?100 Best Father Daughter Dance Songs + Lyric Quotes (2022)

Updated on October 17, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

The most special moment in a father’s life is his daughter’s wedding, second only to the day she was born.

Father daughter dance songs celebrate this beautiful bond between the bride and her dad.

The Father Daughter Dance or the Daddy-Daughter Dance is formally the dance between the father of the bride and the bride herself.

The bride should choose one of her favorite tunes to act as the father-daughter dance song that has a special meaning between them.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique father daughter dance songs for your reception.

Every couple’s music tastes are different.

Thus, we selected father-daughter dance songs that include many different eras and music styles.

 

 

Our Top 10 Father Daughter Dance Songs

1. “When God Made You My Father” by Riley Roth
2. “Good Hands” by Johnny and Heidi
3. “Like My Father” by Jax
4. “Grow As We Go” by Mat and Savanna Shaw, The Piano Guys
5. “My Father’s Daughter” by Olivia Vedder, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard
6. “You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings)” by Alan Jackson
7. “First Man” by Camila Cabello
8. “Like My Daddy” by Lenasia Tyson
9. “Story Of Love” by Bon Jovi
10. Father Daughter Dance” by Craig Cardiff

Listen to Father Daughter Dance Songs

The Best Father Daughter Dance Songs For A Special Moment

The songs we’ve chosen tell a story about the love between a dad and daughter. The songs can be dedicated to dad from daughter or to daughter from dad.

Wedding vendors commonly call the dance between a dad and his daughter the father daughter dance which is formal.

In a less formal title, it can be called the dad-daughter dance. When you think about it, how many daughters call their male parent father over dad?

We should change the name to a dad-daughter dance!

Rock Father Daughter Dance Songs

Story Of Love – Bon Jovi

Released in 2020, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “From the day you arrive, ’til you walk, ’til you run / There is nothing but pride, there is nothing but love”
Why Play: A song from the perspective of your father being proud of his daughter.

Walk With You – Edwin McCain

Released in 2010, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “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”
Why Play: A loving song about a father loving his child and how blessed he is.

Gracie – Ben Folds

Released in 2005, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “And there will always be a part of me / Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me / My little girl”
Why Play: Your daughter’s name doesn’t have to be Gracie to appreciate this song of a dad dancing with his daughter on his toes and loving her.

Daughters – John Mayer

Released in 2004, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “So fathers be good to your daughters / Daughters will love like you do”
Why Play: The song is a push to fathers to raise their daughters right and they learn how to love from their dads.

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Sheryl Crow

Released in 1998, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh, oh oh oh sweet child o’ mine / Ohh, sweet love of mine”
Why Play: A slower cover of the song made famous by Guns ‘N’ Roses.

Wildflowers – Tom Petty

Released in 1994, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “You belong among the wildflowers / You belong in a boat out at sea / You belong with your love on your arm / You belong somewhere you feel free”
Why Play: The song describes a story of a man loving someone and he wants her to be happy and free.

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses

Released in 1988, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “She takes me away to that special place / And if I stare too long, I’d probably break down and cry / Whoa, oh, oh / Sweet child o’ mine”
Why Play: Even though the song is a love song between a couple, for classic rock fans this could be your daddy-daughter song.

Forever Young – Rod Stewart

Released in 1988, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “May good fortune be with you / May your guiding light be strong / Build a stairway to Heaven / With a prince or a vagabond”
Why Play: The song was written as a dedication from Stewart to his kids.

Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

Released in 1975, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause I’ve built my life around you / But time makes you bolder / Even children get older / And I’m getting older too”
Why Play: Stevie Nicks wrote the song about her love romance as well as her relationship with her father. Other song covers include The Chicks and Boyce Avenue.

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Released in 1967, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall / Slipping and sliding / All along the waterfall with you / My brown-eyed girl”
Why Play: If you don’t care about the lyrics and looking for a fun song to dance to with your father, this classic rock song is perfect. However, the lyrics talk about loving a girl and making love.

Do you have a stepdad and looking for a stepdad and stepdaughter song? Check out our list of stepdad and stepdaughter songs for a dance at your wedding.

Folk Father Daughter Dance Songs

Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen

Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh let it come true / Forever young / I want to be forever young”
Why Play: A folk cover of the Rod Stewart song that is an endearing dedication to his kids.

