This list is perfect for those seeking a unique soundtrack for an unforgettable father/daughter moment at their wedding, blending contemporary tunes with timeless classics.
But What if My Dad Doesn’t Know How to Dance?
Yes, we often get this question put forward to us, and, in all honesty, it doesn’t matter. This is a significantly emotional part of the day, and all that matters is that you both feel comfortable enough to enjoy the moment.
Now, we admit that picking a song that speaks to you both individually whilst lyrically capturing the importance of the father/daughter dance is no easy task. However, the list below is a great starting ground for you both and will hopefully give you some inspiration (or maybe even ‘the song’!) moving forward.
Please note the song you choose doesn’t necessarily have to mention a father or daughter in the lyrics. There may be a special song you both share or remember listening to together that could work perfectly – don’t be afraid to pick something entirely left field like the Bear Necessities or Run To The Hills!
Fathers & Daughters by Michael Bolton
Lyrics: “Like moonlight on the water, and sunlight in the sky/Fathers and daughters never say goodbye”
Let’s start with a song that’s straight to the point, and this ticks all the boxes; it mentions fathers (tick) and daughters (tick) and the special bond they share (tick). The sentiment behind the lyrics for this song makes it an ideal choice for the father/daughter dance.
The song’s melody and Bolton’s soulful voice create a tender moment for a memorable dance. However, we appreciate that this may be low-hanging fruit, so let’s look at some less obvious choices.
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics: “Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’/’Cause I’ve built my life around you/But time makes you bolder/Even children get older/And I’m getting older too”
The wonderful thing about song lyrics is that they can be interpreted in many different ways and, although this song is about a breakup, the lyrics lend themselves perfectly to a father/daughter dance.
Stevie Nicks wrote this song in Colorado while her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham deteriorated. However, if you look at it from a different angle, the idea of a daughter symbolically leaving her parents adds a certain poignancy to the lyrics.
Two Of Us by The Beatles
Lyrics: “You and I have memories/Longer than the road/That stretches out ahead”
If your dad is a Beatles fan, why not shy away from the obvious choices like ‘Here Comes The Sun‘ and surprise him with this absolute gem?
The lyrics appear to be written personally for whoever is listening, making it a classic ‘Paul song’ and ideal for personifying the adventures shared with someone close to heart.
My Hero by Foo Fighters
Lyrics: “There goes my hero/Watch him as he goes/There goes my hero/He’s ordinary”
Shout out to all the ordinary dads out there!
If your dad is your hero, this could be the track you’re looking for. Dave Grohl said he was inspired by all the ‘ordinary heroes’ out there when he wrote this song and looked up to them more than any celebrity.
First Man by Camilla Cabello
Lyrics: “You’re looking at me, while walking down the aisle/With tears in your eyes, maybe he deserves me”
A direct and genuine love letter from a daughter to her dad; the lyrics in this song are poignant and emotional, so if you’re looking to pull on the heartstrings of your guests, then this is the one.
With the help of Finneas on production (Billie Eilish’s brother), the track is polished to pop ballad perfection.
Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III
Lyrics: “That’s my daughter in the water/Everytime she fell, I caught her/Everytime she fell”
If you’ve ever watched the film Knocked Up through to the end, you’ll know this is an absolute gem of a song.
With its quirky middle 8th and instrumentation, the song beautifully captures the unique relationship shared between a father and daughter, making it an apt choice!
Daddy’s Little Girl by The Shires
Lyrics: “Used to wrap my hands around his little finger/Turns out he was wrapped around mine”
If you’re looking for a bit of country, look no further. The Shires have become a country-pop sensation over the past decade, and with songwriting as perfect as this, you can easily see why.
Country music is not a genre for mincing its words; it speaks from the heart and says what it means without having to read between the lines. If you’re looking for a straight-speaking song, you may well have found it.
Father & Daughter by Paul Simon
Lyrics: “As long as one and one is two/There could never be a father loved his daughter/More than I love you”
The godfather of songwriting himself, Paul Simon. Father & Daughter is as musically beautiful as it is lyrically, even if it was written for The Wild Thornberrys movie.
If one artist is going to pen down the perfect lyrics to what you’re hoping to say, then you can safely put your trust in this songwriting genius.
Sweet Child O’Mine by Guns & Roses
Lyrics: “She’s got eyes of the bluest skies/As if they thought of rain/I’d hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain”
If you’re both into a bit of rock and looking to throw a few air guitar solos into the mix, then this is undoubtedly the song, right?
Known for one of the most iconic and most learned guitar riffs of all time, Sweet Child O’Mine came together during a practice warm-up. Axl Rose supposedly channelled Lynyrd Skynyrd when penning the lyrics to get that ‘heartfelt feeling’.
