There's nothing like the love between a father and daughter. This bond is why the father-daughter dance is a time-honored tradition of great significance.
Whether it's a tearful slow dance at her wedding or a lively soul song for your get togethers, our list of the best father-daughter dance songs will guide you to the dancefloor.
Contents
1. “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
Song year: 2003
Luther Vandross' “Dance with My Father” is a loving tribute to a father sung from the child's perspective. This tearful expression of love is great for daughters that want to honor their fathers with their dance.
2. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Song year: 1988
Fans of the '80s or upbeat dances will appreciate the light rock touch of Rod Stewart's classic single “Forever Young.” Stewart's ode to his children's youth is a beautiful expression of unconditional love and the transcendent feeling of youth.
3. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Michael Buble
Song year: 2003
Dad won't be able to fight back the tears while dancing to Michael Buble's “The Way You Look Tonight.” The song addresses aging and fond memories while also tying in how beautiful the bride will look on her wedding day.
4. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
Song year: 1996
Bob Carlisle wrote “Butterfly Kisses” for his 16-year-old daughter when he realized she'd soon be leaving home. The ballad is full of the love of parenthood, with the third verse is specifically about giving a daughter away at her wedding.
5. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Song year: 2002
Dads that love classic singer-songwriters will love Paul Simon's “Father and Daughter.” The song is a tear-jerking love letter to a daughter sung over a solid beat and sinewy guitar riff with heartfelt lyrics that give fatherly advice.
6. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Song year: 1967
The classic “What a Wonderful World” is iconic jazz musician Louis Armstrong's signature song. The mellow pace and breezy lyrics are tailor-made to dance along with, and the final verse about watching someone grow up encapsulates the father-daughter relationship.
7. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Song year: 1972
The soulful, easy-listening sound of Stevie Wonder's keyboard is the perfect complement to the loving affirmations of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” The song is upbeat while still warranting a slow dance and cheerfully underlines the father-daughter bond.
8. “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III
Song year: 2007
Loudon Wainwright III's wordplay is on full display in his love song for the film Knocked Up, “Daughter.” While there are plenty of country ballads for father-daughter dances, this track's retro Americana feels at home in a backyard or ballroom.
9. “My Girl” by The Temptations
Song year: 1964
Motown and R&B fans will love dancing to the midtempo classic, “My Girl.” This song is sweet and simple as childhood poetry, and it captures the innocence of love in a way that fathers and daughters understand.
10. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
Song year: 2006
The county music ballad “I Loved Her First” is the band Heartland's moving tribute to a father's love. The lyrical content is framed by a father's point of view at his daughter's wedding, making this modern track increasingly popular at country-inclined weddings.
11. “Little Girl’s Eyes” by Lenny Kravitz
Song year: 1998
Lenny Kravitz's Afro-futuristic deep-groove ballad “Little Girl's Eyes” is a soulful wedding slow jam. The song is slightly off the beaten path but is a beautiful set of lyrics performed with a tangible sincerity by Kravitz.
12. “When My Little Girl is Smiling” by The Drifters
Song year: 1962
For all the fathers that spoiled their daughters because they couldn't tell them no, there's The Drifters' jaunty '60s pop number, “When My Little Girl Is Smiling.” The song is energetic and playful and a great alternative to a tearjerker.
13. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
Song year: 1994
Tom Petty's acoustic ballad “Wildflowers” is a loving tribute to free spirits. The song uses beautifully simple imagery that will speak to all the emotional fathers letting their daughters go on their wedding day.
14. “Father’s Eyes” by Amy Grant
Song year: 1979
Amy Grant's mellow '70s ballad “Father's Eyes” is a classic option for a father-daughter dance. Grant sings of her father's love and hopes to see the world as he does while pointing out how he shaped her life.
15. “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel
Song year: 1993
Billy Joel wrote his piano ballad “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” for his daughter Alexa Ray Joel. It's a beautiful piece of music that will satisfy formal weddings and pop fans at once while also putting a father's love into words.
16. “In My Life” by The Beatles
Song year: 1965
Considered one of the greatest songs of all time, The Beatles' “In My Life” is a beautiful ballad for the people that mean the most in our lives. The track's transcendence from a love song into deeper emotional meaning is perfect for father-daughter dances.
17. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Song year: 2006
Tim McGraw's ballad to his daughter, “My Little Girl,” is a sweet country tune that captures the loving experience of fatherhood. The song follows McGraw from the birth of his daughter to being asked for her hand in marriage.