Father Daughter Dance – Craig Cardiff

Released in 2018, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh daughter, know we’re always here / I love you more / Then all the way / Past Florida, China, The United States”
Why Play: A song about a father loving his daughter and dancing a special dance together.

The Old Man & His Daughter – Kaitlin Huwe

Released in 2018, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “The Old Man told his Daughter, You must grow to be smarter / than all the ones before you so that you can set them free / The Daughter said, Yes, Father, I’ll
rise up and work harder / I will meet the day and find the way I’d like to lead.”
Why Play: A song about a father teaching his daughter to work hard and find love that makes her happy.

Promise You’ll Stay – Joshua Creek

Released in 2016, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “From your first laugh to your first love / I stood by and watched you with pride / A fairy princess, a ballerina, today you’re a bride”
Why Play: A song about a dad’s daughter getting married and watching her growing up and hoping she stays part of his life.

Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III

Released in 2007, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “That’s my daughter in the water / I lost every time I fought her / Yeah, I lost every time”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song about from the dad’s perspective and being there for her.

Sweet Pea – Amos Lee

Released in 2006, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Hey, sweet pea / Apple of my eye / Don’t know when, and I don’t know why / But you’re the only reason I keep on coming home”
Why Play: A fun dad-daughter song and how much he loves her.

Father And Daughter – Paul Simon

Released in 2002, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “As long as one and one is two / Ooh ooh / There could never be a father / Love his daughter more than I love you”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song about how much a dad loves his daughter.

If you have selected a father-daughter dance, don’t forget about the groom! Plan a mother-son dance with a special song.

Country Father Daughter Dance Songs

What is a good father-daughter country song?

The best modern country father daughter dance song is “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw from the movie Flicka. If your dad is more into classic country, a popular selection is “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn.

Never Give You Away – Greg Stielstra Productions

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “and I gave you the courage to fly / ’cause I always had your back”
Why Play: A song made specifically for a father-daughter dance and a dedication from a dad to his daughter on her wedding day.

When God Made You My Father – Riley Roth

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “No place where I don’t feel your love / You say I’m the gift that heaven gave you / But daddy I’m the lucky one”
Why Play: A song from the perspective of the daughter loving her daddy and how lucky she is to have him.

Good Hands – Johnny and Heidi

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Lookin’ back now it’s easy to see that / You’re the reason I am, and have always been in / Good hands”
Why Play: A special song of a daughter appreciating her dad and the love he gave her.

Tell Me Twice – Chayce Beckham

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Say you know how it goes / After every low comes a high that’s life / You better hold on and hold on tight / But you don’t have to tell me twice”
Why Play: A song that Beckham wrote as a dedication to his mom and learning from her.

You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings) – Alan Jackson

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “No matter where you are / You’ll always be my baby / Forever in my heart”
Why Play: A song that Jackson wrote specifically for his daughters’ weddings and how each will always be the love of his life.

She’s Somebody’s Daughter (The Wedding Version) – Drew Baldridge

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “She’s somebody’s daughter / She’s somebody’s everything / She’s somebody’s little girl”
Why Play: A song from the view of an outsider telling a story about a daughter and father loving relationship.

Half the Man – Jennifer Smestad

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Daddy set the bar real high / Showed me what a real man looks like / It’s gonna take one to fill those shoes / In his eyes, nothing less will do”
Why Play: A song from the daughter’s view that she better find a man that is half as good as her daddy.

Prettiest Girl in the World – Logan Mize

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “In my wildest dreams I’d never’ve guessed / I’d be the one holdin’ the prettiest girl in the world”
Why Play: A song describing a love of a father and his daughter.

Dads and Daughters – MaRynn Taylor

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Like boats and water, they’re meant for each other / Through wind and the waves, they’ll sail away from the storm / And make it to shore / There’s nothing
stronger than a love / between dads and daughters”
Why Play: A song from the daughter’s view and a special bond between dads and daughters.

The Man Who Loves You the Most – Zac Brown Band

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “On your wedding night, I’ll raise a toast / Hope he understands / I’ll always be the man who loves you the most”
Why Play: A dedication song from a dad to his daughter that he will always love her.

For My Daughter – Kane Brown

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Well, I guess that’s up to me / Yeah, I grew up without a dad / I’m gonna be the best one I can be”
Why Play: A song from a father’s perspective who didn’t have a good relationship with his dad but will be sure to be there for his child.

