Top Swing Songs by Genre (East Coast + West Coast)

Updated on June 12, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

Swing songs are the best way to get people on the dance floor at your wedding reception.

There are many types of swing dances including West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Shag, Jitterbug, Shim Sham, Jive, and Lindy Hop.

The swing era is from 1935 to 1945. For more examples of swing-era songs, please visit our best of the 1940s song list. Swing music was popularized by Big Bands with charismatic bandleaders; the swing beat existed before that.

Although the swing era is what I commonly think of as swing music, many current artists have carried the torch including Christina Aguilera, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and Brian Setzer Orchestra. Swing-era musicians include Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dorsey Brothers, and Duke Ellington.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique swing songs for a special dance or dedication.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, I selected swing songs that include many different eras and music styles.

East Coast Swing Songs

East Coast Swing has a 6-count basic step. East Coast Swing is either “rock step, step, step” or “step, step, rock step.”

It is danced with uptempo songs. The dancers dance in a circular pattern and utilize a large area. Other variations include Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, Jive, and Lindy Hop. East Coast Swing is a faster dance than West Coast Swing.

Modern East Coast Swing Songs

1. “1, 2, 3, 4” by Plain White T’s
2. “Budapest” by George Ezra
3. “Dear Future Husband” by Meghan Trainor

Get help picking a song for a specific dance.

West Coast Swing Songs

Traditional West Coast Swing includes 6-count and 8-count patterns. The dancers dance linearly and in a compact area. Other variations include whip, shag, and push. West coast swing is a slower dance than east coast swing

Modern West Coast Swing Songs

1. “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE
2. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
3. “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

Big Band Era Swing Songs

1. “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller Band
2. “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
3. “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
4. “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by Andrews Sisters
5. “Begin The Beguine” by Artie Shaw & His Orchestra
6. “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

1990s Swing Revival Songs

1. “Zoot Suit Riot” by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
2. “Jump Jive An’ Wail” by Brian Setzer Orchestra
3. “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega
4. “Go Daddy-O” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The best swing songs for your wedding reception have been listed below.

Did I leave one out? Let me know in the comments.

Songs to Swing Dance

Best Country Tracks

Cowboy Casanova – Carrie Underwood

Released in 2009, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

He’s a good time cowboy Casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
He looks like a cool drink of water
But he’s candy-coated misery

Good Time – Alan Jackson

Released in 2008, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ve been workin’ all week
And I’m tired and I don’t wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
Time for a good time

Honky Tonk Badonkadonk – Trace Adkins

Released in 2005, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

At that honky tonk badonkadonk
Keepin’ perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin’ on
Like Donkey Kong

Baby Likes to Rock It – The Tractors

Released in 1994, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She got the boogie woogie woogie spread all over the place
She’s got it stacked to the ceilin’–got it stickin’ in your face
Ya know my baby likes to rock it like a boogie woogie choo choo train

Next: Test your dancing skills with a list of tango songs.

Famous Rock Hits

Ex’s & Oh’s – Elle King

Released in 2015, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ex’s and the oh, oh, oh’s they haunt me
Like ghosts they want me to make ’em all
They won’t let go
Ex’s and oh’s

Sugar – Maroon 5

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m right here, ’cause I need
Little love, a little sympathy
Yeah, you show me good loving
Make it alright
Need a little sweetness in my life
Your sugar

Budapest – George Ezra

Released in 2013, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Give me one good reason
Why I should never make a change
And baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away

On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons

Released in 2012, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Been holding it in for a while, ‘ey
Take it with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world

1, 2, 3, 4 – Plain White T’s

Released in 2008, Genre: Pop Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
It’s easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4

All Summer Long – Kid Rock

Released in 2007, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ’bout tomorrow
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long

Come On Get Higher – Matt Nathanson

Released in 2007, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

Jump Jive An’ Wail – The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Released in 1998, Genre: Rockabilly

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Papa’s in the icebox lookin’ for a can of Ale
Mama’s in the backyard learning how to jive an’ wail
Oh, you gotta jump, jive, an’ then you wail

Footloose – Kenny Loggins

Released in 1993, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

First, we got to turn you around
Second, you put your feet on the ground
Third, now take a hold of your soul
I’m turning it loose, footloose

Black Velvet – Alannah Myles

Released in 1989, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Black velvet and that little boy’s smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please

Old Time Rock & Roll – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

Released in 1984, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Old time rock and roll
That kinda music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock and roll

Pride and Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan

Released in 1983, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She my sweet little thing
She my pride and joy
She my sweet little baby
I’m her little lover boy

Rock This Town – Stray Cats

Released in 1981, Genre: Rockabilly

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’re gonna rock this town
Rock it inside out
We’re gonna rock this town
Make’em scream and shout

Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen

Released in 1980, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It swings (woo), it jives (woo)
Shakes all over like a jellyfish
I kinda like it
Crazy little thing called love

Oh Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison

Released in 1965, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet
Pretty woman, I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth
No one could look as good as you, mercy

Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis

Released in 1964, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m real nervous but it sure is fun
Come on baby, you drive me crazy
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!

