Wedding Recessional Songs – Podcast E69

Matt talks about the best wedding songs to play as your recessional song.  Hear some song lyrics that go with the recessional songs too!

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Podcast Transcript

Everybody. I am Matt Campbell and welcome to the 69th episode of the Wedding Songs Podcast. Today, I’m going to be talking about 100 recessional songs to play at your wedding ceremony. These are the songs that you would play after the I dos and you’re walking back down the aisle. If you prefer to read the list or listen to the list you can do so on our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. The link is right on the homepage. If you want up-to-date wedding song suggestions, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter, that link is right from our main menu. Just click on subscribe and each month we’re going to send out all of the new wedding songs that were released in the prior month. Plus a couple of other great song suggestions for your wedding. The recessional songs I’m gonna talk about today are gonna be categorized by genre, and then I’m gonna list them by the year that they were released with the newest first.

So let’s go ahead and get started with the first genre on the list, Classical recessional songs. The first one, by 2Cellos, “Living On A Prayer” is an instrumental version of the Bon Jovi song and a great song to play as a recessional. Another very popular one in 2019 is Brooklyn Duo’s “Canon in D”. A personal favorite, one of the members of the 2Cellos is Hauser with his version of “River Flows In You”. If you’re having a church ceremony, then the Royal Scot’s Dragoon Guards has their “Highland Cathedral” which was released in 1998, and then “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell which was released in the 1700s. There are a lot of covers to this and it’s a personal favorite if you’re looking for a church song that really accents that, “Hey, here’s the brand new couple”. 

The next genre we have is R&B recessional songs with the first one released in 2021 by Jennifer Hudson. It is a cover of the very popular song by Marvin Gay and Tammy Terrell,  “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Lyrics include…cuz baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough. Ain’t no valley low enough. Ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you. Released in 2018, “Better” by Khalid with the lyrics…we don’t got to hide. This is what you like. I admit nothing feels better than this. “Marry Me” by Jason Derulo in 2014 with the lyrics…will forever be enough. So there ain’t no need to rush, but one day I won’t be able to ask you loud enough. I’ll say, will you marry me. “Love On Top”  by Beyonce, released in 2011. And of course, the very popular song “Forever” by Chris Brown was released in 2007. And my favorite love song by Alicia Keys is “No One” released in 2007 with the lyrics…you and me together through the days and nights. I don’t worry, cuz everything’s gonna be all right.

“All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo, released in 1997 with the lyrics…You’re all I’m thinking of. I praise the Lord above for sending me your love. I cherish every hug. I really love you. If you’re looking for a more upbeat song, then “September” by Earth Wind & Fire in 1978. A mid-tempo song, a very popular wedding song, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole in 1975 with the lyrics…you gave me more joy than I ever dreamed of. And no one, no one, can take the place of you. This will be you and me. Next up is one of the most popular recessional songs “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder in 1970 with…you set my soul on fire. That’s why I know you’re my heart’s only desire. Oh, baby. Here I am. Sign sealed, delivered. I’m yours. Released in 1967 Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” for a more upbeat song. And then in 1961 is the soulful Etta James with “At Last” with…at last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over and life is like a song.

Next up are the Rock songs. Released in 2021 is a collaboration between NEEDTOBREATHE and Carrie Underwood with the song “I Wanna Remember (acoustic version)” with the lyrics…I wanna memorize you, wanna stay here forever ‘Cause I-I-I, I-I-I. I take a picture in my mind so we’re always together. In 2021 BANNERS released “If I Didn’t Have You” with the lyrics…thought I had nothing to lose, but that’s not the truth. I don’t know what I do if I didn’t have you. The popular wedding song by American Authors “Best Day Of My Life”, released in 2013, with the lyrics…I’m never gonna look back. Whoa, never gonna give it up. No, please don’t wake me now. This is gonna be the best day of my life.

In 2009, “Marry Me by Train, and in 2008, Michael Franti & Spearhead released “Say Hey (I Love You)” with the lyrics…The more I see the less I know, but I know one thing, that I love you, baby girl. I love you. I love you. I love you. “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne in 2008, and better together by Jack Johnson in 2005 with the lyrics…it’s not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving. I’ll tell you one thing. It’s always better. When we’re together. In 2000 U2 released “Beautiful Day”, and in 1994, Rusted Root released “Send Me On My Way” with the lyrics…I would like you to hold my little hand and we will run. We will, we will crawl. Send me on my way. In 1969, the Beatles released “Here Comes The Sun”, and also in 1968 their song “All You Need Is Love”…All you need is love. Love, love. Love is all you need. 

(That concludes the Rock songs. Next up are the Pop recessional songs with the first one released in 2021 by Katy Perry, by that same exact song, “All You Need Is Love” but it’s Katy’s version and a great cover to the song. Faime released “Follow Me” in 2021 with the lyrics…you can follow me wherever you wander, cuz I can be the place you call home. Follow me whenever you wonder where you should go. If you feel alone, follow me. In 2021 Music Travel Love with Felix Irwan released a cover of “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”. This is an acoustic cover to it and a great song to play as a recessional.