18. “Oh My Papa” by Eddie Fisher
Song year: 1954
Pop crooner Eddie Fisher's “Oh! My Papa” is a loving tribute to a father sung over a slow beat, plodding standup bass, and '50s orchestration. The song is full of mid-century charm and is especially fitting for traditional weddings.
19. “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
Song year: 1998
Bruce Springsteen's “When You Need Me” is an outtake from his album Tunnel of Love. Though not released at the time, its sweet tale of unconditional love has become a favorite of weddings since its official release in the '90s.
20. “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney
Song year: 2003
Kenny Chesney's “There Goes My Life” cleverly tells the story of a young pregnancy that forever alters the singer's life. In each verse, we find the singer at a different stage of fatherhood, thankful for the journey that he's on.
21. “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher
Song year: 1965
Though Sonny & Cher were married in real life, their '60s anthem to young love, “I Got You Babe,” can still be a fun father-daughter dance for retro-themed weddings. It's a swinging homage to youth and the power of love.
22. “(They Long to Be) Close to You” by The Carpenters
Song year: 1970
The Carpenters' hit single “(They Long to Be) Close to You” put the band on the map at the beginning of the '70s. The song's gentle melody and beautiful lyrics use images from nature to underscore love and affection.
23. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Song year: 1976
Stevie Wonder wrote “Isn't She Lovely?” to celebrate the birth of his daughter. The celebration of life and parenthood will be immediately relatable to every father. Couple its sentiment with its soulful strut, and the track works for any father-daughter dance.
24. “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2008
While initially written for her mother, Taylor Swift's “The Best Day” has become a wedding favorite for its perspective of a daughter feeling safe and protected from parental figures. This track is for all the Swifties on their wedding day.
25. “Attics Of My Life” by Grateful Dead
Song year: 1970
If your dad is a Deadhead, they'll appreciate bringing a slice of psychedelia to the proceedings. The Grateful Dead's “Attics of My Life” is a beautiful meditation on love and the importance of relationships in life. It's one far-out slow dance.
26. “Always, In All Ways” by Kenny Loggins
Song year: 2000
Kenny Loggins' acoustic ballad “Always, In All Ways” is a softly sung story of watching a child grow up while promising to always look after them. The emotional weight of this promise rings especially true on a wedding day.
27. “Daughters” by John Mayer
Song year: 2004
John Mayer's Grammy Award-winning single “Daughters” is about parental influence on women as they grow up. It's a truth Mayer sings over jazzy acoustic guitar chords, making its universal themes of love and nurture easy enough for dancing.
28. “Daddy” by Beyonce
Song year: 2003
For brides that want to honor their father's role in their lives with their father-daughter dance, there are few songs as explicit as Beyonce's “Daddy.” The queen of modern R&B pours over the tremendous influence of her father on this 2000's ballad.
29. “Gracie” by Ben Folds
Song year: 2005
Singer-songwriter Ben Folds' ballad “Gracie” is a loving tribute to raising his daughter. The faster pace of the track and the aesthetic of Folds as a lyricist make this a unique song choice well suited for hipster father-daughter dances.
30. “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant
Song year: 1998
Natalie Merchant's single “Kind & Generous” is a '90s anthem full of la-la-la's and gratitude. While the lyrics aren't explicitly about a familial relationship, the sentiment of thankfulness will be a familiar one to all fathers and daughters.
31. “Your Song” by Elton John
Song year: 1970
The piano ballad “Your Song” is performed by Elton John and written by lyricist Bernie Taupin as a gift to the listener. The song's lyrics highlight how much better life can be when a loved one is there to share it.
32. “Just Fishin’” by Trace Adkins
Song year: 2011
Trace Adkins' sentimental “Just Fishin'” is a story of how father-daughter time, even just a fishing trip, can mean so much more than what it encompasses. The song is a metaphor for the importance of simple times in a relationship.
33. “You’ll Always Be My Baby” by Alan Jackson
Song year: 2021
“You'll Always Be My Baby” is Alan Jackson's attempt to write specifically for weddings. With Jackson's salt of the earth lyricism taking a turn for the sentimental, this song will get any father in a cowboy hat and boots tearing up.
34. “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” by Darius Rucker
Song year: 2008
Darius Rucker warns parents to cherish every moment in their child's life in his country tearjerker “It Won't Be Like This for Long.” The song's sentimental references to parenthood mention the wedding day itself, making it perfect for a father-daughter dance.