Dance With My Daughter – Jason Blaine

Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “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”
Why Play: A song made for a father and daughter to dance and be happy for their special dance together.

Daddy’s Little Girl – The Shires

Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “He said, “You can be anything you want to in this great big world” / But I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl”
Why Play: The title says it all. A daughter wrapped around her daddy’s finger – forever.

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw

Released in 2015, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “When the work you put in is realized / Let yourself feel the pride but / Always stay humble and kind”
Why Play: A generic song from a parent to a child wishing that all their hopes and dreams come true.

I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter) – Zac Brown Band

Released in 2015, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “There was a time when I thought I knew love / Until you came into this world / Time keeps on flying / But your always gonna be my baby girl”
Why Play: A cha cha style song from a dad wishing his daughter well but realizing that he will always be there for her.

Daddy – Abby Anderson

Released in 2014, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “He’s my shoulder to cry on, he’s my best friend / Oh, and daddy, he loves me just like you”
Why Play: A song from the daughter’s view that she found her life partner and told her daddy about her lover.

Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith

Released in 2013, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Daddy dance with me / I want you to see the woman I’ve become / Daddy don’t let go / I want you to know I’ll always need your love”
Why Play: A song telling a story about a daughter always loving her daddy and never letting go.

You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins

Released in 2008, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “These are some good times / So take a good look around / You may not know it now / But you’re gonna miss this”
Why Play: From the view of a parent to enjoy your children when they are young because you are going to miss those moments.

You Can Let Go – Crystal Shawanda

Released in 2008, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s still a little bit scary / But I want you to know / I’ll be ok now, daddy / You can let go”
Why Play: A song about a daughter that has grown up and getting married and that it’s time to let go.

It Won’t Be Like This For Long – Darius Rucker

Released in 2008, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “One day soon we’ll look back laughin’ / At the week we brought her home / This phase is gonna fly by / So baby just hold on / It won’t be like this for long”
Why Play: A song describing getting through growing pains and how you will get through the tough times from a dad to his daughter.

Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus feat. Miley Cyrus

Released in 2007, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “She’s waitin’ on my blessings / Before she hits that open road / But baby get ready, get set, don’t go”
Why Play: A song featured on Hannah Montana about a daughter leaving home but her dad s happy to see her grow up but is sad at the same time.

Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks

Released in 2007, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Dancing with her dad and looking up at him / If he gives me a hard time / I can’t blame the fella / I’m the one who’s stealing Cinderella”
Why Play: A love story of a dad raising his daughter and stealing a special dance with his daughter.

I Loved Her First – Heartland

Released in 2006, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I prayed that she’d find you someday / But it’s still hard to give her away / I loved her first”
Why Play: A song from a dad’s perspective that even though the groom loves his new wife, her daddy loved her first and always.

My Wish – Rascal Flatts

Released in 2006, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I hope you never look back, but ya never forget / All the ones who love you, in the place you left / I hope you always forgive, and you never regret / And you help somebody every chance you get”
Why Play: “My Wish” is a very popular song selected for the father-daughter dance because a Dad can offer a special dedication to his daughter wishing that all of her dreams come true.

My Little Girl – Tim McGraw

Released in 2006, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Go on, take on this whole world / But to me you know you’ll always be / My little girl”
Why Play: The most popular dance song on the list! A song about a dad letting his daughter go to her new life but to him, she will always be his little girl.

There Goes My Life – Kenny Chesney

Released in 2003, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Draggin’ that teddy bear, sleep tight / Blue eyes and bouncin’ curls / He smiles / There goes my life”
Why Play: A song about a father seeing his daughter growing up and then becoming her own woman.

Then They Do – Trace Adkins

Released in 2003, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Can’t believe how much you miss / All they do / And all they did / You want all the dreams they’ve dreamed of to come true / Then they do”
Why Play: A song about children growing up and remembering special moments.

There You’ll Be – Faith Hill

Released in 2001, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “For all my life / I’ll keep a part of you with me / And everywhere I am there you’ll be”
Why Play: A song reminding each other that you will always be there for them.

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

Released in 2000, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “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”
Why Play: A song about a parent hoping that their child lived out their dreams and reaches their goals.

If your father will not be at your wedding, you can always choose to have your father-in-law step in for a dance. If you have a brother, you can also choose to have a brother-sister dance in place of the father-daughter dance.

