The father-daughter dance is a cornerstone of wedding receptions, a moment brimming with emotion and symbolism. It’s a cherished tradition where the bride and her father share a dance, often following the first dance of the newlyweds, signifying the father’s blessing and support as his daughter embarks on a new chapter. Selecting the perfect song for this significant dance is crucial for capturing the sentiment of the moment and reflecting the unique bond between a father and his daughter.
Finding a song that resonates with both of you can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something meaningful, avoiding clichés while still ensuring it touches hearts. The ideal song should speak to your relationship, perhaps echoing shared memories or inside jokes. It’s about finding your song, one that feels authentic and personal, whether it’s a tune from your childhood or a song that captures your current relationship.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices, a good starting point is to consider genres you both enjoy. Explore within those musical landscapes, and you’re likely to discover a song that fits perfectly.
To simplify your search and inspire your selection, we’ve curated a list of 85 of the most touching and appropriate father-daughter dance songs. These selections span genres and eras, ensuring you’ll find a tune that beautifully encapsulates your special moment with Dad.
[ংকর Father of the bride dancing with his daughter at her wedding reception.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/vVObk2V1s80j93sw0LEqaWvLh6M=/750×0/filters:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/__optimizely_public_brides_dam_assets_cms_5071980_father-daughter-dance-songs_hero_4x3_updated_051724_1-79765799b204459489e6d08591268463.jpg)
Choosing the Right Song: Tips and Considerations
Before diving into song suggestions, consider these factors to help narrow down your choices and select a song that truly reflects your relationship:
- Reflect on Your Relationship: What kind of bond do you share with your father? Is it playful, sentimental, or a mix of both? Choose a song that mirrors the essence of your relationship.
- Consider the Tone: Do you envision a tear-jerking, emotional moment, or something more lighthearted and joyful? The song’s tone should align with the overall mood you want to create.
- Think About Shared Memories: Are there any songs that hold special meaning for you and your dad? Perhaps a song you used to sing together, or one that played during significant moments in your life.
- Lyrics Matter: Pay close attention to the lyrics. Do they resonate with your feelings and the message you want to convey? Ensure the lyrics are appropriate and meaningful for a father-daughter dance.
- Tempo and Dance Style: Consider the tempo of the song and the type of dance you envision. A slow, romantic ballad will suit a different dance style than an upbeat, joyful tune.
- Length of the Song: Wedding dances typically last around 2-3 minutes. You may want to edit a longer song or choose a shorter one to maintain guests’ attention.
- Father’s Preference: While it’s your dance, consider your father’s musical taste and preferences. Choosing a song he also appreciates will make the moment even more special for him.
- Wedding Theme: Does your wedding have a specific theme or style? Selecting a song that aligns with your wedding’s overall ambiance can create a cohesive and harmonious experience.
Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs: Genre & Mood Based Selections
To make your search easier, we’ve categorized our top song picks by genre and mood. Explore these sections to find songs that align with your preferences:
Classic & Timeless Choices
These songs are timeless classics that have resonated with generations, often chosen for their sentimental lyrics and universally heartwarming melodies.
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“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
Lyrics of Love: “I’ll reach out my hand to you/I’ll have faith in all you do/Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)”
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“When You Wish Upon a Star” by Cliff Edwards
Lyrics of Love: “If your heart is in your dream/ No request is too extreme/When you wish upon a star/As dreamers do.”
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“You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
Lyrics of Love: “Ooh, you make me live/Whatever this world can give to me/It’s you, you’re all I see/Ooh, you make me live now, honey/Ooh, you make me live”
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“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor
Lyrics of Love: “I close my eyes at night/Wondering where would I be without you in my life/Everything I did was just a bore/Everywhere I went it seems I’d been there before/But you brighten up for me all of my days”
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“Times of Your Life” by Paul Anka
Lyrics of 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?”