35. “Daddy’s Little Girl” by The Shires
Song year: 2016
Written from a daughter's perspective, The Shires' “Daddy's Little Girl” is a loving tribute to a little girl's love for her father. The country shuffle of the track is tailor-made for a sentimental dance before a bourbon toast.
36. “My Darling” by Wilco
Song year: 1999
Eclectic pop-rock group Wilco channeled the essence of Pet Sounds on their loving song to children, “My Darling.” With its lullaby vocal melody melting into a swirl of unique instrumentation, this song sounds like a slow shuffle into a beautiful dream.
37. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Song year: 2009
Miley Cyrus teamed up with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, for “Butterfly Fly Away.” The song's acoustic guitar and orchestration sweetly illustrate the story of a woman growing into herself and, like a butterfly, eventually leaving home.
38. “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth
Song year: 2015
Charlie Puth's “One Call Away” is a modern take on the classic piano ballad, with a light rap-inspired beat giving a modern feeling to this story of unconditional support. The song manages to sound classic and contemporary at once.
39. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
Song year: 1977
Billy Joel's first top-ten hit, “Just the Way You Are,” is a soft rock ballad about unconditional love. Over the mellow tones of an electric piano and a jazzy saxophone, this song is an appeal to always stay true to yourself.
40. “It’s For My Dad” by Nancy Sinatra
Song year: 1977
Nancy Sinatra makes sure we all know how great Frank Sinatra is in her song “It's For My Dad.” The lyrics are emphatic as they extol the virtues of a strong father figure and are perfect for father-daughter dances.
41. “Two Steps Behind” by Def Leppard
Song year: 1993
Def Leppard's '90s power ballad “Two Steps Behind” is a dance-worthy tale of devotion. The song is well suited for fathers and daughters that like to rock out together and will pour a little sugar on any wedding.
42. “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison
Song year: 1971
Van Morrison's “Tupelo Honey” is a classic '70s slow jam that will make any dance as sweet as Morrison's metaphorical honey. The upbeat spirit of the song will satisfy classic rock lovers while the lyrics remain sentimental enough for weddings.
43. “She’s Leaving Home” by The Beatles
Song year: 1967
While initially written about a teenage runaway, The Beatles' “She's Leaving Home” has become more of a ballad over the years. The song's gentle vocal harmonies, orchestration, and waltz beat make it a fond farewell for fathers to their daughters.
44. “Ballerina Girl” by Lionel Richie
Song year: 1985
Lionel Richie's “Ballerina Girl” will feel like an autobiography for fathers that remember going to their daughter's dance recitals. This '80s R&B ballad expresses the joy of parenthood and how parents hold on to their children's youth forever.
45. “Glory” by Jay-Z ft. Blue Ivy
Song year: 2012
Jay-Z's “Glory,” a tribute to his first daughter with Beyonce, is a beautiful celebration of fatherhood with enough swagger to satisfy hip-hop heads but enough sentimentality to make it appropriate for a father-daughter wedding dance.
46. “Like My Father” by Jax
Song year: 2021
Jax sings about the example of her parent's love in her song “Like My Father.” The song is sentimental in its plainspoken assessments of love, letting your parents know how much their love for each other meant to you.
47. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Song year: 1972
“Lean on Me” is a classic soul song that's become an enduring anthem of friendship. Bill Withers' smooth voice breaks during the iconic chorus, giving his sentimental song of hope a visceral and authentic performance.
48. “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones
Song year: 1967
Before The Rolling Stones hit their stride with a string of classic bluesy rock albums, they experimented with the '60s psychedelic sound. Their Beatles-esque ode to the magic of feminity, “She's Like a Rainbow,” is well suited for hippie-loving families.
49. “Forever” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1970
The Beach Boys' sunny vocal harmonies add a bright texture to the ethereal sound of their song “Forever.” The track's angelic quality mirrors its lyrics of eternal love, making it the perfect match for a father and daughter.
50. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe co*cker
Song year: 1974
“You Are So Beautiful” has become part of the American music canon, with dozens of covers spanning generations and genres. However, no version of the song is as emotionally resonant as English singer Joe co*cker's soulful rendition.
51. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
Song year: 1960
Ben E. King's “Stand by Me” is a part of the canon of American pop music. This soul track's bouncing bass and triangle hit are synonymous with affection, and the lyrics' themes of protection will resonate with all fathers.
