Father-Figure & Child Dance Songs (Dad & Daughter)

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As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of songs for the father-figure dance. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s brides. Besides the relationship type between the father figure and child, additional lists are grouped by genre to match your taste in music.

To be more inclusive, I renamed the father-daughter dance at weddings the father-figure and child dance.

Bride and dad dance at reception — Photo Credit: M Place Productions @mplacepro

If you are just getting started trying to figure out what song you want played, discover the songs below by the type of relationship you have had in your life.

Quick Tips

When picking out the song to dance the father-figure wedding dance, you must consider the following 3 factors:

1. Does the song have a special meaning to both of you?
2. Does the song’s meaning describe your relationship?
3. What is the tempo of the song (fast or slow) to determine the style of dance that fits best?

Check out this custom song!

“Little Girl – The Remix” by E. Walter Smith

Favorite Lyrics: “Little princess you / Were only born yesterday / You were everything I hoped for / When I kneeled down to pray”

The song is a duet conversation between a dad and daughter describing their relationship.

Download Song

Dance Songs by Relationship

To help you select a song for you to dance with your father figure, I broke down the list of songs by the type of relationship you have with each other. Some may be best friends, while others see them as heroes. There’s a little bit for everyone.

Songs Specifically Written for Dance

Enjoy a list of hand-selected songs written and performed for a father-and-daughter dance. Maybe these tell your story too.

This Dance – Scott Thomas Laughridge
Dance With My Daughter – Jason Blaine
Father Daughter Dance – Craig Cardiff
Never Give You Away – Greg Stielstra Productions
Beautiful Memory – Scott Keo

Celebrating Love for Child

Here is a list of songs from the perspective of a parent to a child and having love for them. It’s their special day too! The parent could also be the one getting married.

You’ll Always Be My Baby – Alan Jackson
My Little Girl – Tim McGraw
I Loved Her First – Heartland
Walk With You – Edwin McCain
The Man Who Loves You the Most – Zac Brown Band
Moments into Memories – Will Dempsey
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
Your Daddy Loves You – Gil Scott-Heron
Daddy’s Girl – Channing Gillespie
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman

Celebrating Love for Father-Figure

A list of songs from the perspective of the one getting married and having a love for their parent. The songs describe parents loving their children and taking care of them.

When God Made You My Father – Riley Roth
Good Hands – Johnny and Heidi
Dads and Daughters – MaRynn Taylor
Daddy’s Little Girl – The Shires
Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith

Putting Father-Figure in High Regard

Some children have father figures that went above and beyond caring for and loving their child. The parents are seen as heroes of sorts and these songs describe that kind of relationship.

Like My Father – Jax
Half the Man – Jennifer Smestad
First Man – Camila Cabello
Like My Daddy – LeNasia Tyson
You’ll Always Be My Hero – Ashley Marina
Not All Heroes Wear Capes – Owl City

Celebrating Being There For Each Other

A relationship is a two-way street. These songs describe and celebrate taking care of each other and being there for each other.

Good Hands – Kylie Morgan
She’s Somebody’s Daughter (The Wedding Version) – Drew Baldridge
Call My Name – Lukas Graham
Never Alone – Jim Brickman Feat. Lady Antebellum
Your Joy – Chrisette Michele
You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
One Call Away – Charlie Puth
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Unexpected & Fun Songs

We all know the most popular hits. However, these songs add a bit of levity to the moment with an upbeat tempo but stay on theme.

Your Mama Don’t Dance – Loggins & Messina
My Girl – Temptations
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
Sweet Pea – Amos Lee
Shining Star – The Manhattans
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder

Celebrating Friendship

Some parents and children’s relationships are considered each other’s best friends. These songs share these types of connections.

You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
You’re My Best Friend – Queen
In My Life – Beatles

Dedication To Child For The Future

Want to wish your child a wonderful future as their new journey begins into married life? These songs say just that.

Forever Young – Rod Stewart
Find Your Wings – Mark Harris
Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
Wildflowers – Tom Petty

Celebrating Being Grown Up

Some children are happy that they are grown up now that they are married and are moving out of the house. Parents need to let their little children be their own person. Pick on of these.

You Can Let Go – Crystal Shawanda
Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus feat. Miley Cyrus
There Goes My Life – Kenny Chesney
Time to Let Me Go – Quixotic Sound
You’re A Big Girl Now – The Stylistics

Songs for Every Relationship

Not every parent and child relationship is an ideal scenario. Thus, these tracks are perfect for a lack of reference to a parent and child.

Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – Beatles
Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Dad Has 3 Daughters

You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings) – Alan Jackson
Son You Never Had – Bailey Taylor

Songs For A Single Dad

Hey single dads who raise your child all by yourself. These are for you!