Pop Father Daughter Dance Songs

Daughter – Ben Rector

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause I got a daughter now / And she is everything to me / I got a daughter now / And suddenly I cry at movies”
Why Play: A song about being a dad and his daughter growing up.

You’ll Be in My Heart – Brent Morgan

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘No matter what they say / Yes, you’ll be in my heart / Always”
Why Play: A cover of the Phil Collins song featured in the Disney movie Tarzan that tells of caring for another and holding the relationship special.

Grow As We Go – Mat and Savanna Shaw, The Piano Guys

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘I don’t know how this river runs / But I’d like the company through every twist and turn”
Why Play: A cover of the Ben Platt song about a growing relationship. The music video features Mat Shaw and his daughter along with the Piano Guys and their daughters.

Call My Name – Lukas Graham

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Don’t matter when or where / Just know that I’ll be right there / Call my name”
Why Play: A song about always being there for someone.

Like My Father – Jax

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘I need a man who loves me like / My father loves my mom”
Why Play: A song about a daughter wanting the kind of love that her parents have.

We’re Gonna Miss These Days – Dave Barnes

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Forgive me for forgetting / The season we’re in / It’s just sometimes I miss us / Like we were before this
Why Play: A song about trying to enjoy every day as your child grows up as they don’t last forever.

Time to Let Me Go – Quixotic Sound

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘You’ll be there when I call / That much I know / But it’s time to let me go”
Why Play: A song from the daughter’s point of view letter her parents know that it is time to let her fly and make her own mistakes.

First Man – Camila Cabello

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘You held me so tight / Now someone else can / But you were the first man that really loved me”
Why Play: A song Cabello wrote about the first man that loved her – her daddy.

You’ll Always Be My Hero – Ashley Marina

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Keep us safe, safe and secure / You’ll always be my hero, forever I’ll be yours”
Why Play: A special song about a daughter praising her father and how much he means to her.

Forever Now – Michael Bublé

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘No matter what you do / I’m forever proud of you / I love you forever now”
Why Play: A song about a dad loving his child and how proud he is.

Beautiful Memory – Scott Keo

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘I never thought that this dance would come / You brighten(ed) my life, brighter than the sun / You’re beautiful, in every single way / And now it’s so bittersweet, giving you away”
Why Play: A song about a daughter’s wedding day and her special day with her dad.

This Dance – Scott Thomas Laughridge

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘And This Dance is more than just a dance, It gives me one more chance / to show the world how proud I am of you, and as we dance / Dance around this room, like
we did when you were two / My little girl, This Dance is just for You”
Why Play: A song that was specifically written for a father-daughter dance on her wedding day.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes – Owl City

Released in 2017, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘He’s my Superman / Some folks don’t believe in heroes / ‘Cause they haven’t met my dad”
Why Play: A special song from a child to their dad and how thankful and appreciative how he was there.

One Call Away – Charlie Puth

Released in 2015, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Superman got nothing on me / I’m only one call away / When you’re weak I’ll be strong / I’m gonna keep holding on”
Why Play: A song about always being there no matter what.

Fathers & Daughters – Michael Bolton

Released in 2015, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Into this world / Come with a heart that’s open wide / And the best of this life / Is all I ever want for you”
Why Play: A dedication song from a dad to his daughter wishing her the best and will always be there.

You’re My Hero – Wedding Music Central

Released in 2012, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re my hero / And ’cause you’re my Dad / I’m twice as blessed and lucky to be me”
Why Play: A song about a father always being there and how lucky the daughter is to have him in her life.

Never Alone – Jim Brickman Feat. Lady Antebellum

Released in 2010, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Smile more than grumble / And know when you stumble / You’re never alone”
Why Play: A song about letting your child go but also saying that you will always be there for support.

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban

Released in 2002, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “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”
Why Play: A song about a parent showing a child how to survive the world and be there.

A Song For My Daughter – Ray Allaire

Released in 2000, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “So I wish you every happiness / And the blessings of this day / And I hope the love I’ve given you / Will forever be your guide”
Why Play: A dedication song from a father to his daughter and how proud he is of her and wishes her well in her new life.

You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins

Released in 1999, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause you’ll be in my heart / Yes, you’ll be in my heart / From this day on / Now and forever more”
Why Play: A song that tells of caring for another and holding the relationship special.

Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

Released in 1997, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “She’ll change her name today / She’ll make a promise and I’ll give her away”
Why Play: A song about a daughter getting married and their relationship on her wedding day. (Be sure to edit for a shorter version – 5 minutes is a bit long)

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Released in 1996, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You gave me faith ’cause you believed / I’m everything I am / Because you loved me”
Why Play: A song that gives thanks for believing in you and being grateful for supporting and loving you.

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Released in 1988, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I want you to know I know the truth, of course, I know it / I would be nothing without you”
Why Play: A song about giving thanks to someone who has helped you get to where you are today.

Tiny Dancer – Elton John

Released in 1971, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You must’ve seen her / Dancing in the sand / And now she’s in me / Always with me / Tiny dancer in my hand”
Why Play: If the bride took dancing lessons like ballet, then this song will be fitting.

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Released in 1967, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I hear babies cry, I watch them grow / They’ll learn much more / Than I’ll ever know / And I think to myself / What a wonderful world”
Why Play: A classic parent-child dance song at weddings that are not too mushy but captures the bond between father and daughter.

Dancing with your parents at your wedding may be important to you as the wedding couple. Another important dance is your first dance. This is the first dance as a married couple. See our list of popular and unique first dance songs.

R&B Father Daughter Dance Songs

Like My Daddy – Lenasia Tyson

Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I just want to be just like my daddy”
Why Play: A song about a daughter who looks up to her daddy and wants to be like him.

Right by You (For Luna) – John Legend

Released in 2016, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “And know that I will be there, yeah, I will be there /No, I swear that I will, yeah, I promise I will / Little girl”
Why Play: A song Legend wrote with the birth of his first child and daughter, Luna.

Babyfather – Sade

Released in 2010, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “For you child / For you, he’s the best he can be / Oh child don’t you know / Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee”
Why Play: A song about a father that is there for his child – forever.

Your Joy – Chrisette Michele

Released in 2007, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “No one can compare to the way my eyes fit in yours / You’ll always be my father, oh / And I’ll always be your joy”
Why Play: A dedication for a daughter to her father celebrating their love for each other.

Footprints in the Sand – Leona Lewis

Released in 2007, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “The first time ever I saw your face / I thought the sun rose in your eyes / And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave”
Why Play: A song about being there and believing in your child and being thankful.

Daddy – Beyonce

Released in 2003, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I want my husband to be like my daddy / There is no one else like my daddy / And I thank you”
Why Play: The song is a tribute to your daddy and wanting your future husband and child to possess qualities similar to your daddy’s.

Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross

Released in 2003, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “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”
Why Play: The song is a tribute to a father who has passed but could be about appreciating your father right in front of you.

Wind Beneath My Wings – Eddie & Gerald LeVert

Released in 1995, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero / If you didn’t, I’m telling you now daddy, daddy / You’re everything I would like to be”
Why Play: A cover of Bette Midler’s song about giving thanks to someone who has helped you get to where you are today.

Hero – Mariah Carey

Released in 1993, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Look inside you and be strong / And you’ll finally see the truth / That a hero lies in you”
Why Play: The song puts someone on a pedestal and shows how dear they are to you – so much so they are your hero.

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole

Released in 1991, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “That’s why darling it’s incredible / That someone so unforgettable / Thinks that I am unforgettable too”
Why Play: The original song was reworked by Natalie to be a duet with her father Nat and shows how they think that each is incredible.

Ballerina Girl – Lionel Richie

Released in 1986, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Ballerina Girl / You are so lovely / I can see in you / My dreams come true”
Why Play: If the bride took ballet lessons growing up, this is a perfect father-daughter dance song.

Shining Star – The Manhattans

Released in 1980, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Honey be, right here where you are / Until my dying day, ahh yeah / Honey you, you, you are my shining star”
Why Play: A song about being proud and loving someone forever.

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Released in 1977, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Then I look at you / And the world’s alright with me / Just one look at you / And I know it’s gonna be / A lovely day”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song not lovey-dovey and describes your wedding day.

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Released in 1976, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I can’t believe what God has done / Through us, He’s given life to one / But isn’t she lovely made from love?”
Why Play: A song from a dad telling the world how beautiful his daughter is and lucky he is.