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“Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
Lyrics of Love: “Unforgettable in every way/And forever more/That’s how you’ll stay/That’s why, darling, it’s incredible/That someone so unforgettable/Thinks that I am unforgettable, too”
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“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics of 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/Yes, you’re lovely, with your smile so warm”
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“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Lyrics of Love: “I see trees of green, red roses, too/I see them bloom for me and you/And I think to myself what a wonderful world”
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“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: “You are the sunshine of my life/That’s why I’ll always be around/You are the apple of my eye/Forever you’ll stay in my heart”
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“My Girl” by The Temptations
Lyrics of Love: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day/When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May/Well I guess you’d say/What can make me feel this way?/My girl/Talkin’ ’bout my girl”
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“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Lyrics of Love: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong/And I’ll be your friend/I’ll help you carry on/For it won’t be long/’Til I’m gonna need/Somebody to lean on”
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“Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
Lyrics of Love: “Have I told you lately that I love you?/Have I told you there’s no one else above you?/Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness/Ease my troubles, that’s what you do”
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“Michelle” by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: “I love you, I love you, I love you/That’s all I want to say/Until I find a way/I will say the only words I know that you’ll understand/Michelle, ma belle”
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“Oh! My Papa” by Eddie Fisher
Lyrics of Love: “No one could be so gentle and so lovable/Oh, my pa-pa, he always understood/Gone are the days when he could take me on his knee/And with a smile he’d change my tears to laughter”
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“Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole
Lyrics of Love: “Somewhere over the rainbow/Way up high/And the dreams that you dream of/Once in a lullaby”
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“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: “The long and winding road/That leads to your door/Will never disappear/I’ve seen that road before/It always leads me here/Leads me to your door”
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“You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
Lyrics of Love: “You are so beautiful/To me/You are so beautiful/To me/Can’t you see/You’re everything I hoped for/You’re everything I need/You are so beautiful/To me”
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“(They Long to Be) Close to You” by The Carpenters
Lyrics of Love: “On the day that you were born the angels got together/And decided to create a dream come true/So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue”
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“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: “Isn’t she lovely?/Isn’t she wonderful?/Isn’t she precious?/Less than one-minute old/I never thought through love/We’d be making one as lovely as she/But isn’t she lovely made from love?”
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“In My Life” by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: “Though I know I’ll never lose affection/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”
Modern & Contemporary Hits
For a more modern feel, these contemporary songs offer heartfelt lyrics and melodies that resonate with today’s audiences.
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“Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, darlin’, don’t you ever grow up/Don’t you ever grow up/Just stay this little/Oh, darlin’, don’t you ever grow up/Don’t you ever grow up/It could stay this simple”
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“Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
Lyrics of Love: “Sweet pea/Apple of my eye/Don’t know when and I don’t know why/You’re the only reason I keep on coming home”
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“Father’s Eyes” by Amy Grant
Lyrics of Love: “When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say/She’s got her father’s eyes/Her father’s eyes/Eyes that find the good in things/When good is not around”
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“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Lyrics of 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/There could never be a father/Love his daughter more than I love you”
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“Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Lyrics of 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”
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“Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III
Lyrics of Love: “Everything I say/She takes to heart/Everything she takes/She takes apart/That’s my daughter in the water/Every time she fell I caught her/Every time she fell”
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“Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, I will dance with Cinderella/I don’t wanna miss even one song/’Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight/And she’ll be gone”
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“I Turn to You” by Christina Aguilera
Lyrics of Love: “For a shield from the storm, for a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm, I turn to you/For the strength to be strong, for the will to carry on/For everything you do, for everything that’s true, I turn to you”
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“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Lyrics of Love: “She’s got a smile it seems to me/Reminds me of childhood memories/Where everything/Was as fresh as the bright blue sky/Now and then when I see her face/She takes me away to that special place”
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“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
Lyrics of Love: “If I could get another chance/Another walk/Another dance with him/I’d play a song that would never ever end/How I’d love love love/To dance with my father again”
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“Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
Lyrics of Love: “You belong among the wildflowers/You belong somewhere close to me/Far away from your trouble and worries/You belong somewhere you feel free”
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“Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” by Billy Joel
Lyrics of Love: “Goodnight my angel, now it’s time to dream/And dream how wonderful your life will be/Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby/Then in your heart there will always be a part of me”
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“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: “I turned around and you’ve almost grown/Sometimes when you’re asleep/I whisper I love you in the moonlight at your door/As I walk away, I hear you say/Daddy love you more”
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“When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics of Love: “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”
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“Always, in All Ways” by Kenny Loggins
Lyrics of Love: “I thought you’d always be daddy’s child/And suddenly you were grown/Now that you’re on your own/If ever you feel alone/I’ll be there beside you/For always, in all ways”
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“The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
Lyrics of Love: “And now I know why all the trees change in the fall/I know you were on my side/Even when I was wrong/And I love you for giving me your eyes/Staying back and watching me shine”
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“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
Lyrics of Love: “If you tossin’ and you’re turnin’ and you just can’t fall asleep/I’ll sing a song/Beside you/And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me/Every day I will/Remind you”