Also in 2021, LunchMoney Lewis teamed up with Meghan Trainor with the song “Ocean” with the lyrics…You’re just like the ocean I’m drowning in your love. I’m just like a waterfall falling, falling for you again. John Newman released “Stand By Me” in 2020. No, this is not the Ben E King version, with the lyrics…You stand by me through the longest nights. You stand by me through the hardest times. In 2020 we have a cover of Randy Travis’s song “Forever And Ever Amen” by Ronan Keating & Shania Twain. Just in case you forgot…O Darlan I’m gonna love you forever, forever and ever. Amen. Also in 2020, Joshua Radinreleased “Brand New Day”, but this is the 2020 acoustic version, with the lyrics…It’s a brand new day for the first time in such a long time I know I’ll be okay. Our first song in 2019 Sailr with “All My Life” and the lyrics…keep all of these words close to your heart. I’m gonna love you all my life.

Music Travel Love has another song on the list “The Only One” with the lyrics…Don’t you know that I’ll always be there? Baby, I swear till my days on this earth are done, You’re the only one. Next up is Ben Platt with “Grow As We Go” with the lyrics…you can ebb and I can flow and we’ll take it slow and grow as we go. Also in 2019, Andy Grammars, “I Am Yours” with lyrics…I am yours now and always wouldn’t dream to be anything more. A personal favorite of mine is Renee Dominique featuring Jason Mraz release “Could I Love You Anymore” with the lyrics…7 billion people in the world, finding you is like a miracle only this wonder remains. Could I love you anymore? We cannot forget this next song, released in 2019. “Lover” by Taylor Swift. Make sure you check out other versions of this song, cuz she did release a first dance version of this song as well, with the lyrics…Can we always be this close forever and ever and ah, take me out and take me home forever and ever you’re my, my, my lover?

In 2019, very theme-appropriate “Carry Me Away” by John Mayer, with the lyrics…Take me out and keep me up all night. Let me live on the wilder side of life. Carry me away. In 2018, from the movie Crazy Rich Asians, we have “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Kina Grannis. Ed Sheeran released “How Would You Feel (Paean)” in 2017 with the lyrics…I’ll be taking my time, spending my life. Falling deeper in love with you. So tell me that you love me too. Also in 2018, we have his song “Perfect”. And if you’re looking for a more up-tempo song, you could play “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake in 2016. “Sugar” by Maroon 5 in 2015 with their video appropriate song.

Also in 2015 is Ben Rector’s song “Brand New” with the lyrics…like a heartbeat, skip like an open page, like one way trip on an airplane. It’s the way that I feel when I’m with you, brand new. Andy Grammar’s on the list again with “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” in 2015 and in 2014 Sarah Bareilles’ “I Choose You”. Another great pop song, Coldplay’s “A Sky Full Of Stars” in 2014 with the lyrics…cuz you’re a sky full of stars. I want to die in your arms cuz you get lighter the more it gets dark. I’m gonna give you my heart. In 2014, Ella Henderson released “Yours” with the lyrics…and I know every day you say it, but I just want you to be sure that I’m yours. In 2012 Imagine Dragons released “On Top Of The World”…If that’s the way you feel after you say the I dos. I’ve been waiting to smile, been holding it in for a while. Take it with me if I can. Been dreaming of this since a child. I’m on top of the world.

We have to include the next song, Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” in 2011. Also in 2011 “I Do” by Colbie Caillat with the lyrics…No, I wouldn’t live without it. I won’t let us go. Just look at what we got ourselves into. You make me wanna say I do. Another song released by Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz “Lucky” in 2011. And “I Got A Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas in 2009, will get things rocking and rolling for your recessional song, and get everybody in the parting mood. “Good Life” by OneRepublic was released in 2009 with…I say, oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight, like this city is on fire tonight. This could be a really good life. Jason Mraz again in 2008 with “I’m Yours”, and a mid-tempo song by Michael Buble “Everything” in 2007, with lyrics…and in this crazy life and through these crazy times, it’s you, it’s you, you make me sing. You’re every line. You’re every word. You’re everything.

The Verve released “Bittersweet Symphony” in 1997, and Hall & Oates released “You Make My Dreams Come True” in 1980. We can’t forget the very popular “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong in 1967. The Turtles released “Happy Together” in 1967 with the lyrics…I can’t see me lovin nobody but you. For all my life. When you’re with me baby, the skies’ll be blue. For all my life. The last song on the Pop recessional songs is “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra in 1964.

Next up we have Country recessional songs starting off with a mashup of “Anyone and Still The One” by Charlotte Ave in 2021. And we have “10,000 HOurs (Piano Remix)” by Dan and Shay and Justin Bieber in 2019. It’s a little bit of a slower temple than the original, but it has perfect lyrics with…I’d spend 10,000 hours and 10,000 more.
Oh, if that’s what it takes to learn that sweetheart of yours. And I might never get there, but I’m gonna try. If it’s 10,000 hours or the rest of my life. Theme appropriate is “Walk With Me” by Delta Rae in 2019, with the lyrics…If you walk with me, take my hand. I’ll stand by you. Hand in hand, I’ll walk with you. In 2019, Jason Maxwell released “Fall Girl (Acoustic Version) with the lyrics…I will stand by your side, keep you safe every night. I’ll be your rock. Be the strong hand that’s holding you. A personal favorite of mine is “Made For You” by Jake Owen in 2019 with the lyrics… Oh like a ship without a sea or a song without a melody. I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d do cuz I was made for you. “Parachute (Acoustic Version) by Lexanna in 2019 is a great choice.