For My Daughter – Kane Brown
Babyfather – Sade
Rich Man – Little Big Town

Dance with Stepdad

Stepdads need to be represented too. Here are the most popular.

Step by Step – Brandon Davis
My Boy (My Girl Version) – Elvie Shane
(See more stepdad and stepdaughter songs)

Dance with Father-In-Law

Sometimes in-laws are included in the formal dances. These are perfect selections.

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
Family Affair – Mary J. Blige
Family Is Family – Kacey Musgraves
(See more songs for dancing with father-in-law)

Dance with Grandpa

Want to include your grandpa in the father-figure dance? Whether he has his own dance or cuts in, these songs can be mixed in nicely.

Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days) – The Judds
Grandpas Baby Girl – Terry Wagenschutz
Grandpa Told Me So – Kenny Chesney

Dance with Brother

Did your brother play the role of parent in your life? Did he care for you when growing up? Here’s a few wonderful hits to play.

Brothers & Sisters – Coldplay
Come Dancing – Kinks
Sister to a Brother – Rob Finlay
(See more songs for dancing with a brother or brothers)

DJs! Plan a Father-Figure Dance Song by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM column headers for sorting)

Song	Artist	Key	BPM
You Can Let Go	Crystal Shawanda	9B	69
Three Little Birds	Bob Marley & The Wailers	11B	74
Shining Star	The Manhattans	12B	74
Rich Man	Little Big Town	9B	76
Hand Me Down	Ashley Jo	10B	77
Ready, Set, Don't Go	Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus	10B	77
What A Wonderful World	Louis Armstrong	7B	77
You'll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters' Weddings)	Alan Jackson	8B	77
Daddy's Little Girl	The Shires	1B	78
Not All Heroes Wear Capes	Owl City	5B	82
Butterfly Kisses	Bob Carlisle	8B	82
You'll Always Be My Hero	Ashley Marina	11A	83
Over the Rainbow	Israel Kamakawiwo'ole	8B	86
Daddy's Girl	Channing Gillespie	3B	89
One Call Away	Charlie Puth	3B	91
Lovely Day	Bill Withers	8A	91
You've Got a Friend	James Taylor	11B	92
Family Affair	Mary J. Blige	1A	93
like my father	Jax	7B	93
I'll Be There	The Jackson 5	7B	93
Dads and Daughters	MaRynn Taylor	11B	94
You'll Be In My Heart	Phil Collins	4B	97
Your Joy	Chrisette Michele	9B	98
Father Daughter Dance	Craig Cardiff	7B	100
Can She Have This Dance	Drew Baldridge	7B	100
First Man	Camila Cabello	9B	100
Humble And Kind	Tim McGraw	1B	101
Forever Young	Rod Stewart	12B	102
Sweet Pea	Amos Lee	1B	102
In My Life - Remastered 2009	The Beatles	11B	103
My Girl	The Temptations	8B	105
When God Made You My Father	Riley Roth	1B	106
Family Is Family	Kacey Musgraves	7B	112
Your Daddy Loves You	Gil Scott-Heron	7A	116
Grandpas Baby Girl	Terry Wagenschutz	7B	116
Stand By Me	Ben E. King	11B	118
Isn't She Lovely	Stevie Wonder	12A	119
You're My Best Friend - Remastered 2011	Queen	8B	119
Grandpa Told Me So	Kenny Chesney	2B	121
Time to Let Me Go	Quixotic Sound, Sophia Kaloustian	10B	124
Father To Daughter Song	White / Sayer	10B	124
She's Somebody's Daughter	Drew Baldridge	8B	125
There You'll Be	Faith Hill	4B	129
Perfect Day	Al Green	6B	129
Daddy Dance with Me	Krystal Keith	3B	130
I'm Happy Just To Dance With You - Remastered 2009	The Beatles	11A	132
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life	Stevie Wonder	1B	132
Good Hands	Johnny and Heidi	3B	132
My Wish	Rascal Flatts	12B	136
There Goes My Life	Kenny Chesney	12B	136
Find Your Wings	Mark Harris	6B	136
I Loved Her First	Heartland	12B	137
Babyfather	Sade	10A	138
Half the Man	Jennifer Smestad	10B	139
For My Daughter	Kane Brown	3B	140
Like My Daddy	Lenasia Tyson	6A	140
This Dance	Scott Thomas Laughridge	3B	142
Step by Step	Brandon Davis	4B	142
My Boy (My Girl Version)	Elvie Shane	11B	144
Good Hands	Kylie Morgan	3A	145
My Little Girl	Tim McGraw	8B	145
Your Mama Don't Dance	Loggins & Messina	8B	146
Teach Your Children	Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young	10A	147
Walk With You	Edwin McCain	11B	147
For The Both of Us	Dan + Shay	6B	149
I Hope You Dance	Lee Ann Womack	6A	151
My Father's Daughter	Anne Wilson	6B	152
Dance With My Daughter	Jason Blaine	9B	157
The Man Who Loves You The Most	Zac Brown Band	5B	158
Anything like you	Sam DeRosa	8B	160
Call My Name	Lukas Graham	6B	166
Counting My Blessings	Seph Schlueter	9B	166
You're A Big Girl Now	The Stylistics	9A	171
Moments into Memories	Will Dempsey	10A	180
Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)	The Judds	12B	202