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“Daughters” by John Mayer
Lyrics of Love: “On behalf of every man/Looking out for every girl/You are the God and weight of her world/So fathers, be good to your daughters/Daughters will love like you do”
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“Gracie” by Ben Folds
Lyrics of Love: “One day you’re gonna want to go/I hope we taught you everything you need to know/Gracie girl/And there will always be a part of me/Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me/My little girl”
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“Hero” by Mariah Carey
Lyrics of Love: “And then a hero comes along/With the strength to carry on/And you cast your fears aside/And you know you can survive/So when you feel like hope is gone/Look inside you and be strong”
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“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Lyrics of Love: “You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains/You raise me up to walk on stormy seas/I am strong when I am on your shoulders/You raise me up to more than I can be”
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“Your Song” by Elton John
Lyrics of Love: “Oh I know it’s not much but it’s the best I can do/My gift is my song/And this one’s for you/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”
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“You’ve Got a Friend” by Scotty McCreery
Lyrics of Love: “If the sky above you/Should turn dark and full of clouds/And that old north wind should begin to blow/Keep your head together/And call my name out loud/And soon I will be knockin’ upon your door”
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“Because You Loved Me” by Céline Dion
Lyrics of Love: “You were my strength when I was weak/You were my voice when I couldn’t speak/You were my eyes when I couldn’t see/You saw the best there was in me/Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach”
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“Always Be Your Baby” by Natalie Grant
Lyrics of Love: “You are my hero/And that will never change/You still can dry my tears with just your smile/The one I’ve leaned on/From my first steps/To walking down the aisle”
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“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Lyrics of Love: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero/And everything I would like to be?/I can fly higher than an eagle/For you are the wind beneath my wings”
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“Walk With You” by Edwin McCain
Lyrics of Love: “I’ll take this slow sweet walk with you/You’ll let go of my hand to say: I do/He will discover just how blessed a life can be/I know ’cause all those years ago/Your mom handed you to me”
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“Dance With My Daughter” by Jason Blaine
Lyrics of Love: “Gonna dance with my daughter/Spin her around under the lights/’Cause I’m just a father/Making the most of this moment in time”
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“My Darling” by Wilco
Lyrics of Love: “Grow up now/My darling/Please don’t you grow up too fast/And be sure, darling/To make all the good times last”
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“Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Lyrics of Love: “You tucked me in, turned out the light/Kept me safe and sound at night/Little girls depend on things like that”
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“One Call Away” by Charlie Puth
Lyrics of Love: “I’m only one call away/I’ll be there to save the day/Superman got nothin’ on me/I’m only one call away”
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“I Will Walk With You” by John Fogerty
Lyrics of Love: “I will walk with you/Every step of the way/Love you all my life/Love you every day/No matter where you wander/No matter what you do/Come what may I will walk with you”
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“First Man” by Camila Cabelo
Lyrics of Love: “You’re looking at me while walking down the aisle/With tears in your eyes, maybe he deserves me/You don’t even know how much it means to me now/That you were the first man that really loved me”
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“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics of Love: “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”
Country Charm
For those who appreciate country music, these selections offer heartfelt storytelling and genuine emotion, perfect for a father-daughter dance with a touch of country flair.
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“Little Miss Magic” by Jimmy Buffett
Lyrics of Love: “I see a little more of me everyday/I catch a little more moustache turning gray/Your mother is the only other woman for me/Little Miss Magic, what you gonna be?”
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“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
Lyrics of Love: “All the precious time/Oh like the wind, when the years go by/Precious butterfly/Spread your wings and fly/She’ll change her name today/She’ll make a promise/And I’ll give her away”
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“I Loved Her First” by Heartland
Lyrics of Love: “From the first breath she breathed/When she first smiled at me/I knew the love of a father runs deep/And I prayed that she’d find you someday/But it’s still hard to give her away/I loved her first”
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“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: “So hard to find my way/Now that I’m all on my own/I saw you just the other day/My, how you have grown/Cast my memory back there, Lord”
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“When My Little Girl Is Smiling” by The Drifters
Lyrics of Love: “When my little girl is smiling/There’s nothing more I can say/I see those big bright eyes/And then I realize/That girl is gonna get her way”
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“Changes” by Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne
Lyrics of Love: “We’ve shared the years/We’ve shared each day/I love you daddy/But I found my way”
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“There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney
Lyrics of Love: “Sleep tight, blue eyes and bouncing curls/He smiles/There goes my life/There goes my future my everything/I love you, daddy goodnight/There goes my life”
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“Just Fishin’” by Trace Adkins
Lyrics of Love: “There holdin’ that pink rod and reel/She’s doin’ almost everything but sittin’ still/Talkin’ ’bout her ballet shoes and training wheels/And her kittens/And she thinks we’re just fishin'”
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“It Won’t Be Like This for Long” by Darius Rucker
Lyrics of Love: “He lays down there beside her/Till her eyes are finally closed/And just watching her it breaks his heart/Cause he already knows/It won’t be like this for long”
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“Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
Lyrics of Love: “I remember daddy’s hands how they held my mama tight/And patted my back for something done right/There are things that I’d forgotten that I loved about the man/But I’ll always remember the love in daddy’s hands”
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“Daddy’s Little Girl” by The Shires
Lyrics of Love: “Used to wrap my hands around his little finger/Turns out he was wrapped around mine/He said ‘you can be anything you want to in this great big world’/But I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl”
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“Roots and Wings” by Miranda Lambert
Lyrics of Love: “I raise my glass/On a Saturday night/I thank the Lord above/On my Sunday drive/For Daddy’s hands/And Mama’s dreams/He gave me roots/She gave me wings”
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“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: “You’re beautiful baby, from the outside in/Chase your dreams but always know/The road that will lead you home again/Go on, take on this old world but to me/You know you’ll always be my little girl”
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“Like My Father” by Jax
Lyrics of Love: “And if he lives up to my father/Maybe he could teach our daughter/What it takes to love a queen/She should know she’s royalty”
Unique & Alternative Selections
For couples seeking something less traditional, these unique and alternative songs offer a fresh perspective for the father-daughter dance.
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“Scarlet Begonias” by the Grateful Dead
Lyrics of Love: “Ain’t nothing wrong with the way she moves/Scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues/And there’s nothing wrong with the look that’s in her eyes/Had to learn the hard way to let her pass by”
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“A Wink and a Smile” by Harry Connick Jr.
Lyrics of Love: “Just the sound of your voice/The light in your eyes/We’re so far away from yesterday/Together, with a wink and a smile”
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“Constellations” by Jack Johnson
Lyrics of Love: “It was just another night with the sunset and/The moonrise not so far behind/To give us just enough light/To lay down underneath the stars listening to Papa’s translations of the stories across the sky”
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“Daddy” by Beyoncé
Lyrics of Love: “Can’t stop my tears from falling/I love you so much, daddy/Thank you (my unborn son to be like my daddy)/You’ve done so much for me (want my husband to be like my daddy)/I love you, daddy”
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“Dream Big” by Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband
Lyrics of Love: “And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud/Cause it will carry all your cares away/And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself/And it will help you feel okay”
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“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Lyrics of Love: “Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens/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”
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“Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave/The love, the tenderness, I want to thank you/I want to thank you for your generosity, the love/And the honesty that you gave me”
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“Let Your Heart Sing” by Katharine McPhee
Lyrics of Love: “If you follow/Follow the voice in your heart/Always know that’s how to find/Who you are/So hold on/Never let go of your dreams/You’ll see the magic/Believing is where it begins”
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“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
Lyrics of Love: “I hope you never look back, but you never forget/All the ones who love you, in the place you live/I hope you always forgive, and you never regret/And you help somebody every chance you get”
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“Somethin’ Special” by Colbie Caillat
Lyrics of Love: “It’s something special to me/Days go by and I grow stronger/It takes time, but I will never let go”
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“Thank You” by 33Miles
Lyrics of Love: “What if I looked at my life in a different way/Took a little more time to stop and pray/I know it will change all the moments in between/So here I go/Thank You for everything/Thank You for loving me”
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“Not While I’m Around” by Kat Jennings and Angela Lansbury
Lyrics of Love: “No one’s gonna hurt you, no one’s gonna dare/Others can desert you, not to worry, whistle and I’ll be there”
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“I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher
Lyrics of Love: “Don’t let them say your hair’s too long/’Cause I don’t care, with you I can’t go wrong/Then put your little hand in mine/There ain’t no hill or mountain we can’t climb”
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“Always Be Your Baby” by Natalie Grant
Lyrics of Love: “You are my hero/And that will never change/You still can dry my tears with just your smile/The one I’ve leaned on/From my first steps/To walking down the aisle”
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“Emmylou” by Vance Joy
Lyrics of Love: “Oh c’mon sleepyhead, get yourself to bed/Don’t go losin’, oh, the nighttime/Oh, don’t feel bad/Well, I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou/You are loved, you are loved, you are loved”
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“Two Steps Behind” by Def Leppard
Lyrics of Love: “Whatever you do/I’ll be two steps behind you/Wherever you go/And I’ll be there to remind you/That it only takes a minute of your precious time/To turn around”
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“Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: “She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey/She’s an angel of the first degree/She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey/Just like honey from the bee”
[IMG Father and daughter laughing during the father-daughter dance at a wedding.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/6G3uHBXBNjB0o9QW_4LhdlZlgrY=/750×0/filters:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/__optimizely_public_brides_dam_assets_cms_5071980_father-daughter-dance-songs_section2_2_4x3-2a15790728d94f04b0b24473842947ec.jpg)
Conclusion
The father-daughter dance is a deeply personal and meaningful moment at any wedding. Choosing the right song involves considering your unique relationship, the tone you wish to set, and the emotions you want to evoke. While our curated list of 85 songs offers a fantastic starting point, the most important factor is selecting a song that resonates with both you and your father, making this dance an unforgettable highlight of your wedding day. Let the music guide you to a choice that perfectly encapsulates your bond and creates a memory to be cherished for years to come.