Your Daddy Loves You – Gil Scott-Heron

Released in 1974, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Your daddy loves you / Your daddy loves his girl”
Why Play: A special dedication from a father to his daughter and professing his love for her.

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder

Released in 1972, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You are the apple of my eye (love has joined us) / Forever you’ll stay in my heart”
Why Play: Another Wonder song that lets the world know that he loves you and will always be there for you.

You’re A Big Girl Now – The Stylistics

Released in 1971, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re a big girl now / No more daddy’s little girl”
Why Play: A coming-of-age song and how a daughter is growing up and is now on her own.

I’ll Be There – Jackson 5

Released in 1969, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “With an unselfish love that respects you / Just call my name / And I’ll be there”
Why Play: A song about being there for you no matter the circumstances.

My Girl – The Temptations

Released in 1964, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ve got a sweeter song / Than the birds in the trees / Well, I guess you’d say / What can make me feel this way / My girl”
Why Play: The second most popular song on this list for the father-daughter dance. A mid-tempo song for a happy dance.

Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Released in 1961, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I won’t cry, I won’t cry / No, I won’t shed a tear / Just as long as you stand, stand by me”
Why Play: A song about supporting someone and letting them know that everything will be OK as long as they are there.

Christian Father Daughter Dance Songs

Daddy’s Girl – Channing Gillespie

Released in 2022, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “You will always be / Daddy’s Girl / No matter what life brings”
Why Play: A song showing a daughter how much she means to her daddy.

Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman

Released in 2007, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “So I will dance with Cinderella / While she is here in my arms / ‘Cause I know something the prince never knew / Oh, I will dance with Cinderella”
Why Play: A song metaphorically meaning the king can dance with his princess before the prince whisks her away.

You’re My Little Girl – Go Fish

Released in 2006, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “All you need to do is call Me / I’ll be there for you / ‘Cause you’re My little girl”
Why Play: An acapella song dedication from a dad to his daughter letting her know he will always be there no matter what.

Find Your Wings – Mark Harris

Released in 2005, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “May there be many moments / That make your life so sweet / Oh, but more than memories / I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams”
Why Play: A song from a parent to a child hoping they find their way in life.

Other Father Daughter Dance Songs

My Father’s Daughter – Olivia Vedder, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I am my father’s daughter / Come hell or high water / Never gonna leave him”
Why Play: A song from a daughter to her dad that no matter what she will be there for him.

Letter To My Daughter – Quando Rondo

Released in 2020, Genre: Hip Hop
Meaningful Lyrics: “When I walk inside the door, she gon’ know it’s me / I’ma tell her ’bout the days they ain’t notice me / I can feel you and you know I’m you’re Jodeci”
Why Play: A song about a dad dedicating his life to his daughter.

Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Released in 1990, Genre: World
Meaningful Lyrics: “Somewhere over the rainbow / Bluebirds fly / And the dreams that you dream of / Dreams really do come true”
Why Play: A song about hope and believing that all of your dreams will come true.

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Released in 1977, Genre: Reggae
Meaningful Lyrics: “Three little birds / Pitched by my doorstep / Singin’ sweet songs / Of melodies pure and true”
Why Play: A song about being happy and leaving your troubles behind.

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

Released in 1964, Genre: Jazz
Meaningful Lyrics: “There is nothing for me but to love you / And the way you look tonight”
Why Play: A classic song from one of the Rat Pack that could be interpreted as adoration and love from a father to a daughter.

Do you have a favorite father-daughter dance song, not on our list? Please share it below so that we can add your song!

Enjoy our podcast about the Father-Daughter Dance songs!

What if I have a stepdad for the father daughter dance?

Remember, this is your wedding and you can honor the people that matter to you most in the way that makes sense to you.

Couples, if you have more than one father in your life, one can tap the other on the shoulder in the middle of the dance so you can dance with both of them. We’ve even seen this happen with one biological dad and two step-fathers.

Or, choose two father daughter wedding songs and reserve a special dance for each of your fathers. That way you can choose a song for each man, that will fit his personality and be representative of your relationship.

Talk to your professional wedding coordinator and DJ so they can take it into account.

What is the traditional order of dances at a wedding reception?

The typical order of the formal dances during a wedding reception is

1. First Dance
2. Father-Daughter Dance
3. Mother-Son Dance
4. Wedding Party Dance

What if I don’t have a father?

It could feel awkward if your new spouse dances with their mom and you don’t have a dad. It’s okay.

