With a voice like velvet, Norah Jones’ breathy vocal stylings make her a super popular artist on many wedding playlists.
Fun fact: she’s the daughter of legendary Indian composer and sitarist Ravi Shankar – the musical genes are strong with this one!
If you’re not super familiar with Norah’s body of work, she’s a Grammy award-winning artist with a body of contemporary songs that span genres: think of a range that flows effortlessly between blues, jazz, country, and a bit of pop!
Think her music sounds like it could fit your wedding playlist vibes? Let’s delve into our favorite Norah Jones wedding songs.
Come Away With Me
Arguably the most recognizable song from Norah Jones, ‘Come Away With Me’ just oozes romance, comfort, and timeless yearning.
This perfect song with beautifully simple lyrics would be appropriate for the first dance with its lovely and simple soft piano in the background. As her vocals step into the spotlight, you two will lose all sense of time as you slow dance in front of your loved ones.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“And I want to wake up with the rain / Falling on a tin roof / While I’m safe there in your arms / So all I ask is for you / To come away with me in the night / Come away with me”
Sunrise
Have you found that person in your life that makes you feel like every day is full of magic? Being in love is akin to feeling like the sun rises and sets with your partner.
Norah croons about these feelings over gentle driving guitar rhythms that are sure to delight and enchant everybody within earshot. Play this over dinner or your cocktail hour for some easy listening!
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Sunrise, sunrise / Looks like mornin’ in your eyes / But the clock’s held 9:15 for hours / Sunrise, sunrise / Couldn’t tempt us if it tried / ‘Cause the afternoon’s already come and gone”
Man Of The Hour
Are you and your sweetheart parents to some four-legged fur babies? More specifically, dogs?
You might have come across this sweet song on her album and initially thought it would be about praising a wonderful man or partner… but a deeper listen to ‘Man Of The Hour’ will actually reveal Norah’s quirky homage to her poodle, Ralph.
It’s sure to please you if you’re looking for a way to celebrate your pup on your wedding day!
Lyrics you’ll love:
“You never lie / And you don’t cheat / And you don’t have any baggage tied /To your four feet”
Unchained Melody
This utterly romantic classic wedding song is reimagined by Norah Jones and her channeling of a bluesy lounge singer.
I love this rendition because of her soaring vocals that are still restrained and emotive. Truly a perfect fit for those planning a vintage wedding playlist and looking for a first dance wedding song with a lot of potentials!
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Woah, my love, my darling / I’ve hungered, hungered for your touch / A long, lonely time / And time goes by so slowly / And time can do so much / Are you still mine?”
And There Was You
Ever been caught off guard by love? When you’re in the pits and seriously going through it, love has a tendency to catch you off guard.
There have been countless movies (I’m getting some When Harry Met Sally vibes) that involve this theme because it’s just so darn relatable! This ageless love song has some great soul-jazz sounds which would be perfect for an upscale wedding celebration’s reception hour.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“I thought love was a game / One would win or would lose until / I found you / Until I found you, my dear / I thought love was a shame / So I threw it away / And then there was you”
Those Sweet Words
I love the idea of the happy couple walking down the aisle to this song. You’re approaching the love of your life, about to exchange vows of eternal love – the sweetest words you’ll ever hear.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“End of the day / The hour hand has spun / But before the night is done / I just have to hear those sweet words / Spoken like a melody”
Painter Song
You might have to prepare some tissues for this one. Norah sings about being lost in memories, with only painting as the way to reconnect with a loved one.
‘Painter Song’ would be appropriate to pay homage to a parent who has passed, as sometimes the parent dances can be a tough tradition if you’ve experienced loss.
If you go this route, dance with someone who holds great memories of the loved one you both shared, and it’ll be like they’re still there watching from above.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“If I were a painter / And could paint a memory / I’d climb inside the swirling skies to be with you / I’d climb inside the skies to be with you”
The Nearness Of You
There are moments in life that need to be frozen. Seriously, if someone could bottle up certain feelings as permanent keepsakes, I’d throw all my money toward it!
Your first dance is one of these such moments – being close to the one you love, dancing cheek to cheek while surrounded by friends and family witnessing and celebrating your love… who wouldn’t want to revisit that bliss?
‘The Nearness Of You’ is an utterly romantic song that honors those feelings of intimate closeness and love.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“I need no soft lights to enchant me / If you would only grant me the right / To hold you ever so tight / And to feel in the night the nearness of you”
Baby, It’s Cold Outside (with Willie Nelson)
Winter brides, rejoice! You’ve got a huge repertoire of beautiful music to choose from, so might I throw this one into the mix?
I love this cover of the Christmastime classic ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ with the iconic Willie Nelson. It’s understated but familiar enough that when your guests hear it, they’ll be left asking, “Wait.. who was that?”
Lyrics you’ll love:
“I’ve got to get home / Baby, you’ll freeze out there / Say, lend me a coat / It’s up to your knees out there / You’ve really been grand / I thrill when you touch my hand”
It’s A Wonderful Time For Love
This song truly exemplifies Norah’s jazz singing ability. Play this during cocktail hour when guests are mingling early in the evening to set the tone for the evening!
Lyrics you’ll love:
“When the sun goes down / We sleep safe and sound / A wonderful time for love”
