Father Daughter Dance Songs For Love Dedication

Name: Song Ideas
Brand: My Wedding Songs

Updated on January 6, 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. We hand-picked the best 101 songs for the Father Daughter Dance to inspire you.

What is the Father Daughter Dance?

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 melodies to act as the father daughter dance songs. There are many father daughter wedding songs to choose from.

Father Daughter Dance Songs

Table of Contents:

Father Daughter Dance Songs
Rock Father Daughter Dance Songs
Folk Father Daughter Dance Songs
Country Father Daughter Dance Songs
Pop Father Daughter Dance Songs
R&B Father Daughter Dance Songs
Christian Father Daughter Dance Songs
Miscellaneous Father Daughter Dance Songs
Father Daughter Dance Spotify Playlist
Questions about the Father Daughter Dance
Father Holidays

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 for 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 dad-daughter dance!

My Wedding Songs is a reader-supported website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases.

Rock Father Daughter Dance Songs

Story Of Love – Bon Jovi
2020, Rock

From the day you arrive, ’til you walk, ’til you run
There is nothing but pride, there is nothing but love

Walk With You – Edwin McCain
2010, Rock

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

Gracie – Ben Folds
2005, Rock

And there will always be a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
My little girl

Daughters – John Mayer
2004, Rock

So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Sheryl Crow
1998, Rock

Oh, oh oh oh sweet child o’ mine
Ohh, sweet love of mine

Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) – Billy Joel
1994, Rock

Someday your child may cry
And if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart
There will always be a part of me

Wildflowers – Tom Petty
1994, Rock

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

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
1988, Rock

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

Forever Young – Rod Stewart
1988, Rock

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond

How You’ve Grown – 10,000 Maniacs
1992, Rock

Every time we say goodbye you’re frozen in my mind as the child
that you never will be, you never will be again

Just The Way You Are – Billy Joel
1977, Rock

I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times
I’ll take you just the way you are

Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
1977, Rock

And then she asks me, “Do I look alright?”
And I say, “Yes, you look wonderful tonight”

Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
1975, Rock

‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
1967, Rock

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

Folk Father Daughter Dance Songs

Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen
2019, Folk

Oh let it come true
Forever young
I want to be forever young

Father Daughter Dance – Craig Cardiff
2018, Folk

Oh daughter, know we’re always here
I love you more
Then all the way
Past Florida, China,
The United States

The Old Man & His Daughter – Kaitlin Huwe

2018, Folk

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.”

Promise You’ll Stay – Joshua Creek
2016, Folk

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

Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III
2007, Folk

That’s my daughter in the water
I lost every time I fought her
Yeah, I lost every time

Sweet Pea – Amos Lee
2006, Folk

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

Father And Daughter – Paul Simon
2002, Folk

As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
1975, Folk

I want to stop and thank you, baby
I wanna stop and thank you, baby, yes I do
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
1971, Folk

All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend

Country Father Daughter Dance Songs

You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings) – Alan Jackson
2021, Country

No matter where you are
You’ll always be my baby
Forever in my heart

Step by Step – Brandon Davis
2021, Country

Call it stepping up
Or stepping in
But step by step my world went spinning around that little heart and angel face

She’s Somebody’s Daughter (The Wedding Version) – Drew Baldridge
2021, Country

She’s somebody’s daughter
She’s somebody’s everything
She’s somebody’s little girl

My Boy (My Girl Version) – Elvie Shane
2020, Country

I could never walk away
Yeah, she’s my baby my whole world
She ain’t my blood but she’s my, she’s my girl

Half the Man – Jennifer Smestad
2020, Country

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

Prettiest Girl in the World – Logan Mize
2020, Country

In my wildest dreams I’d never’ve guessed
I’d be the one holdin’ the prettiest girl in the world

Dads and Daughters – MaRynn Taylor
2020, Country

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 lov? between dads and daughters

The Man Who Loves You the Most – Zac Brown Band
2020, Country

On your wedding night, I’ll raise a toast
Hope he understands
I’ll always be the man who loves you the most

Maggie May Dreams – David “Ace” Cannon
2019, Country

From the laughter that you bring
Just one time again I wish I
Had you held my shoulder hand on my wrist

For My Daughter – Kane Brown
2019, Country

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

Dad – Tyler Wood
2018, Country

You carried the weight so we’d have a good life
Raised us with love
So we could fly
Anyone else would call you Superman
But I just call you Dad

Dance With My Daughter – Jason Blaine
2016, Country

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

Daddy’s Little Girl – The Shires
2016, Country

He said, “You can be anything you want to in this great big world”
But I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw
2015, Country

