43 Best Limbo Songs – How Low Can You Go?
Last Updated: June 20, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
The limbo is such a fun dance to add to your wedding reception. We know you’d like to have a resource of the best songs, so we created the list right here. What are songs you should play for the limbo? See our list of limbo songs below.
How do you do the Limbo?
The Limbo started on the island of Trinidad in the 1950s as a form of folk dance. The limbo dance starts with one person on each end of a pole holding the pole horizontally. Then, a single line forms behind the pole.
As tradition goes, then and now, limbo dancers pass under the horizontal pole backward at the waist without touching the pole or the ground. Hence, we get the word limbo to mean ‘limber’.
If the dancer touches the pole or the ground, the dancer is to no longer participate in the dance. Then, as the line of limbo dancers completes the original height, about shoulder high, the pole is lowered about 6 inches. The pole is lowered with each line’s successful passing until a winner has been declared. It’s a little bit like musical chairs in this regard.
Table of Contents:
The type of music played during the limbo dance usually has a Caribbean flavor. The music has a great groove to it and makes people want to see how low they can go.
Top 5 Limbo Songs for Weddings
- “Limbo Rock” by Chubby Checker
- “Stir It Up” by Bob Marley
- “Low Rider” by War
- “Iko Iko” by Belle Stars
- “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
List of the Best Limbo Songs
Con Calma – Daddy Yankee feat. Snow
2019, Con Calma
Despacito (Remix) – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber
2019, VIDA
MIA – Bad Bunny feat. Drake
2018, MIA
Mi Gente – J. Balvin & Willy William
2017, Mi Gente
Bailando (English Version) – Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul & Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
2014, SEX AND LOVE
Timber – Pitbull feat. Ke$ha
2013, Global Warming: Meltdown
Limbo – Daddy Yankee
2012, Prestige
Danza Kuduro – Don Omar feat. Lucenzo
2010, Meet The Orphans
Soca Boys – Follow The Leader
2010, Soca
Flo Rida – Low
2007, Hip Hop
Daria – Do The Limbo
2007, New Age
Mr Carter – Limbo
2006, World
Lil Jon & Eastside Boyz – Get Low
2003, Crunk
Frankie Anderson – The Limbo Song
2001, New Age
Jim Carrey – Cuban Pete from “The Mask”
1994, Calypso
Inner Circle – Bad Boys
1993, Reggae
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Somewhere Over The Rainbow
1990, World
B-52’s – Love Shack
1989, Pop Rock
Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry, Be Happy
1988, Reggae
Fat Boys – Wipeout
1987, Hip Hop
Buster Poindexter – Hot Hot Hot
1987, Soca
Miami Sound Machine – Conga
1985, Dance Pop
Belle Stars – Iko Iko
1982, Pop
The B-52’s – Rock Lobster
1978, New Wave
Barry Manilow – Copacabana
1978, Disco
Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
1977, Country Rock
War – Low Rider
1975, Funk
Bob Marley – Stir It Up
1972, Reggae
Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine
1968, R&B
Booker T & The MG’s – Soul Limbo
1968, R&B
The Beach Boys – Surfin’ USA
1966, Rock
The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
1966, Pop
The Surfaris – Wipe Out
1963, Rock
Jan & Dean – Surf City
1963, Pop Rock
Chubby Checker – Limbo Rock
1962, Rock
Chubby Checker – Mary Ann Limbo
1962, Rock
The Champs – Limbo Rock
1961, Rock
The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight
1961, Doo-Wop
Harry Belafonte – Jump In The Line (Shake Senora)
1961, Calypso
Chubby Checker – Let’s Limbo Some More
1961, Rock
Champs – Tequila
1958, Instrumental
Harry Belafonte – Banana Boat Song
1956, Mento
The Andrews Sisters – Hula-Ba-Luau
1941, Boogie-Woogie
Should I Dance the Limbo at my Wedding?
Do you like the Limbo? Then do it! There’s no reason why you can’t have the Limbo at your wedding reception. (You can also have a conga line and the electric slide, too!) Everyone loves to do it and it’s great for photographs. (You may want to take an Advil that night if you’re not used to it.)
The limbo is a great audience participation dance at beach, island, and casual wedding receptions. Of course, it’s their party so let the wedding couple be the first to go through the limbo line!
The limbo is fun for all ages! Both little kids and the older folks will be lining up for sure. And you know that Great Aunt Gertrude will want to show off since she’s been doing it on all of her cruises.
What Music Should I Play During the Limbo?
The type of music played during the limbo dance usually has a Caribbean flavor. Reggae could work along with Cumbia. It doesn’t strictly have to be island-style, though Chris Montez’s “Let’s Do The Limbo” is a little more surf rock like “Limbo Rock” by Chubby Checker. If you’re looking for a song in Spanish for limbo, check out Daddy Yankee’s version.
The groove and vibe of Caribbean music have a whimsical feel that encourages people to dance. “How low can you go?” brings out their competitiveness. It’s a bit of fun for sure!
Read other related song lists:
Don’t Have An Empty Dance Floor!
