Your father watched you take your first steps… now he’s walking you down the aisle.
It’s a super special relationship, and in honor of your father-daughter bond, Wedding Pioneer carefully handpicked 40 of the best father-daughter wedding songs that are meaningful, sweet, and, most importantly, great to dance to.
We specialize in all things weddings at Wedding Pioneer, and we’ve got many other great tips for the father of the bride.
Check out 26 Incredible Father-of-the-Bride Photo Opportunities and our Style Guide for your dad on your big day!
Key Takeaways
- Contemporary tracks like “Daddy Dance with Me” by Krystal Keith and “For My Daughter” by Kane Brown symbolize the enduring connection between you and your dad.
- Whether it’s Michael Bolton’s “Daddy’s Little Girl” or Zac Brown Band’s “The Man Who Loves You The Most,” we choose songs of all ages and genres so you can find your perfect fit.
- The right music, whether the upbeat “Isn’t She Lovely” or the soulful “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride, can capture the essence of the father-daughter relationship and create an unforgettable wedding day memory.
“Isn’t She Lovely,” – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder dedicated “Isn’t She Lovely” to his daughter Aisha.
Fun fact: Stevie sings lead vocals and plays all the instruments, including some beautiful improvised harmonica.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“We have been Heaven-blessed
I can’t believe what God has done
Through us, He’s given life to one.
But isn’t she lovely, made from love?”
“Father and Daughter,” – Paul Simon
Paul Simon also describes this song as “an ode to my lovely daughter,” this beautiful track was nominated in the “Best Song” category one year at the Academy Awards for the movie The Wild Thornberrys.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you.”
“Like My Father,” – Jax
“Like My Father” is a sentimental song by Jax, and she gifted this song to her dad on Father’s Day.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“I need a man who loves me like my father loves my mom
And if he lives up to my father
Maybe he could teach our daughter
What it takes to love a queen
She should know she’s royalty.”
“Daddy,” – Abby Anderson
Country singer Abby Anderson wrote “Daddy” to describe her everlasting love for her father, and the sweet lyrics are about a woman running home to show her dad her engagement ring.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Cause daddy he loves me just like you do
He treats me like a queen just like you, just like you do
He’s my shoulder to cry on, he’s my best friend.”
“You’ll Always Be My Hero,” – Ashley Marina
Ashley Marina dedicated “You’ll Always Be My Hero” to her father, the biggest hero in her life, and the lyrics will take you through every emotion.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Someday when I get older, you’ll walk me down that aisle
There might be a ring on my finger
But I’ll still be wearing your smile
Not a soul could ever replace you
That’s the one thing I know for sure
You’ll always be my hero, forever I’ll be yours.”
“Dance With My Daughter,” – Jason Blaine
Canadian singer Jason Blaine also wrote and recorded his own special tribute to his daughter, and the soft country lyrics and melody make this a perfect father-daughter dance!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Gonna dance with my daughter
Spin her around under the lights
‘Cause I’m just a father
Making the most of this moment in time.”
“Dads and Daughters,” – MaRynn Taylor
MaRynn Taylor released this song on Father’s Day as a gift to her dad. The acoustic performance is an incredible choice for a wedding ceremony.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Dads and daughters, they go together
Like boats and water, they’re meant for each other
Through wind and the waves, they’ll sail away from the storm
And make it to shore.”
“Daddy’s Little Girl,” – Michael Bolton
In “Daddy’s Little Girl,” Michael Bolton describes his daughter as a precious gem. This is a perfect vocal serenade for your unforgettable father-daughter dance.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“You’re as bright as the sunshine, morning’s first light
You warm my day and brighten my night
You’re sugar, you’re spice, you’re everything nice
And you’re daddy’s little girl.”
“In My Life – Remastered 2009,” – The Beatles
This Beatles masterpiece was given new life in 2009, and “In My Life” is an ideal song for two generations of Beatles fans as you enjoy your father-daughter dance.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“There are places I’ll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain.”
“Daddy’s Little Girl,” – The Shires
The Shires are a country duo, and “Daddy’s Little Girl” describes a bride whose father is her role model, as he walks her down the aisle.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Used to wrap my hands around his little finger
Turns out he was wrapped around mine
He said, ‘You can be anything you want to in this great big world’
But I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl.”
“My Little Girl,” – Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw has three beautiful grown-up daughters, and we imagine his song, “My Little Girl,” playing at their weddings one day!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Sometimes you’re asleep, I whisper, I love you
In the moonlight at your door
As I walk away, I hear you say
Daddy, love you more.”
