016. Next up, is John Legend’s dedication to his daughter, “Right By You (For Luna)” released in 2016. Depending on the situation, Sade’s song “Babyfather” released in 2010 could fit for your father-daughter dance. One of my favorite R & B songs to select is Chrisette Michele’s “Your Joy” released in 2007. No one can compare to the way my eyes fit in yours. You’ll always be my father oh, and I’ll always be your joy. “Footprints In The Sand” by Leona Lewis released in 2007, and also “Daddy” by Beyonce released in 2003 are great selections. If your father has passed on, or if you have a special dedication to your father, then “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross, released in 2003, because the song mentions…another walk, another dance with him. I’d play a song that would never, ever end. How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again. “If It Wasn’t For Your Love” by Heather Headley released in 2003, and also a cover of “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Eddie & Gerald LeVert, released in 1995, is a great song to select. Also, “Hero” by Mariah Carey released in 1993 is a great father-daughter dance song.
If you’re looking for something a little bit older, then “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie Cole, released in 1991. And also, another great dance song if your daughter was a ballerina or into ballet, then “Ballerina Girl” by Lionel Richie released in 1986 with…ballerina girl, you are so lovely. I can see in you my dreams come true. Released in 1980 is “Shining Star” by the Manhattans, and “Lovely Day”, a mid-tempo non-lovey-dovey song, by bill Withers released in 1977. Gil Scott-Heron released “Your Daddy Loves You” in 1974, and a popular song to play at weddings “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder released in 1976. I can’t believe what God has done, through us he’s given life to one but isn’t she lovely made from love? “Daddy Could Swear, I Declare” by Gladys Knight & The Pips was released in 1973, and another great Stevie Wonder song “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” released in 1972. To round out the 70s is 1971 release of The Stylistics’ song “You’re A Big Girl Now”. “I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5 released in 1969 is a great moment for your father-daughter dance song. And one song that was suggested to me, that I’d never heard of before but it makes for a great moment, is The Winstons’ song “Color Him Father” with…think I’ll color this man father. I think I’ll color him love. Said I’m gonna color him father. I think I’ll color the man love. And another one of the most popular father-daughter dance songs, released in 1964, “My Girl” by The Temptations. If you’re looking for a non-lovey-dovey song, a great song to play is “Stand By Me” by Ben E King released in 1961.
Next up are a few Christian father-daughter dance songs. Starting off with “King Of The World” by Cindy Morgan in 2009, and my personal favorite Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman released in 2007. So I will dance with Cinderella, while she is here in my arms. ‘Cause I know something the prince never knew, oh, I will dance with Cinderella. “You’re My Little Girl” by Go Fish was released in 2006. Another favorite of mine is “Find Your Wings” by Mark Harris released in 2005. May there be many moments that make your life so sweet. Oh, but more than memories I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams. Natalie Grant released, 2003, “Always Be Your Baby”.
And finally, just a few miscellaneous father-daughter dance songs in different genres. “My Father’s Daughter” by Olivia Vedder and her father Eddie Vedder, (yes, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam) and Glenn Hansard. Released in 2001 with lyrics…I am my father’s daughter, come hell or high water. Never gonna leave him. If you’re into Hip Hop, then “Letter To My Daughter” by Quando Rondo is a song to check out. When I walk inside the door, she’s gonna know it’s me. I’m gonna tell her about the days they ain’t notice me. I can feel you and you know, I’m your Jodeci. Another very popular parent-child dance song, “Over The Rainbow” by IS released in 1990. And one of my favorites, if you love Reggae, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley in 1977, with…three little birds pitched by my doorstep, singing sweet songs of melodies, pure and true. More on the jazzy side, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, released in 1964. Also “Come Rain Or Shine” by Ray Charles was released in 1959. I’m gonna love you like no ones loved you, come rain or come shine. And the last song on our list, “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, released in 1956. The way your smile just beams, the way you sing off key, the way you haunt my dreams. No, no they can’t take that away from me.
So, there you have it. My favorite list of father-daughter dance songs. If you have any questions about the list, you can reach out to us. If you want to listen to the list you can do so on our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. Just go to song ideas and wedding song list. Then find the father-daughter dance songs. This is our first podcast, next up I’m going to be talking about the mother-son dance songs to play at your reception. Thanks for listening and have a great day.
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Listen to Podcast Episode 64 – Popular Mother Son Dance Songs