When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter) – Zac Brown Band
2015, Country

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

Daddy – Abby Anderson
2014, Country

He’s my shoulder to cry on, he’s my best friend
Oh, and daddy, he loves me just like you

Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith
2013, Country

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

You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins
2008, Country

These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this

You Can Let Go – Crystal Shawanda
2008, Country

It’s still a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I’ll be ok now, daddy
You can let go

It Won’t Be Like This For Long – Darius Rucker
2008, Country

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

Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus feat. Miley Cyrus
2007, Country

She’s waitin’ on my blessings
Before she hits that open road
But baby get ready, get set, don’t go

Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks
2007, Country

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

I Loved Her First – Heartland
2006, Country

And I prayed that she’d find you someday
But it’s still hard to give her away
I loved her first

My Wish – Rascal Flatts
2006, Country

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

My Little Girl – Tim McGraw
2006, Country

Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be
My little girl

There Goes My Life – Kenny Chesney
2003, Country

Draggin’ that teddy bear, sleep tight
Blue eyes and bouncin’ curls
He smiles
There goes my life

Then They Do – Trace Adkins
2003, Country

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

There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
2001, Country

For all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
2000, Country

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

He Didn’t Have To Be – Brad Paisley
1999, Country

Looking back, all I can say about all the things he did for me
Is I hope I’m at least half the dad that he didn’t have to be

That’s My Job – Conway Twitty
1987, Country

Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me
That’s my job you see

Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn
1986, Country

Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle but I’ve come to understand
There was always love in daddy’s hands

Pop Father Daughter Dance Songs

My Hero – Westlife
2021, Pop

And I want you to know that I feel like
You are my hero

Grow As We Go – Mat and Savanna Shaw, The Piano Guys
2021, Pop

I don’t know how this river runs
But I’d like the company through every twist and turn

Call My Name – Lukas Graham
2021, Pop

Don’t matter when or where
Just know that I’ll be right there
Call my name

Like My Father – Jax
2021, Pop

I need a man who loves me like
My father loves my mom

We’re Gonna Miss These Days – Dave Barnes
2020, Pop

Forgive me for forgetting
The season we’re in
It’s just sometimes I miss us
Like we were before this

Time to Let Me Go – Quixotic Sound
2020, Pop

You’ll be there when I call
That much I know
But it’s time to let me go

First Man – Camila Cabello
2019, Pop

You held me so tight
Now someone else can
But you were the first man that really loved me

You’ll Always Be My Hero – Ashley Marina
2018, Pop

Keep us safe, safe and secure
You’ll always be my hero, forever I’ll be yours

Forever Now – Michael Bublé
2018, Pop

No matter what you do
I’m forever proud of you
I love you forever now

Beautiful Memory – Scott Keo
2018, Pop

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

This Dance – Scott Thomas Laughridge
2018, Pop

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

Not All Heroes Wear Capes – Owl City
2017, Pop

He’s my Superman
Some folks don’t believe in heroes
‘Cause they haven’t met my dad

One Call Away – Charlie Puth
2015, Pop

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

Fathers & Daughters – Michael Bolton
2015, Pop

Into this world
Come with a heart that’s open wide
And the best of this life
Is all I ever want for you

You’re My Hero – Wedding Music Central
2012, Pop

You’re my hero
And ’cause you’re my Dad…
I’m twice as blessed and lucky to be me

Your Song – Ellie Goulding
2010, Pop

I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is
Now you’re in the world

Never Alone – Jim Brickman Feat. Lady Antebellum
2010, Pop

Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You’re never alone

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
2002, Pop

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

A Song For My Daughter – Ray Allaire
2000, Pop

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

You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
1999, Pop

‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
1997, Pop

She’ll change her name today
She’ll make a promise and I’ll give her away

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
1996, Pop

You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
1988, Pop

I want you to know I know the truth, of course, I know it
I would be nothing without you

Tiny Dancer – Elton John
1971, Pop

You must’ve seen her
Dancing in the sand
And now she’s in me
Always with me
Tiny dancer in my hand

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
1967, Pop

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

R&B Father Daughter Dance Songs

Like My Daddy – Lenasia Tyson
2018, R&B

I just want to be just like my daddy

Daddy Lessons – Beyoncé
2016, R&B

Daddy made me dance
And daddy held my hand
And daddy liked his whiskey with his tea
And we rode motorcycles
Blackjack, classic vinyl
Tough girl is what I had to be