52. “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
Song year: 2006
Amos Lee's brand of retro-inflected soul crooning shines against a jaunty acoustic backing on the song “Sweet Pea.” This uptempo number is more spirited than many father-daughter dances — making it a perfect choice for a playfully light moment.
53. “Thank You” by Dido
Song year: 2000
Dido's soft rock hit “Thank You” is a turn-of-the-century, new age-inspired soft rock classic. The song's anthemic blast of gratitude represents the positive effect a father has had on his daughter's life well, while the gentle beat is rhythmic yet calming.
54. “There She Goes” by The La’s
Song year: 1988
The La's Britpop single “There She Goes” is a simple ode to a beautiful girl. The song is midtempo and alternative leaning, making it a good choice for hip dads or brides that want a less overtly sentimental dance song.
55. “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins
Song year: 1999
Phil Collins wrote “You'll Be in My Heart,” his ballad of the unbreakable bonds of love, for the animated movie Tarzan. Whether you're an old-school Disney fan or not, the song's loving proclamations and promises are universal.
56. “I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders
Song year: 1994
The Pretender's rock ballad “I'll Stand by You” is a distillation of the way family unconditionally looks after one another. The song is soft but carries big rock hooks, packing an emotional punch fitting for a father-daughter dance.
57. “Even Though I’m Leaving” by Luke Combs
Song year: 2019
Luke Combs wrote “Even Though I'm Leaving” about his relationship with his father. The country singer's powerful voice gives life to a set of lyrics that cleverly highlight the lifetime bonds and commitment shared by a family.
58. “There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill
Song year: 2001
Faith Hill's soaring country ballad “There You'll Be” was first featured in the movie Pearl Harbor. The song is suited for a blockbuster film, its sweeping tale of devotion is epic and only equaled by the unconditional love of a father.
59. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Song year: 2000
Lee Ann Womack's hit single “I Hope You Dance” has become canon in the genre of wedding dance songs. The country ballad's wistful lyrics about enjoying life and dancing freely through life are tailor-made for a father-daughter dance.
60. “You Got It” by Roy Orbison
Song year: 1989
Roy Orbison's “You Got It” was written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, and it delivers the classic pop-rock punch for which the songwriters are known. Orbison's vibrato floats over doo-wop-inspired background singers for a love song that begs you to dance.
61. “Wild World” by Cat Stevens
Song year: 1970
Singer-songwriter Cat Stevens took his near-death experience and turned it into a song full of worldly wisdom with his track “Wild World.” The advice in this acoustic ballad mirrors what fathers will tell their daughters as they grow up.
62. “The Wonder of You” by Elvis Presley
Song year: 1970
Elvis Presley's late-era classic “The Wonder of You” is about the strength we get from our most cherished relationships. Whether you're a fan of The King or just love '70s balladry, this song takes care of business.
63. “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash
Song year: 1989
Ironically, The Man in Black has one of the most iconic covers of the classic pop song, “You Are My Sunshine.” Johnny Cash's weathered voice juxtaposes the lyrics brilliantly, so using this for a father-daughter dance will have a unique quality.
64. “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks
Song year: 1998
The Chicks' “Wide Open Spaces” is about a young woman getting ready to leave the nest and strike out alone. This bluegrass-inspired country song hits all the right notes for a father-daughter dance, especially for younger daughters.
65. “Ain’t That Love” by Ray Charles
Song year: 1957
Ray Charles' gospel-tinged R&B proclamation of love, “Ain't That Love,” is a classic wedding song. While not explicitly about family, Charles' guarantee to always be by his baby's side is what family is all about.
66. “Sea of Love” by Cat Power
Song year: 2000
Cat Power's cover of “Sea of Love” is a gentle autoharp rendition of a classic song of devotion. Featured in the movie Juno, the track is an ethereal indie-pop blend fitting for quirkier brides or fathers.
67. “Forever Young” by Alphaville
Song year: 1984
Alphaville's Cold War-era new wave classic, “Forever Young,” was initially written about nuclear war. As time has passed, this '80s ballad stands as a beautiful testament to youth and the journey of growing up, captured by the achingly simple appeal of the chorus.
68. “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin
Song year: 1969
If you've bonded with your dad over a love of classic rock, then dancing to Led Zeppelin's “Thank You” is a no-brainer. This organ-heavy ballad is slow enough to dance but still rocks with its loving assurances.