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify Father-Figure Playlist

father and daughter dance at wedding reception — Photo Credit: M Place Productions @mplacepro

New Tracks You Need to Know

18 Summers – Matthew West
Anything Like You – Sam Derosa
Can She Have This Dance – Drew Baldridge
Count On Me – Pj Morton & Fireboy Dml
Counting My Blessings – Seph Schlueter
Dad Does – Johnathan Len
Daddy Daughter Dance (Acoustic) – Julia Cole
Exceptional – Babyface
Father Daughter Song – White/Sayer
For The Both of Us – Dan + Shay
Hey Dad – Casi Joy
If Father Time Had A Daughter – Walker Hayes
Kiss The Bride – Bon Jovi
Molly’s Song – Connor Price
My Father’s Daughter – Anne Wilson
Not Proud of You – David C Smalley
Perfect Day – Al Green
Son You Never Had – Bailey Taylor
Wind Beneath My Wings – Mat and Savanna Shaw
Yours – Mat and Savanna Shaw
Yours – Post Malone

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

Your Questions Answered

Most father-daughter dance songs are between 3 and 4 minutes, similar to a standard song length. Some couples opt for a shortened version (around 2-2.5 minutes) to keep the flow of the reception moving and guests engaged.

The father-daughter dance usually occurs after the newlywed’s first dance and before the open dancing begins. Some couples choose to have it after the toasts and before the cake cutting. It often happens consecutively with the mother-son dance.

Choreography is entirely optional! For a slow, traditional dance, it’s usually not necessary. If you choose a more upbeat or playful song, simple steps or a few dance lessons can add a fun element and help you both feel more comfortable. The most important thing is to enjoy the moment.

The father-daughter dance is a tradition, but not a requirement. If your relationship with your father isn’t strong, or if he has passed away, you have several options:

Acknowledge his memory: If your father has passed, you might choose a song that reminds you of him and have a moment of remembrance, perhaps with a photo or a silent toast, instead of a dance.
Skip the dance: There’s no obligation to have one if it doesn’t feel right.
Dance with another special person: Choose a stepfather, brother, uncle, or another beloved male figure who has played a significant role in your life.
Dance with your mother or another female relative: This can be a beautiful way to honor another important parental figure.

Absolutely! Many brides choose to honor multiple significant male figures. You can do this by switching partners during the song, selecting a medley of songs (one for each person), or having them join in at different points during a single song. It’s your day, and you should celebrate the relationships that are most important to you.

The best song is one that holds personal meaning for both you and your father. Consider these factors:

Your father’s input: Involve your dad in the decision-making process. Ask him if there’s a song he’d love to dance to.
Shared memories: Is there a song from your childhood, a song he always sang, or one that reminds you of a special moment together?
Mood and tempo: Do you want a slow, sentimental ballad, an upbeat and fun tune, or something in between?
Lyrics: Pay close attention to the lyrics to ensure they are appropriate for a father-daughter relationship and not romantic in nature.

Popular themes often include:

Love and guidance: Songs that express a father’s enduring love and his role in shaping his daughter.
Growing up: Songs about the bittersweet journey of watching a daughter mature and embark on her own life.
Timeless bond: Songs that highlight the unbreakable connection between father and daughter.
Support and protection: Lyrics that speak to a father’s unwavering support and desire to protect his child.
Joy and celebration: Upbeat songs that convey happiness and the excitement of the wedding day.

Yes, it’s crucial to avoid songs with romantic or overly sentimental lyrics that could be misinterpreted. Steer clear of songs that are explicitly about romantic love or breakup songs. While some songs may be meaningful to you both, ensure the lyrics won’t cause any awkwardness or confusion for your guests. If there’s one “iffy” line, some couples work with their DJ or band to edit it out.

Many couples choose heartfelt ballads to evoke emotion. Popular choices include: