10 Dave Matthews Band Love Songs: From First Dances to Jam Sessions
Dave Matthews Band is more than just a 90s rock staple; they are a masterclass in musical fusion. Based in Virginia, DMB has spent decades blending rock, blues, funk, folk, and jazz into a sound that is entirely its own. While they are world-famous for their legendary live performances, their studio albums have also made history – becoming the only group to have six consecutive albums debut at #1 on the Billboard 200.
As a wedding DJ, I find that DMB songs are the ultimate choice for couples who value musicality and “chill” vibes. Whether it’s the raw emotion of an acoustic track or the jazzy sophistication of their full-band hits, Dave Matthews provides a soundtrack that feels organic and deeply personal.
The DMB Wedding Essentials
- The Premier First Dance: “You & Me” (2009). This is the “holy grail” of DMB love songs. With lyrics like “It’s you and me forever girl,” it was practically written for a first dance. It’s soulful, celebratory, and has just enough of that signature Dave “swing” to keep it from feeling like a standard ballad.
- The Aisle Moment: “Lover Lay Down” (1994). For a recessional or a bridal entrance, this track is pure magic. It’s all about taking each other’s hand and sharing a smile – a beautiful sentiment for the moment you officially become a married couple.
- The “Wait for It” Instrumental: “#34” (1994). If you want an instrumental processional that feels sophisticated yet modern, this is your song. At five minutes long, it’s perfect for a larger wedding party entrance.
- The Late-Night Jam: “Stay (Wasting Time)” (1998). This is a fantastic background track for a reception. It’s mid-tempo, funky, and captures that feeling of wanting to stay in the moment forever, perfect for when the party is in full swing.
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Dave Matthews Band Highest-Charting Billboard Tracks
Adult Alternative
- #1 Too Much, 1996
- #1 Don’t Drink the Water, 1998
- #1 Stay (Wasting Time), 1998
- #1 I Did It, 2001
- #1 The Space Between, 2001
- #1 Everyday, 2001
- #1 Where Are You Going, 2002
- #1 Funny the Way It Is, 2009
- #1 Mercy, 2012
- #2 Crash into Me, 1996
- #2 American Baby, 2005
- #2 Why I Am, 2009
- #2 You and Me, 2009
- #3 So Much to Say, 1996
- #3 Crush, 1998
- #3 Dreamgirl, 2005
Wedding Songs
You & Me
Released in 2009 on the album Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King
The best DMB love song for weddings. A very popular first dance song but you can play it at any time in your wedding ceremony or reception.
“But right now it’s you and me forever girl, And you know we could do better than anything that we did, You know that you and me, we could do anything”
Lover Lay Down
Released in 1994 on the album Under the Table and Dreaming
A beautiful love song you can play as a recessional song as it discusses taking each other’s hand.
“By my lover’s side, Together share this smile, Each other’s tears to cry, Together share this smile”
#34
Released in 1994 on the album Under the Table and Dreaming
My favorite song to play as part of your wedding ceremony. Because the song is five minutes long, you could play it as the groom’s processional or as a complete bridal party processional song for a small numbered party.
“Lean upon me, I’ll lean upon you, We’ll be OK”
Love Of My Life
with Santana
Released in 2010 on the band Santana’s album Supernatural
A mid-tempo bluesy song you could play during the cocktail hour while cigars are being rolled and guests are sipping on your signature drink.
“You’re the love of my life, And the breath in my prayers, Take my hand lead me there, What I need is you here”
Crush
Released in 1998 on the album Before These Crowded Streets
A mid-tempo song that you can play while cutting your wedding cake and crushing a piece of cake into your new spouse’s face.
“Crazy how you make it all alright love, You crush me with the things you do, I do for you anything too”
Satellite
Released in 1995 on the album Under the Table and Dreaming
For die-hard DMB fans, this would play very well into the cocktail hour or as a background song while dinner is served.
This is not a love song but it does make a wedding song list for the true DMB fan for the raw emotion sung.
“Rest high above the clouds no restriction, Television we bounce round the world”
Steady As We Go
Released in 2005 on the album Stand Up
A very mellow and lovely song you could play as guests arrive at the ceremony venue.
“I walk halfway around the world, Just to sit down by your side”
Crash Into Me
Released in 1996 on the album Crash
The topic is not the greatest wedding-friendly but is well-known that guests will sing along to.
Touch your lips just so I know, In your eyes, love, it glows so, I’m bare-boned and crazy for you
American Baby
Released in 2005 on the album Stand Up
A mid-tempo song that you can incorporate into your wedding reception or while getting ready.
“But I’ve been walking for a thousand miles, One last time, I could see you smile”
Stay (Wasting Time)
Released in 1998 on the album Before These Crowded Streets
A mid-tempo song you can add to your list of background songs to play during the wedding reception.
“Just wasting time, I was kissing you, You were kissing me love, From good day into a moonlight”
Here On Out
Released in 2018 on the album Come Tomorrow
I am strong and wild
Like a storm out the stars in my blood
And it’s all because of you, you my love
Dave Matthews Band Spotify Playlist
Have a favorite Dave Matthews Band love song? Please share your song below in the comments!
