23 ‘Not Corny’ Father/Daughter Dance Songs For Your Wedding Day


father/daughter dance songs wedding day - wedded week

The Father/Daughter dance is a classic wedding tradition, that can squeeze a tear out of even the most stoic of wedding guests. It’s a chance for dads to showcase their smoothest (or perhaps, most unconventional) dance moves (read: dad moves), while daughters daughters roll their eyes and secretly love it.

But let’s face it, not every dad is made for the dance floor. Some may rely on the classic “sway and shuffle,” while others might surprise everyone with unexpected dips and twirls. Or perhaps you’re planning a choreographed number? Regardless of their skill level (or yours!), it’s really all about the song. 

If you’re looking to break free from the tired old sentimental tunes, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the “Butterfly Kisses” and embrace these 23 fresh, non-traditional Father/Daughter dance songs that will have everyone smiling, tapping their feet, and maybe even busting out some dad dance moves of their own.

 

1. When You Need Me, Bruce Springsteen

Lyrics: “When you need me call my name, ‘Cause without you my life just wouldn’t be the same. If you want me come sunny skies or rain. When you need me just call my name.”

 

This song is a promise of unwavering support and love, perfect for reminding your dad that even though you’re all grown up, you’ll always be his little girl (who might still need help opening a jar of pickles now and then, or changing your car tyre).

 

 

2. You’re My Best Friend, Queen

Lyrics: “Ooh you’re the best friend that I ever had. I’ve been with you such a long time. You’re my sunshine and I want you to know that my feelings are true.”

This one is for all the Queen fans! This upbeat song is perfect for those who want a fun and lively dance filled with silliness and maybe even a few air guitar solos.

 

 

3. Sweet Child O’ Mine, Guns and Roses

Lyrics: “She’s got eyes of the bluest skies, as if they thought of rain. I hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain.”

This rock anthem, with its surprisingly tender lyrics about a father’s love for his daughter, is a unique and unexpected choice that’s sure to get the crowd headbanging. It’s definitely a scene stealer!

 

 

4. Daughter, Loudon Wainwright

Lyrics: “That’s my daughter in the water, every time she fell I caught her. Every time she fell.”

A poignant song about a father’s love and paternal protection, this song is a down-to-earth reflection of the father-daughter relationship–perfect for a slow dance and a few heartfelt hugs (and look, maybe some tears as well).

 

5. Someone to Watch Over Me, Amy Winehouse

Lyrics: “I’d like to add his initials to my monogram. Tell me where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?”

Amy Winehouse was a goddess and dancing to any of her ballads for a father/daughter dance is sure to be a winner.

6. True Colors, Eva Cassidy

Lyrics: “But I see your true colors shining through. See your true colors and that’s why I love you.”

Now, you can most definitely opt for Cyndi Lauper’s version of this Eva Cassidy classic. It’s a really heartfelt tune that would make for a perfect backdrop to your father/daughter dance.

 

7. Home, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

Lyrics: “Home, let me come home. Home is wherever I’m with you”

With its folksy charm and sweet lyrics about finding home in loved ones, this song is perfect for a father and daughter who prefer to sing along at the top of their lungs while “dancing”.

 

 

8. Daughters, John Mayer

Lyrics: “I know a girl she puts the color inside of my world. But she’s just like a maze where all of the walls all continually change.”

This reflective song about a father’s hopes and dreams for his daughter is a pretty cool choice for a wedding dance. That is, if you can forgive John after he broke up with Taylor Swift.

 

 

9. Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel

Lyrics: “I wouldn’t leave you in times of trouble we never could have come this far. I took the good times; I’ll take the bad times, I’ll take you just the way you are.”

Show us a dad that doesn’t love Billy Joel! *crickets* Exactly. You’d be hardpressed to find a Billy Joel tune that even dads with two left feet would say no to!

 

 

10. God Only Knows, Beach Boys

Lyrics: “But long as there are stars above you, you never need to doubt it, I’ll make you so sure about it. God only knows what I’d be without you.”
 
This timeless ballad, with its soaring harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, is a lovely expression of a father’s love for his daughter, perfect for a romantic slow dance.
 

 

11. Child of Mine, Carol King

Lyrics: Although you see the world different than me. Sometimes I can touch upon the wonders that you see, all the new colors and pictures you’ve designed. Oh yes, sweet darling, so glad you are a child of mine.

 

12 You’ve Got A Friend, James Taylor

You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am, I’ll come running to see you again. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, you’ve got a friend.

13. Songbird, Fleetwood Mac

Lyrics: For you, there’ll be no more crying, For you, the sun will be shining, and I feel that when I’m with you, it’s alright, I know it’s right.

14. I Love You More Today Than Yesterday, Spiral Staircase

Lyrics: Oh, I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow. I love you more today than yesterday, but, darling, not as much as tomorrow.

15. Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper

Lyrics: If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, time after time. If you fall I will catch you I’ll be waiting, time after time.

16. The Wonder of You, Elvis

Lyrics: When no-one else can understand me, when everything I do is wrong, you give me hope and consolation, you give me strength to carry on.

17. Nothing Can Change This Love, Sam Cooke

If I go, a million miles away, I’d write a letter, each and everyday, ’cause honey nothing, nothing can ever change this love I have for you.

18. Wild World, Cat Stevens

Lyrics: Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world, it’s hard to get by just upon a smile. Oh, baby, baby, it’s a wild world, I’ll always remember you like a child, girl.

19. Father and Daughter, Paul Simon

Lyrics: I’m gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow, gonna paint a sign, so you’ll always know. As long as one and one is two, there could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you.

20. Your Song, Elton John

Lyrics: And you can tell everybody this is your song. It may be quite simple but now that it’s done,
I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind, that I put down in words: How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.

21. I Loved Her First, Heartland

Lyrics: But I loved her first and I held her first and a place in my heart will always be hers. From the first breath she breathed, when she first smiled at me, I knew the love of a father runs deep.

22. How You’ve Grown, 10,000 Maniacs

Lyrics: At your age, in a string of days the year is gone, but in that space of time, it takes so long. Because we can’t make up for the time that we’ve lost, I must let those memories provide. No little girl can stop her world to wait for me.

23. Scarlet Begonias, The Grateful Dead

Lyrics: She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes and I knew without asking she was into the blues. She wore scarlet begonias, tucked into her curls, I knew right away she was not like other girls, other girls.

Feature image from Siempre Weddings.


Wedded Wonderland is delighted to introduce the Get Wedded in Fiji 2023 digital magazine, showcasing the unparalleled beauty and allure of destination weddings in Fiji. This annual magazine is accessible to everyone at no cost, and it’s designed to inspire couples to bring their dream wedding to life in this tropical paradise.

Read the magazine below!

Posted in Expert Advice, Planning by wedded wonderland


Newsletter Form (#7)

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST


Back To Top