Jimmy Allen’s “Best Shot” in 2018, and Scotty McCreery with “This Is It”, also in 2018, with the lyrics…looking out can’t you see forever. Take my hand and just take it in. This is a moment we won’t forget. In 2017, we have “Yours (The Wedding Edition)” by Russell Dickerson, with the lyrics…The best me has his arms around you. You make me better than I was before. Thank God I’m yours. In 2017 “Millionaire” by Chris Stapleton with lyrics…down deep as a diamond mine, she’s my treasure so very rare. She’s made me a millionaire. In 2016, Florida Georgia Line released “Grow Old” with the lyrics…So let my shoulder hold your tears. Walk beside me through the years. Baby, let’s see where this love could lead. In 2011, Blake Shelton released “God Gave Me You”, and in 2010 Sugarland released “Stuck Like Glue” if you’re looking for a more up-tempo song. In 2002, Shania Twain released “Forever and For Always” with the lyrics…cuz I’m keepin’ you forever and for always. We will be together all of our days. Wanna wake up every mornin’ to your sweet face. Always. And the last Country song we have, released in 1999 by the Chicks is “Cowboy Take Me Away” with lyrics…I said, cowboy, take me away. Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue. Set me free, oh I pray. Closer to heaven above, and closer to you.

Next up we have Indie recessional songs with the first song being a cover of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World”. This is by Sawyer Fredericks with the same lyrics. It’s a great cover that you could have as your recessional song. In 2021, Dave Barnes released “My Love Will Follow You” with the lyrics…from this day on. My life long, Whatever we go through. My love will follow you. In 2020 Us The Duo released “No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version)” with the lyrics…I’ll take care of you and love you just because. You and I are better than forever. Nothing can stop us.

Another favorite of mine, released in 2020, is “Evermore” by Hollow Coves with the lyrics…that day I came to find that you are all I was hoping for. It’s you I’ll call my evermore. In 2019 John Danforth released “To Whatever Comes After” and also Sheffield’s song “Forever From Now”. I love this song, with the lyrics…of all of the flowers that will bloom come May. You’re the prettiest I’ve found. I will love you forever from now, and I will hold you like no one’s around. Michael Shynes released “Next To You” in 2019, with the lyrics…I’ll be buried next to you. The world will keep on turning too, but if I am next to you, I don’t care. The Light the Heat released “Rest Of Our Lives” in 2019 with the lyrics…Dance with me beneath the stars, Moonlight crashing on our wild hearts with your hand in mine. Very theme appropriate is Juliet Roberts’s song “Finally Mine” from 2018 with the lyrics…I’ve been searching and looking and wishing and dreaming, for so long. And through the night, all I think about is you. And all through the day, finally. Finally mine.

“For A Lifetime” by Ryann Darling featuring Corey Ard in 2018, and a very popular Ruelle song “I Get To Love You” in 2016 with the lyrics…I get to love you. It’s the best thing that I’ll ever do. I get to love you. It’s a promise I’m making to you. The Lumineers released “Ho Hey” in 2012, and in 2010 James Vincent McMorrow released “Higher Love”, which is an Indie cover of the very popular Steve Wynwood song. In 2009 Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros released “Home”. Michelle Featherstone released “We Are Man And Wife” in 2006 with the lyrics…There is no doubt that you are the only one for me, cuz you are the love of my life. In 2005 “First Day Of My Life” by Bright Eyes, with the lyrics…This is the first day of my life. I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you, but now I don’t care. I could go anywhere with you and I’d probably be happy. In 1987, The Cure released “Just Like Heaven”. The final Indie song I have is from 1975 by James Taylor, “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You”. That concludes our Indie songs.

Next up I just have a mish-mash of other genres starting off with “Hand In Hand” by David Arkenstone in 2018, which is a Celtic song A Hip-Hop song, “Now That We Found Love” by  Heavy D. & the Boyz in 1991 is a great recessional song. And in 1991, Israel Kamakawiwo’oles’ song “Over The Rainbow” is the last song that we have on the list with the lyrics…Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where trouble melts like lemon drops.

So there you have it. My 100 recessional songs to play at your wedding ceremony. If you prefer to read the list, or listen to the list you can do so on our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. A link is right on the homepage. Make sure you sign up for our newsletter. That’s in the main menu. Just go to subscribe. This is gonna give you a monthly newsletter of all of the new songs released in the prior month and also other great wedding song suggestions. That concludes our first podcast of April. In two weeks, I’m gonna be dropping a new episode of garter toss songs to play. Thanks for listening and have a great day.

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