“Daughters,” – John Mayer
This John Mayer song is a bit moody, but the message behind “Daughters” is the importance of a father’s love in raising a confident woman who can find a strong, loving partner.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers be good to your daughters too.”
“Daughter,” – Loudon Wainwright III
Loudon Wainwright III displays his superior musicianship through this heartwarming song. “Daughter” captures the raw feelings a father has towards his daughter.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“That’s my daughter in the water
Every time she fell, I caught her.”
“Daddy’s Hands,” – Holly Dunn
Holly Dunn wrote this song as a tribute to her parents’ four-decade relationship. As Holly sings, she explains how her dad taught her strength in kindness.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’
Daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong
Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle but I’ve come to understand
There was always love in daddy’s hands.”
“The Man Who Loves You The Most,” – Zac Brown Band
Zac shares four daughters with his first wife, and you can hear his unconditional love for his kids in “The Man Who Loves You The Most.”
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“I hope you’ll think of me
When I go to sing my final song
Hope you celebrate and raise a toast
If you cry, they’ll understand
For the man who loved you the most.”
“I’ll Be Your Man,” – Zac Brown Band
Another heartfelt track by Zac Brown Band, “I’ll Be Your Man” talks about the joy and pain of a father preparing to let his daughter go on with her married life.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Hold you tight
I’m gonna hold you tight
Under my wing long as I can
You’re my, my, my, girl
Under my wing long as I can
I’ll be your man.”
“La Vien Rose (Feat. Cherie Lynn),” – Rick Reuther
Perhaps one of the most iconic songs about love, Rick Reuther created this beautiful rendition of “La Vien Rose” as a duet with Cherie Lynn.
As Rick and Cherie sing this duet, it really brings to mind your father-daughter bond.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Hold me close and hold me fast
The magic spell you cast
This is la vie en rose
When you kiss me heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en rose.”
“Daddy Dance with Me,” – Krystal Keith
Krystal released this track as a tribute to her successful father, Toby Keith. She wanted to honor him and even played it at her own wedding!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Daddy dance with me
I want you to see the woman I’ve become.
Daddy don’t let go
I want you to know I’ll always need your love.
Today I became his wife
But I’ll be your baby girl.”
“Never Grow Up,” – Taylor Swift
Surprisingly, Taylor Swift didn’t write this song specifically about her father. But the meaningful lyrics show a little girl, loved by her family, who grows up well to make it in a crazy world.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
And all your little brother’s favorite songs
I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone.”
“How You’ve Grown,” 10,000 Maniacs
Mary Ramsey sings about many things in “How You’ve Grown,” including love, childhood memories, and what happens when it’s time to move on. A perfect heartfelt father-daughter dance!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Every time we say goodbye
You’re frozen in my mind
As a child that you never will be again.”
“You’ll Always Be My Baby,” – Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson wrote this beautiful song for his daughter’s wedding! Check out our guide to other heartfelt Alan Jackson wedding songs.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“But you’ll always be my baby
No matter where you are
You’ll always be my baby
Forever in my heart.”
“Father Daughter Dance,” – Craig Cardiff
This song is a true embodiment of what a father feels during his daughter’s wedding day. Filled with raw emotions and endless love, this song will get everyone’s attention.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“I love you more
Than the sky has blue
More than all the white
In the clouds too.”
“For My Daughter,” – Kane Brown
If you’re looking for a sweet lullaby about father-daughter love, then this song is for you. Kane Brown released this tear-jerker two days after his daughter was born!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Someone to let you fall down and teach you how to get back up
And teach you how to be sweet like mama and how to be tough
Yeah, I’ll never be perfect, but sure as those lines are pink
Yeah, I grew up without a dad
I’m gonna be the best one I can be”
“Fathers & Daughters,” – Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton recorded “Fathers & Daughters” as the theme song to the Russell Crowe movie of the same name, and the sentiment in the lyrics and melody will resonate strongly between you.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Like moonlight on the water, and sunlight in the sky
Fathers and daughters never say goodbye.”
“Soul of My Soul,” – Michael Bolton
Michael Bolten has recorded many stunning lullabies that speak to his emotional connection with his daughter. This track is perfect for your father-daughter dance!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Soul of my soul, child of my heart
I love you more than you know, soul of my soul”
“We’re Gonna Miss These Days,” – Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes recorded this beautiful acoustic song about a young father with his little girl, and he sings about how much he will miss the days of her childhood.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“We knew it wasn’t easy
But I never thought it’d be this hard
Those “goodnight sweetheart” kisses
Only had the tricky part.”
