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Following the newlywed dance, the second dance at any wedding is traditionally the father-daughter dance. For most brides, this is a special moment they share with their dads. However, some brides may choose another special person in their lives that they see as a father figure. To make the most of this dance, select a special and heartfelt song that really speaks to your emotions and relationships.
If you don’t have a song immediately pop into your mind that you two have held dear all these years, don’t worry. I’ll include a list of the top 10 most popular father-daughter songs that speak to that one-of-a-kind bond. Here are some of the best songs that you should consider.
1. “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
You’ve likely heard this sweet song previously and loved the folksy, bluesy sound that Lee brought to it. If you’re the apple of your daddy’s eye, then this is the perfect song for a slow dance at your wedding.
Lyrics to Love:
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
2. “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
If you or your dad is a long-time James Taylor fan, then this may be the perfect song for your dance together. It’s also likely to be a crowd favorite. Even if your guests aren’t familiar with Taylor’s entire discography, they’re likely to know the lyrics to this song. It was first written by soul singer Marvin Gaye and famously released by James Taylor as the lead single of his 1975 album Gorilla.
Lyrics to Love:
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I wanna stop and thank you, baby
I just wanna stop and thank you baby, oh yes
3. “Father’s Eyes” by Amy Grant
Father’s Eyes is the title track of Christian singer-songwriter Amy Grant. It’s a slow and soulful song that talks about the likenesses between a baby girl and her father.
Lyrics to Love:
She's got her Father's Eyes
Her Father's Eyes
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can't be found
Eyes full of compassion
Seeing every pain
Knowing what you're going through
And feeling it the same
4. “Times of Your Life” by Paul Anka
Paul Anka’s song doesn’t necessarily address the relationship of a father and daughter specifically, which could make it more fitting if you’re not dancing with your father. This song discusses how fleeting life can be and how you must remember the best times of your life.
Lyrics to Love:
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life?
5. “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
Just like “Times of Your Life,” Unforgettable doesn’t necessarily address father-daughter relationships directly, but it is sung by the father-daughter duo Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole. This makes it a perfect first dance song for you and your father figure at your wedding if you’ve long loved the song.
Lyrics to Love:
That's why, darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am
Unforgettable, too
6. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
You can’t go wrong with Sinatra. This is another neutral song in which the artist sings about someone remembering the way you look tonight when the world isn’t quite going their way. For many brides, it’s incredibly special to spin around the dance floor and hear words like this sung about them.
Lyrics to Love:
Someday, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
7. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
If you’re looking for an incredibly sentimental song to dance to, look no further than “Butterfly Kisses.” This song was written by Bob Carlisle for his daughter, Brooke, when she was 16. The first time he played it for his wife, he couldn’t look at her because he was crying so much. Brooke also cried the first time Bob played it for her.
Lyrics to Love:
"You know how much I love you, Daddy
But if you don't mind, I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
8. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
This song is a departure from the slower and more solemn songs above. If you love the idea of having a more upbeat, “fun” dance, then “Father and Daughter” is a great choice. It’s not fast by any means, but the ballad is a mellow pop song that you could adapt for your purposes.
Lyrics to Love:
I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you
9. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Just like “How Sweet It Is,” this pick is sure to be a crowd favorite. Rod Stewart’s song was a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1988, and it’s still the ideal reminder that whoever you’re dancing with is “right behind you win or lose.”
Lyrics to Love:
And when you fin'lly fly away, I'll be hoping that I served you well.
For all the wisdom of a lifetime, no one can ever tell.
But whatever road you choose, I'm right behind you win or lose
10. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
This classic song is all about appreciating the beauty of your surroundings — whatever that looks like. In this portion of the song, Louis Armstrong specifically addresses children growing up and learning more than “he’ll ever know.” And that’s something many parents experience with the passage of time.
Lyrics to Love:
I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Ooh, yes
Final Thoughts
If you didn’t find your perfect father-daughter dance song on this list, don’t fret. I suggest you begin your search in a genre you both like and even think back on songs that were special to your childhood. All the songs above are more traditionally sentimental, but your dance doesn’t have to take that approach. You have a funny, silly, or upbeat song you prefer to dance to, then you can absolutely take that approach.
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