A touching tribute and a great expression of love: that’s what the daddy daughter dance signifies. If you’d like to honor your stepfather on your wedding day, here’s a list of the best stepfather daughter dance songs – classics, groovy, country and rock, we have it all!
What is the Best Stepfather Daughter Dance Song?
Although there are a ton of great songs to choose from for the father daughter dance, sifting through them may seem overwhelming. Here’s the best, foolproof choice for a daddy daughter dance.
Father and Daughter by Paul Simon
As the name suggests, there is no other song that best fits the dance as this one. Father and Daughter by Paul Simon is a sweet expression of a father’s love for his daughter.
The lyric: “There could never be a father / Love his daughter more than I love you” just about sums it all up.
What are the Most Popular Pop Songs for Stepfather-Daughter Dance?
If you’re looking to get your groove on for the stepfather-daughter dance, then pop songs are definitely the way to go. Here’s a list of the six most popular pop songs best suited for daddy daughter dances:
Sweet Pea by Amos Lee
Absolutely timeless in its essence, Sweet Pea by Amos Lee captures the heartwarming love of family and the sentiments of having the house full. It’s catchy, it’s sweet and it’s soulful.
It’s best lyrics: “Sweet pea, apple of my eye / Don’t know when and I don’t know why / You’re the only reason I keep on coming home”
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
They say that a father is a daughter’s first hero and nothing encapsulates the emotion better than the song Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler.
The sweetest lyrics: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero? / You’re everything I wish I could be / I could fly higher than an eagle / For you are the wind beneath my wings.“
Hero by Mariah Carey
Stepfather’s can have a lot of impact on a child’s life and if yours came at the right time to pick up the pieces, the song Hero by Mariah Carey is the perfect tribute.
Its most soulful lyrics: “And then a hero comes along / With the strength to carry on / And you cast your fears aside / And you know you can survive.“
I Wish You Love by Michael Buble
There’s no song more perfect for stepfathers to dedicate to their daughter on the first dance than I Wish You Love by Michael Buble.
The most beautiful lyrics: “I wish you health / And more than wealth / I wish you love.”
Kind and Generous by Natalie Merchant
If you’re looking to celebrate how grown up you are, to thank your stepfather for all he has done… choose Kind and Generous by Natalie Merchant for your first dance.
The perfect lyrics: “Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave / The love, the tenderness, I want to thank you.“
Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
To honor the love and the beautiful impact your stepfather has had on you, pick the song Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion.
It’s kind lyrics: “You were my strength when I was weak / You were my voice when I couldn’t speak / You were my eyes when I couldn’t see / You saw the best there was in me.“
What are the Grooviest Rock Songs for Stepfather-Daughter Dance?
If you’d like something cooler than a traditional pop song, then the rock genre might just be perfect. Here’s a list of the greatest rock hits perfect for daddy daughter dance:
Walk With You by Edwin McCain
With a catchy tune and sentimental lyrics on walking your daughter down the aisle, the song Walk With You by Edwin McCain is sure to move everyone to tears.
The softest lyrics: “I’ll take this slow sweet walk with you / You’ll let go of my hand to say I do / And he will discover just how blessed a life can be / I know ‘cause all those years ago someone handed you to me.“
Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart
Fathers are notorious for their tough exterior but if there’s anyone familiar with their soft side, it’s their daughter. Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart tells the tale of the heart perfectly.
The sweetest lyrics: “Have I told you lately that I love you / Have I told you there’s no one else above you.“
My Darling by Wilco
The perfect picture of a parent’s unconditional love of their child, My Darling by Wilco is the song of the century for daddy daughter dances.
The beautiful lyrics: “Grow up now / Please, don’t you grow up too fast / And be sure / To make all the good times last.“
Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns and Roses
If you need a fun song to lighten up the mood and enjoy the special day to the fullest, the rocking song Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns and Roses is perfect.
The groovy lyrics: “She’s got eyes of the bluest skies / As if they thought of rain / I’d hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain.”
Daughters by John Mayer
The sweetest song of its time, Daughters by John Mayer best fits the daddy daughter dance song because it hits all the right notes and celebrates your sweet girl.
The gorgeous lyrics: “On behalf of every man / Looking out for every girl / You are the guide and the weight of her world / So fathers be good to your daughters / Daughters will love like you do.”
Here for You by Neil Young
A tribute to a father’s undying love for their child, the song Here For You by Neil Young is a promise to your daughter that you’ll always be there for her.
The perfect lyrics: “Listen to the sound / Of this old heart beating for you / Yes I’d miss you / But I never want to hold you down / You might say I’m here for you.”
Is Country a Good Genre for Stepfather-Daughter Dance Songs?
