Rock First Dance Songs For Head Bangers

When thinking of rock music, many think of guitar riffs, drum solos, lead singers screaming high notes, and fans banging their heads. No, we are not talking pop-rock boy bands here. We left them off the list.

Many rock musicians slowed down their tempo to get great melodic songs perfect for weddings. Yes, these are the rock musicians who successfully created rock first dance songs. Whether this is on purpose or on accident won’t be exposed here.

rock first dance songs

There are many different styles of rock music. Rock music incorporates indie rock, hard, rock, heavy metal, classic rock, alternative rock pop-rock, and more.

Out of all of the many different styles of rock, we tried to select rock songs when heard could be distinguished as actual ROCK songs.

As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of rock songs for the first dance. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s couples.

New Rock First Dance Songs

  1. Say Yes To Heaven – Lana Del Rey, 2023
  2. First Date (Acoustic) – Taylor Acorn, 2022
  3. Sweet Symphony – Joy Oladokun, Chris Stapleton, 2022
  4. Kiss Me – Dermot Kennedy, 2022
  5. I’m In Love With You – The 1975, 2022
  6. More Than Love – Ben Harper, 2022
  7. One Life – James Bay, 2022
  8. I Think I Like You – The Band CAMINO, 2022
  9. Drift Together – Jax Hollow, 2021
  10. nobody else – LANY, 2020

Stream Rock First Dance Playlist

My Wedding Songs is a reader-supported website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission but also support the artists.

Listen to your favorite songs on streaming services!

Stream playlist on Apple Music
Stream playlist on Amazon Music
Stream Playlist on Tidal

Rock First Dance Songs

I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You – Bob Dylan
Released in 2020 on the album Rough and Rowdy Ways

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I don’t think that anyone ever has ever knew
I’ve made up my mind to give myself to you

Best Part of Me – Jeremy Renner
Released in 2020 on the album The Medicine

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And even a million miles away
When all my hairs have turn to grey
You’d always be my number one

Never Tear Us Apart – The National
Released in 2020 on the album Never Tear Us Apart

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never ever tear us apart

You’re The One – Greta Van Fleet
Released in 2018 on the album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re the one I want
You’re the one I need

All Because of You – O.A.R.
Released in 2019 on the album The Mighty

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll be here forever
We’re so good when we’re together
Let me hold you ’til we’re older

God Only Knows – Avenged Sevenfold
Released in 2017 on the album The Stage

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I’ll make you so sure about it
God only knows what I’d be without you

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Beck
Released in 2017 on the album The Man in the High Castle TV Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take my hand
Oh take my whole life too
‘Cause I can’t help
Falling in love with you

broken – lovelytheband
Released in 2017 on the album everything i could never say…

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I like that you’re broken
Broken like me
Maybe that makes me a fool
I like that you’re lonely
Lonely like me
I could be lonely with you

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – Sleeping At Last
Released in 2014 on the album I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But I would walk five hundred miles
And I would walk five hundred more
Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles
To fall down at your door

I Found You – Alabama Shakes
Released in 2014 on the album A Long Way Down Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well, I traveled a long way
And it took a long time
To find you
But I finally found you

Tip

Check out glam rock love songs.

Come to Me – Goo Goo Dolls
Released in 2013 on the album Magnetic

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Today’s the day I’ll make you mine
So get me to the church on time
Take my hand in this empty room
You’re my girl, and I’m your groom

Wedding Song (Acoustic) – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Released in 2013 on the album Mosquito

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Some kind of violent bliss
Led me to love like this
One thousand deaths my dear
I’d die without you here

I’ll Follow You – Shinedown
Released in 2012 on the album Amaryllis

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“I’ll follow you down, through the eye of the storm, Don’t worry I’ll keep you warm”

No Matter What – Papa Roach
Released in 2010 on the album Time for Annihilation

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“I swear to God, That in the bitter end, We’re gonna be the last ones standing”

Everlong (Acoustic Version) – Foo Fighters
Released in 2009 on the album Greatest Hits

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I wonder
When I sing along with you
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again

The Only Exception – Paramore
Released in 2009 on the album Brand New Eyes

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“I’d never sing of love, If it does not exist, but darlin’, You are, the only exception”

Dear God – Avenged Sevenfold
Released in 2007 on the album Avenged Sevenfold

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“Dear God, the only thing I ask of you, Is to hold her when I’m not around”

Your Guardian Angel – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Released in 2006 on the album Don’t You Fake It

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“I’ll stand up with you forever, I’ll be there for you through it all, Even if saving you sends me to Heaven”

You And Me – Lifehouse
Released in 2005 on the album Lifehouse

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Something about you now
I can’t quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right

Far Away – Nickelback
Released in 2005 on the album All the Right Reasons

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“That I love you, I’ve loved you all along, And I miss you, Been far away for far too long”

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
Released in 1998 on the album Armageddon

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“I kiss your eyes and thank God we’re together, And I just wanna stay with you, In this moment forever”

Love Will Keep Us Alive – The Eagles
Released in 1994 on the album Hell Freezes Over

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I would die for you
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do

Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
Released in 1991 on the album Metallica

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“So close no matter how far, Couldn’t be much more from the heart, Forever trusting who we are”

Love Of A Lifetime – Firehouse
Released in 1990 on the album FireHouse

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“I finally found the love of a lifetime, A love to last my whole life through”

All I Want Is You – U2
Released in 1988 on the album Rattle and Hum

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

All the promises we break
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you

Honestly – Stryper
Released in 1986 on the album To Hell with the Devil

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“And I love you can’t you see, That I love you honestly”

Tip

Put on your headphones and listen to a post-grunge biggest hits.

Faithfully – Journey
Released in 1983 on the album Frontiers

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And being apart ain’t easy on this love affair
Two strangers learn to fall in love again
I get the joy of rediscovering you
Oh, girl, you stand by me
I’m forever yours, faithfully

All My Love – Led Zeppelin
Released in 1979 on the album In Through the Out Door

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“All of my love, all of my love, All of my love to you”

Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
Released in 1971 on the album Sticky Fingers

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away”

Have a favorite rock first dance song not on my list? Please share your song below in the comments.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
guest
2 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sky Simone PHoto
Sky Simone PHoto
3 years ago

how about emotional rescue by the Rolling Stones? or Queen?

My Wedding Songs
My Wedding Songs
3 years ago

Hi Sky. Thank you for the suggestion. We all appreciate your input. If you are looking for a mid-tempo dance song then this classic rock song may hit the mark!