30 Combined Parents Wedding Dance Songs – Classic & Modern
A combined parents’ dance happens during a wedding reception. The father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance are combined into one song playing while the dance occurs. This is a great way to save time by combining two formal dances into one.
Modern Tracks for Both Parents
On Me – Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max
Released in 2020 on the album SCOOB! Soundtrack
Genre: Dance
An uptempo song to sing to each other sharing a message that you will be there for each other for anything.
Lyrics to Know:
And if you want to, tell me what you gon’ do
You could put it all, put it all on me
You can count on me, one, two, three
Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen
Released in 2019 on the album Forever Young
Genre: Folk
This is a unique cover of the Rod Stewart song that was written as a dedication from Stewart to his kids to enjoy life.
Lyrics to Know:
Forever young
I want to be forever young
Most People Are Good – Luke Bryan
Released in 2018 on the album What Makes You Country
Genre: Country
The tempo makes for a good two-step but you can also sway with each other. The song has a story reminding us all that most people are kind and the good outways the bad.
Lyrics to Know:
I believe this world ain’t half as bad as it looks
I believe most people are good
Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
Released in 2016 on the album Damn Country Music
Genre: Country
This is a generic slow song from a parent to a child wishing that all their hopes and dreams come true.
Lyrics to Know:
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Released in 2010 on the album Revolution
Genre: Country
A song about how one’s childhood is part of who you are today and sharing your story.
Lyrics to Know:
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins
Released in 2008 on the album American Man: Greatest Hits Volume II
Genre: Country
A song about cherishing the moments of raising your children no matter how minor at the time.
Lyrics to Know:
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this
Little Wonders – Rob Thomas
Released in 2007 on the album Meet the Robinsons Soundtrack
Genre: Pop Rock
A song reminding us that surviving hardships makes you a stronger person and that you can overcome any challenge.
Lyrics to Know:
Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders
Never Alone – Jim Brickman feat. Lady A
Released in 2007 on the album Escape
Genre: Pop
A song about always being there for each other even though the wedding couple is starting a new life together.
Lyrics to Know:
So when hard times have found you and your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you, you’re never alone
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
Released in 2006 on the album Me and My Gang
Genre: Country
A song about wishing someone well and getting everything they dreamed of.
Lyrics to Know:
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
Find Your Wings – Mark Harris
Released in 2005 on the album The Line Between The Two
Genre: Christian
A song from a parent figure to a child hoping they find their way in life.
Lyrics to Know:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Released in 2003 on the album Closer
Genre: Operatic Pop
A song representing a parent figure showing a child how to survive the world and being there for them.
Lyrics to Know:
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
Released in 2000 on the album I Hope You Dance
Genre: Country
A song about a parent figure hoping that their child lives out their dreams and reaches their goals.
Lyrics to Know:
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
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Sheryl Crow
Released in 1999 on the album Big Daddy soundtrack
Genre: Rock
A slower cover of the song made famous by Guns ‘N’ Roses. Even though the song describes a love song between a couple, for classic rock fans this could be your parent figure and new child song.
Lyrics to Know:
Oh, ooh oh, sweet child ‘o mine
Oh, oh oh oh sweet love of mine
You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
Released in 1999 on the album Tarzan Soundtrack
Genre: Pop Rock
A song that tells of caring for another and holding the relationship close to your heart.
Lyrics to Know:
No matter what they say
You’ll be here in my heart
Always
Days Like This – Van Morrison
Released in 1995 on the album Days Like This
Genre: Rock
A song about how every day will not be perfect but to focus on the good days.
Lyrics to Know:
When you ring out the changes of how everything is
Well my mama told me there’ll be days like this
Blessed – Elton John
Released in 1995 on the album Made in England
Genre: Soft Rock
A song about a parent figure being blessed by having a wonderful child.
Lyrics to Know:
And you, you’ll be blessed
You’ll have the best
I promise you that
I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
Released in 1994 on the album Last of the Independents
Genre: Rock
A song about being there for someone you care about no matter what they do or how bad things get.
Lyrics to Know:
I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you,
I’ll stand by you, baby even to your darkest hour
Hero – Mariah Carey
Released in 1993 on the album Music Box
Genre: Pop
The song puts someone you care about above others and shows how dear they are to you – so much so they are your hero.
