The Father Daughter Dance – Let’s Get it Right

Here we go friends…it’s Daddy Daughter time.

Let’s focus on arguably one of the sweetest moments of your entire wedding day. Imagine…You’ve just completed your first dance as a newlywed couple, and next the M.C. calls you and your father up for what I have come to appreciate as one of the most heartfelt moments of the evening…The Father Daughter Dance.

With literally hundreds of weddings under our belts and having the honor of watching so many of these touching (and some choreographed with overwhelmingly witting excellence) moments unfold, I have come to find the Father Daughter dance as one of my favorite parts of the night. It can be fun, silly, rock and roll, or something that absolutely cues the waterworks. Whichever route you choose, The Father Daughter dance is something that deserves the research…because, come on…this is the man who raised you…the one who saw your first tears, your first steps, and helped guide you lovingly through all the major milestones in your life…and now he’s sending you off and entrusting his baby girl into the arms of another man. This is tough…a big moment for you both…a turning of the page…but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve come up with a comprehensive list of songs for you. We’ve weeded through the hundreds of online sources, the massive lists that have too many songs to even be able to listen to before you say “I Do”, and separated the winners in categories for you to cypher through. Most importantly, we’ve performed these songs (some dozens of times) and can tout their success! Whichever song you choose, know that the ones below have stood the test of time for a reason. Rather than flood you with an extensive list of options, we’ve provided choices we personally know will greatly add to this special moment. You will also notice that there are many different genres to choose from to help you create that perfect daddy-daughter moment.

We’ve even set up a Spotify Playlist so you can pull them directly onto your phone or computer and try them out.

So here they are…backed by performers who have seen their magic at work…some tried and true, and some unique ones you can make your own: The Music City Sound’s Top Choices for The Father Daughter Dance Song.

Let’s Get Classy

These classic go-to’s have stood the test of time. You may have heard them performed at many a weddings past, but they’ve worked for a reason. Here are some of the top choices for the Father Daughter Dance Classics.

How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
In My Life - The Beatles
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) - Billy Joel
Forever Young - Rod Stewart
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
Ain’t That Love - Ray Charles
Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman
I’ll Be There - The Jackson 5
My Girl - The Temptations
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
The Way You Do The Things You Do - The Temptations
A Wink and a Smile - Harry Connick, Jr.

Crooners for the Win

Let’s be honest…very few can compete with the likes of Sinatra, Sam Cooke, or Ella Fitzgerald. Why fix it if ain’t broken? Here’s a list of tunes sung by some of the best of all time.

The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
I Wish You Love - Sam Cooke
Unforgettable - Natalie Cole
They Can’t Take That Away From Me - Ella Fitzgerald
A Wink and a Smile - Harry Connick, Jr.
I Wish You Love - Dean Martin

Country Life

Country music has a way to tug at the heart strings with its classic way of story telling. Here are a few of our favorite picks.

My Little Girl - Tim McGraw
God Gave Me You - Blake Shelton
Just Fishin’ - Trace Adkins
I Loved Her First - Heartland
Daddy Lessons - Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks
You Are My Sunshine - Johnny Cash
Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carslile
There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
Never Alone - Jim Brickman and Lady Antebellum
She’s Somebody’s Daughter

Tear Jerkers

I mean, we’re not forcing anyone to cry here…but the heartfelt way these songs’ lyrics unfold will undoubtedly cause some tissues to appear…

Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman
Lullabye - Billy Joel
When You Need Me - Bruce Springsteen
Walk With You - Edwin McCain
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
You Make My Dreams - Tim Halperin

Motown

Cue the tambourines! These Motown classics are sure to get people dancing along with you.

The Way You Do The Things You Do - The Temptations
Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
I’ll Be There - The Jackson 5
Ain’t That Love - Ray Charles
I Wish You Love - Sam Cooke
My Girl - The Temptations
That’s How Strong My Love Is - Otis Redding

Fun Ideas

Why not make this a moment to have some fun? I mean Dad’s are a blast! Doesn’t always have to be so serious… Some of these tunes have some funny tongue and cheek lyrics, and some you just can’t stop from bopping along with.

Don’t Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Father and Daughter - Paul Simon
Daddy Lessons - Beyonce
Dancin’ On Daddy’s Shoes - Leon Redbone
Daughter - Loudon Wainwright III
While You Were Sleeping - Elvis Perkins

Current Hits

I mean classics are great right? But what if there’s a current song on the radio that would be perfect? Here are some hits from current artists that would be a perfect Father/Daughter fit!

First Man- Camila Cabello
One Call Away - Charlie Puth
Count On Me - Bruno Mars
Daughters - John Mayer
Daddy - Beyonce
Sweet Pea - Amos Lee
You Are The Best Thing - Ray Lamontagne

Classic Rock

Who doesn’t remember their early dad…long hair, windows down…singing awkwardly loud along with some Springsteen or Zeppelin. Go ahead and give him what he really wants for the Father Daughter dance. Here are some classic songs that rock!

Sweet Child of Mine - Guns N’ Roses
Wildflowers - Tom Petty
When You Need Me - Bruce Springsteen
Thank You - Led Zeppelin
Forever Young - Rod Stewart
You’re My Best Friend - Queen
She’s A Rainbow - The Rolling Stones

Let’s be Unique

These songs are a random bunch for sure…but if you’re looking for songs that haven’t been used a million times, or for something to stand as your own, then these unique Father Daughter Dance songs might be the pick for you.

Kind & Generous - Natalie Merchant
While You were Sleeping - Elvis Perkins
Daughter - Loudon Wainwright III
Father and Daughter - Paul Simon
You Got It - Roy Orbison
Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan
Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire

Thanks for checking out our list of favorites and for taking the time to make sure your Father Daughter dance will be as special and unique as the two of you. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our other posts and playlists while selecting your mother-son songs as well. We want to provide as much guidance and tips you would like for choosing your special dances.

As always…

Cheers to a wonderful celebration and to many years of happiness!