Right by You (For Luna) – John Legend
2016, R&B

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

Babyfather – Sade
2010, R&B

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

Your Joy – Chrisette Michele
2007, R&B

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

Footprints in the Sand – Leona Lewis
2007, R&B

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

Daddy – Beyonce
2003, R&B

I want my husband to be like my daddy
There is no one else like my daddy
And I thank you

Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
2003, R&B

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

If It Wasn’t For Your Love – Heather Headley

2002, R&B

At last my chance to shine
And all in perfect time
A life I’d once dreamed of
Who’d have thought
If it wasn’t for your love

Wind Beneath My Wings – Eddie & Gerald LeVert
1995, R&B

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

Hero – Mariah Carey

1993, R&B

Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
1991, R&B

That’s why darling it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too

Ballerina Girl – Lionel Richie
1986, R&B

Ballerina Girl
You are so lovely
I can see in you
My dreams come true

Shining Star – The Manhattans

1980, R&B

Honey be, right here where you are
Until my dying day, ahh yeah
Honey you, you, you are my shining star

Lovely Day – Bill Withers
1977, R&B

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

Your Daddy Loves You – Gil Scott-Heron
1974, R&B

Your daddy loves you
Your daddy loves his girl

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
1976, R&B

I can’t believe what God has done
Through us, He’s given life to one
But isn’t she lovely made from love?

Daddy Could Swear, I Declare – Gladys Knight & the Pips
1973, R&B

Cursin’, just a-fussin’
And a-bein’ mad
But I hope the good lord will understand
That daddy’s is just bein’ my dad

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
1972, R&B

You are the apple of my eye (love has joined us)
Forever you’ll stay in my heart

You’re A Big Girl Now – The Stylistics
1971, R&B

You’re a big girl now
No more daddy’s little girl

I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
1969, R&B

With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name
And I’ll be there

Color Him Father – The Winstons
1969, R&B

Think I’ll color this man father
I think I’ll color him love
Said I’m gonna color him father
I think I’ll color the man love

My Girl – The Temptations
1964, R&B

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

Stand By Me – Ben E. King
1961, R&B

I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Christian Father Daughter Dance Songs

King of the World – Cindy Morgan
2009, Christian

Praise Him for the rolling hills
Where children laugh and play
Oh and praise Him for the wandering soul
That never lost their way

Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
2007, Christian

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

You’re My Little Girl – Go Fish
2006, Christian

All you need to do is call Me
I’ll be there for you
‘Cause you’re My little girl

Find Your Wings – Mark Harris
2005, Christian

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

Always Be Your Baby – Natalie Grant
2003, Christian

I’m a woman now
Not a little girl
Wherever this life takes me
I’ll always be your baby

Miscellaneous Father Daughter Dance Songs

My Father’s Daughter – Olivia Vedder, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard
2021, Indie

I am my father’s daughter
Come hell or high water
Never gonna leave him

Letter To My Daughter – Quando Rondo
2020, Hip Hop

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

Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
1990, World

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
1977, Reggae

Three little birds
Pitched by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
1964, Jazz

There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight

Come Rain or Shine – Ray Charles
1959, Jazz

I’m gonna love you
Like no one’s loved you
Come rain or come shine

They Can’t Take That Away from Me – Ella Fitzgerald feat. Louis Armstrong
1956, Jazz

The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no they can’t take that away from me

Enjoy our podcast about the Father-Daughter Dance songs!

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

What if I have a Stepdad?

Remember, this is your wedding and you can honor the people that matter to you most in the way that makes sense to you. Brides, 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 if Our Wedding Falls on Father’s Day?

Many weddings occur in the summer which makes sense — especially for outdoor weddings. Even in social distancing because of COVID, most of the immediate family are available and masked. If your wedding reception falls during one of the father-centered holidays, make an extra effort to honor your dad with the father daughter dance.

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 (Album Version).

Similar song lists for further reading:

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. Don’t let anyone else bully you.

Step Father Daughter Dance Suggestions

Brad Paisley – He Didn’t Have To Be
Brandon Davis – Step by Step
Elvie Shane – My Boy (My Girl Version)

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 bridal couples combine the father daughter dance with the mother-groom dance into just one song to dance.

In this case, a bride and groom 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.

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. Many fathers and daughters would rather do something fun than something serious.

And if you can’t decide on what song to use, you can always choose an instrumental number such as a jazz tune, classical 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). We cannot name all the great father daughter songs; that would be impossible.

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 her dad in special moments such as at her wedding, his retirement party, and special dances at school events. Daughters can dedicate some of the above songs for 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.

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

Popular Father Holidays

June (Third Sunday) – Father’s Day
July 7 – Father Daughter Take a Walk Day
July 30 – Father-In-Law Day

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