Hound Dog – Elvis Presley

Released in 1956, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Cryin’ all the time
Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit
And you ain’t no friend of mine

(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets

Released in 1954, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock
Five, six, seven o’clock, eight o’clock, rock
Nine, ten, eleven o’clock, twelve o’clock, rock
We’re gonna rock around the clock tonight

Tip: If you get tired from swing dancing, slow things down with songs to dance the waltz.

Popular Pop Tunes

Dance with Me Tonight – Olly Murs

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I just want you to dance with me tonight
So come on, oh baby
I just want you to dance with me tonight

Down – Fifth Harmony feat. Gucci Mane

Released in 2017, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Long as you’re holding me down, down, down
I’m gon’ keep lovin’ you down, down, down

Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2017, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m in love with the shape of you
We push and pull like a magnet do
Although my heart is falling too
I’m in love with your body

Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake

Released in 2016, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can’t stop the feeling
So just dance, dance, dance
I can’t stop the feeling
So just dance, dance, dance, come on

Into You – Ariana Grande

Released in 2016, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

A little less conversation, and
A little more touch my body
‘Cause I’m so into you

Cake by the Ocean – DNCE

Released in 2015, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll be Diddy, you’ll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let’s lose our minds and go f***** crazy
I keep on hopin’ we’ll eat cake by the ocean

Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor

Released in 2015, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Dear future husband
Here’s a few things you’ll need to know if you wanna be
My one and only all my life

Bang Bang – Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Bang bang into the room (I know you want it)
Bang bang all over you (I’ll let you have it)
Wait a minute, let me take you there

Love Never Felt So Good – Michael Jackson feat. Justin Timberlake

Released in 2014, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

If you really love me
It’s in and out my life
In, out baby
So baby
Love never felt so good

Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take me by the tongue and I’ll know you
Kiss me ’til you’re drunk and I’ll show you
You want the moves like Jagger

Love You Like A Love Song – Selena Gomez & The Scene

Released in 2011, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

A centerfold miracle, lyrical
You saved my life again
And I want you to know, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars

Released in 2010, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause girl, you’re amazing
Just the way you are

Fireflies – Owl City

Released in 2009, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

To ten million fireflies
I’m weird ’cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell

Candyman – Christina Aguilera

Released in 2006, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

He’s a one stop shop, makes my cherry pop
He’s a sweet talkin’ sugar coated candy man (oh)
A sweet talkin’ sugar coated candy man

The Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefani

Released in 2006, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

If I could escape
And recreate a place as my own world
And I could be your favorite girl
Forever, perfectly together
And tell me, boy, now wouldn’t that be sweet?

She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5

Released in 2002, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay a while
And she will be loved

Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega

Released in 1999, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

A little bit of Mary all night long
A little bit of Jessica, here I am
A little bit of you makes me your man

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Released in 1982, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy – The Andrews Sisters

Released in 1941, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Because they know how he plays when someone gives him a beat
He really breaks it up when he plays reveille
He’s the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B

Think you are a dance expert? Try your luck with music for quickstep dancing.

Upbeat Jazz Hits

Go Daddy-O – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Released in 1998, Genre: Jazz

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Go Daddy-O
Go Daddy-O
Go Daddy-O

Zoot Suit Riot – Cherry Poppin’ Daddies

Released in 1997, Genre: Jazz

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You got me in a sway
And I want to swing you down
Now you sailors know
Where your women come for love
Zoot suit riot

Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1964, Genre: Jazz

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Fill my heart with song
And let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore

Flying Home – Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra

Released in 1942, Genre: Jazz

Take The ‘A’ Train – Duke Ellington

Released in 1939, Genre: Jazz

In The Mood – Glenn Miller Orchestra

Released in 1939, Genre: Jazz

Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

Released in 1939, Genre: Jazz

Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing) – Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Released in 1937, Genre: Jazz

Keep your dancing shoes on and try dancing to the cha cha songs.

