The Brotherhood Bond: More Than Just Siblings

Brothers often play multiple roles: Best Man, protector, childhood rival, and lifelong friend. Whether he’s walking you down the aisle, standing by your side as a groomsman, or joining you for a special dance, his song should reflect the specific dynamic you share.

• Sentimental Tributes: Deeply emotional tracks about “being there” and shared history.
• Brotherhood Anthems: Upbeat songs that celebrate the strength of the bond.
• Fun & Nostalgic: Childhood hits that will have you both laughing on the dance floor.

Spotlight Moments: Dances & Tributes

• The “Ride or Die” Anthem: “Brother” – NEEDTOBREATHE (feat. Gavin DeGraw). This has quickly become the gold standard for brother tributes. Its message of unwavering support—“Brother, let me be your shelter / Never leave you all alone”—is perfect for a dedicated dance or a slideshow.
• The “Inseparable” Track: “Hey Brother” – Avicii. For a modern, high-energy tribute, this is the #1 choice. It combines a soulful folk sentiment with a danceable beat, making it perfect for a “Brother/Sister” or “Brother/Brother” dance that transitions into a party.
• The Classic Support Song: “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” – The Hollies. A timeless classic for a reason. If you want a traditional, high-emotion moment that will leave the room in tears, this is the track.
• The Country Bond: “Blood Brothers” – Luke Bryan. Perfect for the country-loving siblings. It talks about the shared experiences of growing up and the lifelong commitment of brotherhood.
• The “New Path” Song: “I Lived” – OneRepublic. A great choice for a groom’s brother to dedicate to him. It’s a celebratory “wish” for a life well-lived and full of adventure as the groom starts his new chapter.

Reception & “The Boys” Party Starters

• The “Back in Town” Anthem: “The Boys Are Back In Town” – Thin Lizzy. The quintessential entrance song for the groom and his brothers/groomsmen. It sets a high-energy, “let’s go” vibe immediately.
• The Childhood Nostalgia: “MMMBop” – Hanson. If you and your brothers grew up in the 90s, this is a mandatory “ironic” sing-along. It’s fun, lighthearted, and guaranteed to get a laugh.
• The High-Energy Sing-Along: “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes. A stadium anthem that brothers love to shout at the top of their lungs on the dance floor.
• The Motown Classic: “ABC” – The Jackson 5. A great way to involve younger brothers or to celebrate a family bond that goes back to childhood. It’s upbeat, clean, and universally loved.
• The “Style” Entrance: “Big Brother” – Kanye West. A cool, mid-tempo track for a brother who is a mentor or a “larger than life” figure in the groom’s life.

DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the Brother Set

• The “Best Man” Intro: If the brother is giving a toast, have the DJ play 15 seconds of a “fun” childhood song as he walks to the mic (think “Eye of the Tiger” or “Teenage Dirtbag”). It breaks the ice and sets the tone.
• The “Brother/Sister” Dance: If a brother is standing in for a father-daughter dance, look for tracks that focus on protection and “being there,” like “Brother” by Kodaline or “He Ain’t Heavy.”
• Check the BPM: If you’re doing a “Brotherly” dance, check the tempo. A song like “ABC” (197 BPM) is a workout! If you want a traditional slow dance, stick to something in the 70–90 BPM range.

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Brother Songs by Theme

Loving Him

A list of songs to let your brother know that you love him.

• Brother – Alice In Chains
• Brother’s Keeper – DaBaby
• It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You) – The 1975
• Me And Baby Brother – War
• My Brother – Sam Tompkins
• My Brother – Justin Hayward & John Lodge

Being There

Enjoy songs that are about being there for your brother.

• Brother – Home Free
• Brother – Isaiah Paul
• Brother – NEEDTOBREATHE
• He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother – Neil Diamond
• He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother – The Hollies

Be Your Own Man

On a groom’s big day, celebrate that he is making his own decisions and out on his own.

• Brother – Brendan Kelly
• I Lived – OneRepublic
• Little Brother – Hootie & the Blowfish
• My Little Brother – Art Brut
• Superheroes – The Script

Brotherhood

Enjoy songs that celebrate the special bond between brothers, whether friends or family.

• Blood Brothers – Luke Bryan
• Blood Brothers – Papa Roach
• Blood Brothers – Bruce Springsteen
• Brothers – LOCASH
• Brothers in Arms – DAGames
• Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits
• Hey Big Brother – Rare Earth
• Hey Brother – Avicii
• range brothers – Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar

Special Bond

Tunes that honor the special bond that brothers have on your wedding day.

• Big Brother – Kanye West
• Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy
• Brother – Kodaline
• Brother – Brett Eldredge
• Song for My Brother – Carlos Santana

Growing Up

A few songs sharing a message of growing up as siblings.

• American Kids – Kenny Chesney
• Brother Mine – Suzanne Vega
• The Greatest Discovery – Elton John
• The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

Fun & Unexpected

The most important tip I can give if you select a song is to select a song that is special to you. I hope these songs inspire you to find a meaningful song.

• ABC – Jackson Five
• Congratulations – Post Malone feat. Quavo
• Crazy Rap (Colt 45 & 2 Zig Zags) – Afroman
• Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
• MMMBop – Hanson
• My Brother’s a Basehead – De La Soul
• Regulate – Warren G, Nate Dogg
• Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
• Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus

DJs! Plan a Brothers Song by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM table columns for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify Brothers Playlist

I hope you enjoyed my list of brother songs. If you have a song not on my list, please comment on it below as I do read and respond to all comments.

Fun Facts