Sweet Lullabies: Father - Daughter Dances

We have done a couple of posts about song choices for your wedding and we recently got a request from one of our devoted readers to compile a list of the best "Father-Daughter" dance songs. Now, as you know, it is not our style to just give you list of typical wedding dance songs that anyone could find with the simple search on the internet. Rather, we like to do our homework and find the best possible options for you that you have probably never thought of before.

So while we were searching for the best "Father-Daughter" dance songs out there, we were surprised to find that our inspiration came from a very unlikely source, a Nickelodeon produced album for children called Sleepytime Lullabies.


There is something sweet and endearing about the idea of playing a familiar, but updated version of an old lullaby for your "Father-Daughter" dance that gives us the warm fuzzies. After all, your father has been with you since you were an itty-bitty-little-thing and in his eyes, you never really grew out of that stage, so playing a sweet lullaby for your shining moment just seems fitting. Call us sappy, idealistic, or just plain nuts, but don't discount us until you give the tunes on this album a try. To listen to little snippets, click here.

Now most of the songs on this album are merely acoustical, which means you may have to do your homework to find versions with words, but to help you get started we've already compiled a list of our favorites for your listening pleasure...

1. One Magic Kiss by Brandi Carlile
One Magic Kiss is the only song on this album featuring a vocal. Brandi Carlile is definitely an up-and-coming artist. You may have heard her recent hit "The Story" played on Grey's Anatomy and even a recent GM commercial played during the Olympics. (By the way, this particular song would also make a great slide-show song). This sweet tune is a modern take on a gentle lullaby that will melt even the coldest of hearts.

2. Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
We haven't forgotten about the "Mother-Son" dance either. This song was written by James Taylor when his nephew was born, although you may be surprised that it was written for a baby at all from the lyrics. But the story told in the lyrics will make you smile as you remember how quickly time passes.

3. You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
"You're everything I hoped for, you're everything I need..." What a beautiful way to describe just how a father feels about his beloved daughter. Most people think of this song as a love song, but forget that a love song can be about many different types of relationships including that of a father and daughter.

4. Moon River by Louis Armstrong
Audrey Hepburn sang this song at the end of the famous movie Breakfast At Tiffany's just as she begins to let herself fall madly, and hopelessly in love with her perfect match. And how fitting than to dance a sort of "farewell" love song to the first man in your life as you begin your new journey as "two drifters off to see the world" just like the song says?

5. Dream A Little Dream Of Me by The Mamas & The Papas
While every father is happy to see his daughter so happy, there still comes a pang of heartbreak as he releases her to the protection and care of another man. All he can hope for is that she remembers where she came from and how much he loves her. Dream A Little Dream Of Me shares in these sentiments.