If you do not have a father, a common substitute is a father figure or even your brother would make a very nice gesture. Then, you can have a special brother bride song.

This also goes for same-sex couples. You can honor the parent of your choosing with each dance. Your wedding is for you — as a new couple.

Who picks out the song for the father-daughter dance?

The bride selects the song to dance to with her father on her wedding day. However, the song should reflect their relationship such as a song highlighting a moment in their life or lyrics that describe their relationship.

What is a good father-and-daughter song?

A good father-and-daughter song is one that describes your relationship. If the father did not have a great relationship with his own father, then “For My Daughter” by Kane Brown would fit.

If you have a loving relationship, then “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw is perfect.

Who does the bride dance with if a father is deceased?

If you have a father who passed away before your wedding day, check out this song. “Would Have Loved Her” by Chris Bandi is a special dedication song.

Brides can also have a family member fill in such as their mother, brother, uncle, or aunt. You can get more dad dedication suggestions on our memorial songs list.

What can I do instead of father-daughter dance at my wedding?

If you do not want to dance with your father on your wedding day, then a popular alternative is to have a mother-daughter dance.

Other options include a honeymoon dance (similar to the money dance) and also a selfie dance (guests can get selfies with the wedding couple).

Do you dance with your dad at your wedding?

Historically, the bride danced with her father as a final farewell before her new life with her husband. In the 1990s through the 2000s brides typically danced with their fathers immediately following the first dance.

However, in recent years, more and more brides are choosing to only have one formal dance, the first dance, and get to the dance party as quickly as possible.

So, it is up to you if you wish to have the father-daughter dance or not.

Does the father daughter dance have to be serious?

Absolutely not! The point of the father daughter dance is to honor your relationship. If you have a history of goofing off, then make your dance a fun one!

A lot of people choose funny songs instead of serious father daughter songs. This gives the dance a light-hearted feel.

And if you can’t decide on what song to use, you can always choose an instrumental number such as a jazz tune, classical or modern waltz, or contemporary dance music.

The most important thing is to not rush your decision. You can even discuss it with your father or the man you will dance with if you like.

It can be super fun to make the song a surprise and see his reaction (be sure to tell the photographer and videographer to look for it).

How long should a father-daughter dance be?

When planning the father daughter dance, select a song around 2 minutes in length to prevent any awkward moments of trying to get off the dance floor (unless you have a choreographed dance).

The DJ can also create a shortened version of any song you think is a bit too long.

What is a parents’ dance at a wedding?

The traditional parents’ dances at a wedding are when the bride dances with her father and the groom dances with his mother. These are known as the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.

If their parents are unable to attend, relatives can step in for the dance.

I don’t want too many formal dances

Hey if the step-parent situation is complicated or slightly adversarial, you can always skip it. Or, keep it to a minimum.

Some couples combine the father daughter dance with the mother-son dance into just one song to dance.

In this case, a wedding couple should agree on a song that is memorable to everyone involved. There are plenty of songs that are ambiguous enough to allow for both the bride and the groom to dance with their parental figures.

Whatever helps you celebrate your special day the best is what you should do.

The songs aren’t required to be about a daddy giving away his little girl (especially if you’re down with the patriarchy, right?).

They don’t even have to be about a father or a daughter! They can simply be songs about love, dedication, or even something silly.

Interesting fact: The only song performed by a father daughter combo to chart as a Top 10 song on Billboard is Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra’s “Somethin’ Stupid“.

Father Daughter Song Dedications

Dad and daughter songs can also be commonly used as dedication songs to honor that special bond.

A dad can dedicate a song to his daughter for events like her birth, special birthday (sweet sixteen), teaching her how to dance as a little girl, and also as a dad’s dedication to his daughter at her wedding.

Daughters can also dedicate songs to their dad in special moments such as at their wedding, his retirement party, and special dances at school events. Daughters can dedicate some of the above songs to not only dads but also those who have filled the role like the song “He Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley.

Daddy-Daughter Dance Songs

Another need for dad and daughter songs is for the special Daddy-Daughter dances that schools host. The night usually includes dinner, too.

It is time for your dad to take his best suit to the dry cleaners. He can also take you shopping (yay!) for a new dress to wear for the Daddy-Daughter date night.

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Don’t Have An Empty Dance Floor!

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About Matthew Campbell