If country songs are your favorite, you’re in luck. Here’s a list of the perfect country songs for daddy daughter dances:
My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
Arguably one of the most popular songs for father daughter dance, My Little Girl by Tim McGraw is a celebration of the woman your daughter has become.
The marvelous lyrics: “Chase your dreams but always know / The road that will lead you home again / Go on, take on this old world but to me / You know you’ll always be my little girl.“
Through the Years by Kenny Rogers
Marveling over the sweet life time spent with the child, the song Through the Years by Kenny Rogers is a reminder of all the good moments and memories.
The perfect lyrics: “The sweetest days I’ve found, I’ve found with you / Through the years, I’ve never been afraid / I’ve loved the life we’ve made / And I’m so glad I stayed right here with you.“
I’ll Be There by Josh Turner
A promise to the daughter, the song I’ll be There by Josh Turner is sure to touch your child’s heart.
The heartwarming lyrics: “When you break your heart or skin your knee / Need a big ol’ hug / Or a bowl of ice cream / I promise you can count on me.“
You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash
A classic tribute to childhood, the song You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash is the perfect marker of a father’s love for his baby.
The cutest lyrics: “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine / You make me happy when skies are grey / You’ll never know dear, how much I love you.”
I Loved Her First by Heartland
A memorable stealer of hearts, the song I Loved Her First by Heartland is sure to become the song of every wedding. It acknowledges the father’s feelings while giving the daughter away.
The emotional lyrics: “When she first smiled at me / I knew the love of a father runs deep / And I prayed that she’d find you someday / But it’s still hard to give her away / I loved her first.”
Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks
A narration of the groom asking for a father’s blessing, Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks is a melodious art of a daughter growing up to find her Prince Charming and leaving behind her family.
The imaginative lyrics: “In her eyes, I’m Prince Charming / But to him I’m just some fella / Riding in and stealing Cinderella.”
What are the Classic R&B Songs for stepfatherDaughter Dance?
For the lovers of the blues, here’s a list of the classic R&B and soul songs for stepfather-daughter dance:
Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
A classic beat, the perfect tempo and the sweetest melody, Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder hits all the right notes.
The sweetest lyrics: “Isn’t she pretty / Truly the angel’s best / Boy, I’m so happy / We have been heaven blessed.”
I’ll Be There by Jackson 5
An iconic song written by MJ himself, the soulful song I’ll Be There by Jackson 5 is perfect to celebrate all that you’ve been through together as a family.
The heartwarming lyrics: “I’ll be there to protect you, (yeah baby) / With an unselfish love that respects you / Just call my name / And I’ll be there (I’ll be there).“
You’re a Big Girl Now by Stylistics
A sweet acknowledgement of the daughter growing up, the song You’re a Big Girl Now by Stylistics is about the father marveling at his daughter.
The reminding lyrics: “No more doll for you to play / No more dumbness in the things you say / You’re a big girl now / No more daddy’s little girl.“
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye
A true image of the depth of a father’s love, the song Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye is a defining promise to always be there through thick and thin.
The gorgeous lyrics: “Listen, baby, ain’t no mountain high / Ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough, baby / If you need me, call me, no matter where you are / No matter how far, don’t worry, baby.”
One Call Away by Charlie Puth
One for the modern gals, the sweet song One Call Away by Charlie Puth is a memorable number for a daddy daughter dance which shows a father’s life truly revolves around his daughter.
The beautiful lyrics: “No matter where you go, know you’re not alone / I’m only one call away.”
If It Wasn’t For Your Love by Heather Headley
Most songs celebrate a father’s love for his daughter but this one, If It Wasn’t For Your Love by Heather Headley, pays tribute to the father for all his kindness and support.
The melodious lyrics: “But finally I see / How it feels to live a dream / But would I have touched the sky / Ever flown so high / If it wasn’t for your love.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who picks the daddy daughter dance song?
Traditionally, the bride selects the daddy daughter dance and it’s played during the wedding reception typically between meals.
How do I honor my stepdad at my wedding?
Simply allott the duties that you would to a biological parent. Have your stepdstead walk you down the aisle, place a corsage and dance with them to a tributary song. Involving them in the wedding lets them feel honored.
Final Thoughts
Daddy daughter dances are truly the magic of all weddings and when it’s your stepfather, the honor is felt beyond all measure. Choose your favorite stepfather-daughter dance songs from above and get your groove on. It’s sure to become a lasting memory for the old man!
As a multi-passionate creative and a self-proclaimed frequent flyer of weddings, Kiara combines her love for the wedding industry and experience as a professional wedding photographer with her writing abilities to share tips, tricks, and helpful information with couples. She is the owner of Switech Studios a popular wedding photography business. With tons of insider information from behind her camera lens on how to have the best wedding possible, Kiara’s in-depth knowledge is sure to put you on the road to wedding planning success.