Happy R&B Songs

I NEED YOU – Jon Batiste

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

In this world with a lot of problems
All we need is a little loving
Thank you, thank you, oh, you make me
Thank you, thank you for your love

Work From Home – Fifth Harmony

Released in 2016, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Let’s put it into motion
I’ma give you a promotion
I’ll make it feel like a vacay
Turn the bed into an ocean

She Came II Give It II U – Usher feat. Nicki Minaj

Released in 2014, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It ain’t what you do, its what you do tonight
And there ain’t no shortcut to doing something right
If you knew what I knew, she’ll be yours tonight

Forever Swing – Tucka King of Swing feat. Doug E Fresh

Released in 2012, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This where my real swingers at
This just the way we do our thing
Forever swing
This where my real swingers at

Tightrope – Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi

Released in 2010, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

No, you’ll surely be low
And you can’t get too high
No, you’ll surely be low
And you can’t get too high

Because Of You – Ne-Yo

Released in 2007, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Baby, you have become my addiction
I’m so strung out on you
I can barely move but I like it
And it’s all because of you

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall
Slipping and sliding
All along the waterfall with you
My brown-eyed girl

Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett

Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Guess you better slow your mustang down, huh, oh yeah
You been running all over town now
Oh, guess I have to put your flat feet on the ground

Glide on the dance floor with your partner to this music for nightclub two-step dancing and country two-step songs.

Swing Dance Music

Feels – Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean

Released in 2017, Genre: Dance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Don’t be afraid to catch feels (ha)
(Don’t be afraid to catch these feels)
Ride drop top and chase thrills (yeah)

I Took A Pill In Ibiza (Seeb Remix) – Mike Posner

Released in 2016, Genre: Dance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now you don’t wanna be high like me
Never really knowing why like me
You don’t ever wanna step off that roller coaster and be all alone

Parov Stelar – Booty Swing

Released in 2015, Genre: Dance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now, geisha girls in old Japan,
Wink behind their peacock fans,
Since they learned to say, “Yeah!
Let’s swing it like Amelican’s swing swing dance!”

Lean On – Major Lazer feat. MØ & DJ Snake

Released in 2015, Genre: Dance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We all need someone to lean on
Blow a kiss, fire a gun
All we need is somebody to lean on

Fireball – Pitbull feat. John Ryan

Released in 2014, Genre: Dance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m the best you’ve ever had (that’s right)
If you think I’m burning out, I never am
I’m on fire

Timber – Pitbull feat. Ke$ha

Released in 2013, Genre: Dance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You better move (You better move), you better dance (You better dance)
Let’s make a night you won’t remember
I’ll be the one you won’t forget (You won’t forget)

Last but not least, bring back foxtrot songs to show off your dancing prowess.

Unique Hip Hop Tunes

Fancy – Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX

Released in 2014, Genre: Hip Hop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You already know
I’m in the fast lane
From L.A. to Tokyo
I’m so fancy

Good Feeling – Flo Rida

Released in 2012, Genre: Hip Hop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh, oh, sometimes I get a good feeling, yeah
I get a feeling that I never never never never had before, no no
I get a good feeling, yeah

Favorite Reggae Tracks

Close to You – Maxi Priest

Released in 1990, Genre: Reggae

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Love is never what it seems
When we touch
And you’re holding me the way you feel
Girl, you make my dreams come true

FAQs

What Is Swing Music?

Swing music was the pop music of the 1930s and was popularized by Big Bands. The swing rhythm is technically pushing the beat a bit. For the less technical, we just know it makes us want to dance.

Swing dancing is characterized by an 8-count circular basic or “swing out” and has an emphasis on improvisation. Swing can be danced to any style of music but is primarily danced to Jazz and Blues songs where the beat is swinging. Swing dancing was very popular in the 1920s through the 1940s and saw a resurgence in the 2000s and with Generation Y.

In addition, all racial backgrounds performed swing music. It was not just for one type of person from the beginning. However, with the rise of bebop and the Musicians’ Union recording ban in 1942, swing faded away in the hearts of most. Orchestras performed most swing music with many band members. It was very difficult to travel with so many people and make a profit as time went on.

What Is The Jitterbug Dance?

The Jitterbug dance is a style of swing dancing that became popular in the early 1900s. It is 6 counts of music with 4 basic steps.

Here is a video of the basic jitterbug dance:

Swing is Fun and Sophisticated

If you are looking for a more upbeat song for your first dance, swing songs are it! Everyone loves to see a groom twirling the bride around the atmosphere. Swing songs have a classification being more sophisticated and classy. Swing songs are very appropriate for black-tie events. Throughout the years, people from all walks of life enjoyed swing music.

Bring Swing Into Your Wedding Reception

Think dancing swing is too hard? It really isn’t. You can include instructions as part of the reception as I suggest for line dancing for everyone.

There are variations in style, but for this blog post, I focus on East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing.

About Matthew Campbell