“The Old Man & His Daughter,” – Kaitlin Huwe
Kaitlin Huwe dedicated this heartfelt track to her dad, and most of the lyrics are his actual words.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“So don’t let the sun go down on your sorrow
Always keep your head held high, with an arm out toward tomorrow.
Don’t go and set your heart on a word that’s borrowed
Love isn’t love if it makes you feel hollow
Love isn’t love if it makes you feel hollow.”
“A Song for My Daughter,” – Ray Allaire
Ray Allaire didn’t write this song, but he sings it beautifully, and it describes the wonderful journey from a daughter’s first steps to the moment she’s walking down the aisle.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Now it seems I only turned around
And I see you by his side
Oh, I can’t believe my eyes today
My daughter is a bride.”
“Humble And Kind,” – Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s “Humble And Kind” is like perfect fatherly advice to share with children. It carries an emotional and inspirational message to the bride on her wedding day.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Go to church ’cause your mamma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind.”
“Nothing Can Change This Love,” – Sam Cooke
The true bond between a father and a daughter is unbreakable, and this soulful Sam Cooke classic is a perfect-sounding description of your love.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“If I go, a million miles away
I’d write a letter, each and every day
Cause honey nothing, nothing can ever change this love I have for you.”
“I Will – Remastered 2009,” – The Beatles
Paul McCartney wrote this incredible love letter while staying in India. To this date, it’s one of the catchiest melodies backed with simple, yet powerful lyrics.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Love you forever and forever
Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we’re together
Love you when we’re apart.”
“Unforgettable,” – Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole
This song was written by Nat King Cole in 1951. Exactly 40 years later, his daughter, Natalie Cole, added her vocals to create a beautiful father-daughter duet and a classic wedding song.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Unforgettable in every way
And forevermore (And forevermore)
That’s how you’ll stay (That’s how you’ll stay)
That’s why darling, it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too.”
“In My Daughter’s Eyes,” – Martina McBride
Are you sharing a mother-daughter dance on your wedding day?
If so, this Martina McBride song is a wonderful lyrical description of a daughter’s love and pride for her mom.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“In my daughter’s eyes, I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter’s eyes.”
“Butterfly Kisses,” – Bob Carlisle
This song is another popular wedding classic, and Bob Carlisle does a beautiful job describing the gratitude and love that a father feels for his child with his vocals.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“There are two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she’s daddy’s little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
and I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all.”
“When You Need Me” – Bruce Springsteen
We all love Bruce Springsteen for being a rock legend, but this heartwarming lullaby is something different altogether. It’s a perfect father-daughter song, with lyrics that say he’ll always be there for a loved one, even when the miles separate them.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“If you miss me, I’ll be there
To brush the sunlight from your hair
I’ll be there to guide you when trouble walks beside you
If you need me, I’ll be there.”
“Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” – Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s lullaby expresses one simple truth: the bond between loved ones can never be broken. The perfect song for a wedding!
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Someday we’ll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die
That’s how you
And I will be.”
“It’s For My Dad,” – Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra recorded this emotional song in honor of her dad, Frank, and she sings about a father standing by his daughter all the way.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“I want you to know that when It’s said and done
He’s one of the best friends I ever had… I ever had
This song’s not for you folks
It’s for my dad.”
“I Will Be Here,” – Steven Curtis Chapman
“I Will Be Here” is a powerful message of endless, enduring love that Chapman wrote during a painful situation. Still, the message is love knowing no barriers or distance, and it’s a great wedding song.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I… I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I… I will be here.”
“When You Say Nothing At All,” – Alison Krauss & Union Station
This Alison Krauss classic is backed up by the group Union Station. It’s a cover song, but Alison’s hauntingly beautiful version became a worldwide hit and an instant wedding classic.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What’s being said between your heart and mine.”
“Always Be Your Baby,” – Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant sings about a little girl’s first love—her father—in “Always Be Your Baby,” and it’s a beautiful and moving lullaby.
Lyrics You’ll Love:
“I’ll always be your baby
No matter how the years fly by
The way you love me made me
Who I am in this world
I’m a woman now, not a little girl
Wherever this life takes me
I’ll always be your baby.”