You’ve Got A Friend by Carol King
Lyrics: “Winter, spring, summer or fall/All you have to do is call/And I’ll be there/You’ve got a friend”
1971 was never a dull moment for album/song releases (just ask David Hepworth!), but Tapestry has to be up there as one of the most influential albums, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide
Carol King tapped into the psyche of women worldwide and delivered a piece of work surpassing personal intimacy that liberated female singers. This song, like the rest on this record, speaks for itself with genuine honesty and affection.
The Best Day by Taylor Swift
Lyrics: “I didn’t know if you knew/So I’m taking this chance to say/That I had the best day with you today”
Global superstar and pop icon: if you’re looking for the most popular song out there for this section of the day, then this is probably it.
Taylor Swift is an exemplary artist who knows how to write a song with mass appeal. There’s no subtext here; it’s straight from the heart without being too cheesy.
Forever Young by Bob Dylan
Lyrics: “May God bless and keep you always/May your wishes all come true/May you always do for others/And let others do for you”
Although written for his eldest son, Dylan’s lyrics work perfectly for a father-daughter dance, echoing the blessing from a parent to a child.
Okay, not all dads are good dancers, and this section of the wedding might be unnerving. However, picking a slower song is the way to go – a gentle sway back and forth will put everyone involved at ease!
My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
Lyrics: “Go on, take on this whole world but to me/You know you’ll always be/My little girl”
Nominated for best song in 2006, My Little Girl featured in the film Flickr, which McGraw starred in.
This might be the ideal fit if you’ve got a sweet tooth and are okay with this type of sugary-sweet country music. However, moving forward, let’s step away from the obvious and consider some more unique song choices.
Little Talks by Of Monsters & Men
Lyrics: “Well, tell her that I miss our little talks/Soon it will be over and buried with our past/We used to play outside when we were young/And full of life and full of love”
This little indie-folk classic catapulted the Icelandic natives into the UK music scene back in 2011 – you’d have to be living under a rock to have missed this!
It’s a wonderfully uplifting song musically and lyrically and depicts a supportive and enduring love – perfect for a father-daughter dance.
I’ll Be There For You by The Remembrandts
Lyrics: “But she didn’t tell you when the world has brought/You down to your knees that/I’ll be there for you”
The Friends theme tune is beyond iconic and practically ingrained into our psyche. It’s also a fun, upbeat song to let loose to, so it’s highly worth considering if you’re up for a lively dance!
It’s likely Friends will hold some nostalgia as well, especially since it’s another show that has stood the test of time and is still being celebrated and re-watched all over the world.
My Darling by Wilco
Lyrics: “Because we made you, my darling/With the love in each of our hearts/We were a family, my darling/Right from the start”
Wilco’s frontman penned the lyrics for this lively father/daughter anthem during a bedtime routine with his daughter.
The song offers a slightly more catchy beat to work with and is ideal for those dads who are hesitant dancers.
Gracie by Ben Folds
Lyrics: “One day you’re gonna want to go/I hope we taught you everything you need to know”
Many fatherhood songs carry odd subtexts, but Ben Folds’ track from his near-perfect 2005 Songs for Silverman album is an exception.
It’s a genuine, beautifully understated ode to the complex emotions of new fatherhood. It’s a wonderfully apt choice for a father/daughter dance.
You’ve Got A Friend In Me by Randy Newman
Lyrics: “If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ’em too/There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you/We stick together and can see it through”
It’s possibly the most popular choice, and it’s easy to tell why! Pixar’s Toy Story has been so successful over the years that even daughters circa today are growing up watching this movie.
It brings nostalgia and sentimentality, but most of all, the score is just beautiful from start to finish. Bonus points for not being challenging to dance to as well!
Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts
Lyrics: “There was a distance between you and I (between you and I)/A misunderstanding once/But now we look it in the eye”
We’re playing fast and loose now! This is a fine example of a fun song that is easy to boogie with your dad and doesn’t have to echo the sentiments of your relationship.
We could recommend dozens more songs that refer to a father or daughter, but to be completely honest, if the song means something to you both, then that’s all that matters.
You’re My Best Friend by Queen
Lyrics: “I’ve been with you such a long time/You’re my sunshine/And I want you to know/That my feelings are true/I really love you”
Written by Queen’s bassist, John Deacon, his wife inspired the song at the time. However, the lyrics are sweet and effective in their simplicity, making it a perfect choice.
Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics: “I never thought through love we’d be/Making one as lovely as she/But isn’t she lovely, made from love”
If you can’t beat the classics, then join ’em!
Stevie is the king of songwriting; his songs are infectious and toe-tapping, so you’ll surely have fun with this number.
Fun fact: The crying at the start of this record was a baby’s first cry and was recorded during an actual childbirth.
How Did We Do?
There are hundreds of choices out there and likely as many lists to go through, but we hope our personally cherry-picked list helps in some way or another with your search.
As a final thought, think of this not just as a dance but as a tribute to shared laughs and whispered secrets. Let the song you decide on be as quirky or cheesy as you like, as long as it reflects you both. After all, this dance is more than just steps to a song; it’s a celebration of a bond that lasts a lifetime.