69. “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton
Song year: 2011
Blake Shelton's powerful country ballad “God Gave Me You” will turn up the volume on your slow dance. The song's electric guitars roar, but its tempo is slow enough for anyone to sway along to the music.
70. “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke
Song year: 1962
Classic soul fans will appreciate a father-daughter dance to Sam Cooke's “Nothing Can Change This Love.” The spritely piano dots this heavily orchestrated song of love and devotion for a sweetly dreamy R&B dance song.
71. “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn
Song year: 2008
Priscilla Ahn's sweetly sung ode to life, “Dream,” is a tearful folk ballad. With verses that start with youth and end with old age, it's a song that both a father and daughter can understand.
72. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John
Song year: 1994
Watching classic Disney movies with your parents is a right of passage. Elton John's “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” will be a tearful dance for daughters that want to rekindle these memories.
73. “Child of Mine” by Carole King
Song year: 1970
Carole King's “Child of Mine” is a loving ballad sung to a child in appreciation for the new perspective youth can lend adults. Fathers will relate to King's salient appraisal of the enrichment of parenthood.
74. “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers
Song year: 1970
Songwriter extraordinaire Carole King's lullaby-ballad hybrid “Child of Mine” is a sweet assessment of parenthood and the hope we have for our children. The song's sentiments will resonate with all fathers, making for a tearful dance.
75. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Song year: 1975
Stevie Nicks sings about changes in life and the difficulty of coming of age in the Fleetwood Mac classic, “Landslide.” This ballad works from both a father's and daughter's perspective, making it a great dance selection.
76. “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams
Song year: 1991
Bryan Adams' heartfelt pop-rock ballad “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” is a fitting encapsulation of the experience of parenthood. From the love to the sacrifices involved, all fathers will relate to this song.
77. “Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne
Song year: 1982
The nervy energy of Jackson Browne's “Somebody's Baby” will give a jolt to the traditionally softer sounds of father-daughter dances. And the romantic lyrics work well from a father's perspective of giving away his daughter.
78. “Do You Believe in Magic” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Song year: 1965
The Lovin' Spoonful's '60s pop classic “Do You Believe in Magic” captures the sweet innocence that every father sees in his little girl. The groovy song is a fun choice for retro-minded brides or hippie dads.
79. “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones
Song year: 1971
“Wild Horses” began as Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards writing a lullaby to his child. Though the song has a slight rock bravado, its lyrics are some of the most beautiful the Stones ever recorded.
80. “Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA
Song year: 1981
Abba's “Slipping Through My Fingers” is about letting go of a daughter as she grows up. The song's narrative stops short of adulthood, but using it in the context of a wedding puts a final beautiful button on the story.
81. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Sheryl Crow
Song year: 1998
By removing some of the song's rougher edges, Sheryl Crow's cover of “Sweet Child o' Mine” is a spirited song dedicated to parental love. The cover’s tempo is still quick, so dancing to this will infuse energy into any proceeding.
82. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Song year: 1967
The classic duet between Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrel, “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” is the gold standard in soul music. The proclamations of love and devotion feel sincere and are delivered with enough groove to get anyone moving.
83. “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” by Owl City
Song year: 2017
Indie-pop group Owl City flirt with a Nashville-style guitar lick and R&B rhythms on their ode to fathers, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.” The song honors fatherhood with a youthful innocence that fits nicely with the father-daughter dance.
84. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Song year: 1998
Aerosmith's epic ballad “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” swings for the emotional fences. The song is in Armageddon, a movie about saving the earth from an asteroid, so you know its sentiments are sweeping.
85. “Forever Young” Bob Dylan w/ The Band
Song year: 1974
Bob Dylan penned his classic “Forever Young” for his newborn son. It's a thoughtful meditation on youth and life lessons from one of the greatest songwriters ever. And its soaring chorus won't leave a dry eye in the house.
86. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Song year: 1996
Canadian songstress Celine Dion's ballad “Because You Loved Me” is a beautiful song of gratitude. By placing its lyrics in the context of fatherhood, dancing with your dad to this song will be an emotional thank you.
87. “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus & Miley Cyrus
Song year: 2007
Billy Ray Cyrus wrote “Ready, Set, Don't Go” about his daughter Miley Cyrus. The country ballad is a moving declaration of a father's love and hesitance to let his daughter go off and learn life alone.
88. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Song year: 1983
The Police's classic '80s single “Every Breath You Take” is about a stalker, though the song's interpretation is generally that of love. From the perspective of a father looking after his daughter, this new wave classic says it all.
89. “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
Song year: 1989
“Right Here Waiting” is Richard Marx's chart-topping ballad of long-distance love. For a father-daughter dance, the song takes on the perspective of a father that will always love his daughter.
90. “The Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera
Song year: 1986
Peter Cetera's ballad from Karate Kid, Part II, “Glory of Love,” is part of the pantheon of '80s ballads. This song would be best for dances with live bands, as there is one romantic lyric worth changing for context.
91. “Fathers & Daughters” by Michael Bolton
Song year: 2015
Michael Bolton's song “Fathers & Daughters” is a tear-jerking piano ballad that captures the special bond between little girls and their dads. There are few songs more on the nose for a father-daughter dance than this.
92. “My Sarah” by Thin Lizzy
Song year: 1979
Thin Lizzy is known for their duel guitar attack, but their ballad “My Sarah” shows the band's softer side. Written for singer Phil Lynott's daughter, the track sounds like an alternate dimension's “Raspberry Beret” and makes for a unique father-daughter dance.
93. “She’s In Love With the Boy” by Trisha Yearwood
Song year: 1991
Trisha Yearwood's “She's in Love with the Boy” is a country song about a young woman falling for a boy her father doesn't like. A funny choice for a wedding, this is for ironic father-daughter dances.
94. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
Song year: 1972
While the opaque lyrics of Elton John's “Tiny Dancer” don't make it an obvious choice, the song is full of sentimentality. Sometimes a feeling is even better than a lyric, as John's classic ballad proves.
95. “You’re a Big Girl Now” by The Stylistics
Song year: 1971
A forgotten soul gem, The Stylistics' “You're a Big Girl Now” is written from a father's perspective to a daughter that's all grown up. This song is a fine sentiment for a father as he gives his daughter away.
96. “Your Daddy Loves You (For Gia Louise)” by Gil Scott-Heron
Song year: 1980
Gil Scott-Heron's moving tribute to his daughter, “Your Daddy Loves You,” is one of the most soulful tracks on our list. This track is a unique choice for a father-daughter dance and great for those that want to avoid cliches.
97. “Where You Lead” by Carole King
Song year: 1971
Carole King's classic song of loving devotion, “Where You Lead,” is tailor-made to describe the relationship between a parent and child. The piano-driven track has a bit of pep, making it perfect for dancers looking for energy.
98. “Blackbird” by The Beatles
Song year: 1968
The finger-picked acoustic guitar of The Beatles' “Blackbird” is an enchantingly mellow sound that mirrors the lyrics of a bird encouraged to spread its wings and fly. The song is a classic choice for a dance that fits any occasion.
99. “I Lived” by OneRepublic
Song year: 2014
OneRepublic's “I Lived” is a laundry list of hopes dedicated to the singer's son. The song's theme of a child learning to seize the day is bolstered by acoustic verses giving way to a soaring chorus.
100. “Misty” by Ella Fitzgerald
Song year: 1959
Jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald's “Misty” is a classy choice for more traditional father-daughter dances. Instead of a pop ballad or country waltz, Fitzgerald's jazz stylings will punctuate a beautiful moment between a father and daughter.
101. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding
Song year: 1965
The love a father has for his daughter has no rival. This makes Otis Redding's “That's How Strong My Love Is” a perfect choice for father-daughter dances with its strong proclamations of love.
102. “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
Song year: 1997
Will Smith's moving tribute to his son, “Just the Two of Us,” is a moving rap ballad. For hip hop or R&B fans, this '90s classic will inject a fresh sound into the father-daughter dance tradition.
103. “Let’s Dance” by M. Ward
Song year: 2003
Indie-folk artist M. Ward slows down the frantic disco pace of David Bowie's classic “Let's Dance” into a contemplative sway. The chilling effect of hearing this dance song played so sincerely turns its energy into a magical moment.
Top Father Daughter Dance Songs, Final Thoughts
Music allows us to say things that are beyond our capacity to express. When choosing the right father-daughter dance song, you want to eschew romantic love for lyrics that speak to the tender love you have for each other.
There are a lot of love songs in the world. We hope our list of the best father-daughter dance songs helped you find the perfect song for that special moment.