Lyrics to Know:
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
Released in 1991 on the album Unforgettable… with Love
Genre: R&B
The original song was reworked by Natalie to be a duet with her father Nat and shows how they think that each is incredible.
Lyrics to Know:
It’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am
Unforgettable
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole
Released in 1990 on the album Facing Future
Genre: International
A song about hope and believing that all of your dreams will come true.
Lyrics to Know:
Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
Clouds high over the rainbow, makes all your dreams come true
Want to dance with your in-laws? See songs for a bride and father-in-law and groom and mother-in-law dance.
Classic Hits for a Joint Dance
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
Released in 1988 on the album Out of Order
Genre: Soft Rock
The song was written as a dedication from Stewart to his kids wishing them a happy life but being there for them too.
Lyrics to Know:
But whatever road you choose, I’m right behind you win or lose,
Forever young
Greatest Love Of All – Whitney Houston
Released in 1986 on the album Whitney Houston
Genre: R&B
A song dedicated to children and that they should learn to believe in themselves and love themselves no matter what.
Lyrics to Know:
I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
True Colors – Cyndi Lauper
Released in 1986 on the album True Colors
Genre: Pop
A song about accepting and loving someone for who they are as a person.
Lyrics to Know:
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
Released in 1980 on the album Exodus
Genre: Reggae
A song about being happy and leaving your troubles behind.
Lyrics to Know:
Singin’ don’t worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh
Every little thing gonna be alright, don’t worry
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Released in 1977 on the album Menagerie
Genre: R&B
A mid-tempo song, not that could describe what the wedding day means to each of you.
Lyrics to Know:
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day
Shower the People – James Taylor
Released in 1976 on the album In the Pocket
Genre: Soft Rock
A song about loving others and treating them with kindness no matter how they treat you.
Lyrics to Know:
I say (show them the way that you feel)
They say in every life (shower the people you love with love)
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Released in 1972 on the album Talking Book
Genre: R&B
A song that lets the world know that new parents love their new children and will always be there for them.
Lyrics to Know:
You are the sunshine of my life
That’s why I’ll always stay around
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
Released in 1970 on the album Third Album
Genre: Soul
A song about being there for you no matter the circumstances.
Lyrics to Know:
I’ll reach out my hand to you
I’ll have faith in all you do
Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Released in 1970 on the album Déjà Vu
Genre: Rock
The song describes being happy and loving letting both parents and children be who they are without trying to fix what is not broken.
Lyrics to Know:
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Released in 1967 on the album What a Wonderful World
Genre: Jazz
A classic combined parent-child dance song at weddings that are not too mushy but captures the bond between the families.
Lyrics to Know:
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
In My Life – The Beatles
Released in 1968 on the album Rubber Soul
Genre: Pop Rock
A song about family and friends that were in your life and helped mold you.
Lyrics to Know:
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life, I’ll love you more
Sunrise, Sunset – Cast from Fiddler on the Roof
Released in 1964 from the musical Fiddler on the Roof
Genre: Broadway
The song reminds parents how fast their children grow up and how they don’t feel old enough to have kids of marrying age.
Lyrics to Know:
They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Released in 1961 on the album Don’t Play That Song!
Genre: R&B
A song about supporting someone and letting them know that everything will be OK as long as they are there.
Lyrics to Know:
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Smile – Nat King Cole
Released in 1954
Genre: Jazz
A song that shares a message to smile through any difficult times and you can make it through.
Lyrics to Know:
Smile, what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile
Music Sources:
- DJs’ Playlists
- Couples’ Playlists
- Facebook Planning Groups
Do you have a favorite combined parent dance song, not on our list? Please share your song below so that we can add it!
FAQs
What is a good song for a combined parent dance?
The best song to play for a combined parent dance song is one that does not tell a love story between lovers and does not tell a specific story about a son or a daughter. The combined parent dance song should showcase a love of caring, compassion, or a beautiful moment.
What is a parents’ dance at a wedding?
A parents dance is when the bride dances with her father and the groom dance with his mother. If either parent is not able to attend, a sibling, friend, or another parent can fill in as a replacement. These are commonly known as the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. (See a list of sentimental father daughter songs).
