Father/Daughter Song Ideas

My dad and I danced to Louie Armstrong's son "What a Wonderful World." Good luck!

Another awesome song that my husband always plays for my daughters is "Little Miss Magic" by Jimmy Buffet. It's about a dad and his little girl. It's very sweet.

If you like country, (or I guess even if you don't really like country...) I Loved Her First by Heartland is perfect.
http://www.cmt.com/videos/heartland-country/111277/i-love...

OR

Today by Gary Allan
http://www.cmt.com/videos/gary-allan/461815/today.jhtml

they are both songs from the perspective of the father about giving their daughter away.

My friend had a similar relationship with her stepfather as you describe and she used "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers. It was perfect for her and I thought it might ring true for you, too.

Does he have a favorite artist? My dad loves Paul Simon and all of my memories from childhood road trips have Paul Simon songs playing in the background. So I worked hard to find a PS song that would work and found a great one:

http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/5311758/a/W...
It is called Father and Daughter and it's on the Wild Thornberry's soundtrack. The rhythm is a little strange for a slow dance, but it was still perfect for us.

Congrats on your wedding!

"Daddy's Little Girl" by David Glenn is the best song ever. I cry every time I hear it, which has been for years. My family has known him and watched him forever.
Message me if you can't download the song, I could message it to you I'm sure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0xeX33Imcw

http://www.myspace.com/davidglenn

Edited to add lyrics for anyone looking for them:
I could not find them anywhere, so, I typed them up real quick, and, did see that it is now available on itunes as well.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daddy's Little Girl, by David Glenn:

I watched you take your first steps, you stumbled and you fell
but when you finally got it right, you didn't need no help
I heard you say your first words, they've echoed through the years
and when you say, "I love you Dad," its music to my ears

chorus:
I watched you dance like Cinderella, as precious as Snow White
You smile just like an angel, with a twinkle in your eyes
and you act so much like your momma, when she's takin' on the world
but for now all I want you to be, is Daddy's Little Girl

Through the years I've watched you grow, to the woman you are now
but I'm not sure how its gonna feel, without you always around
And I know there's gonna come a time, when I'll give you away
and when I walk you down the aisle, I know exactly what I'll say

chorus:
I watched you dance like Cinderella, as precious as Snow White
You smile just like an angel, with a twinkle in your eyes
and you act so much like your momma, when she's takin' on the world
but for now all I want you to be, is Daddy's Little Girl

Then she said, "no one or anything could ever take your place."
She took my hand, and this is what she had to say:

"you watched me dance like Cinderella, as precious as Snow White
I smile just like an angel, dad, cause you're the twinkle in my eye
and I act so much like my momma, when she's takin' on the world
but the one thing that I'll always be, is Daddy's Little Girl"

"the one thing that I'll always be is Daddy's Little Girl"

"Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce.
There won't be a dry eye in the house.

I'm already thinking about these things for when my son gets married. You better believe he'll be dancing with me. He and I have danced together at a hundred wedding receiptions with him so little I had to bend down.
We already talk about our songs.
One heart melty and one...we'll bust a move! I, after all, am the one who taught him to dance. And he's good at it. We'll have a sentimental one and then one for breaking it out. God willing my sciatica holds out that long. lol.

I'll try to think of some more for you. I hope you get great suggestions.
Do you like country, classics? Or is it just the song that matters?

I know you will find the right thing.

Best wishes!

I also love Steven Curtis Chapman "Dance with Cinderella". I would have done this if it were out when I got married it is an awesome song. I cry everytime I hear it.

"My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw, but my daughter said not to tell anyone that;)

I danced with my dad to "Because You Loved Me" performed by Celine Dion. Diane Warren wrote that song and she actually wrote it for her father.

Brad Paisley's "Half the Man" song. Its about a stepdad being more of a dad than the real dad.

Dance with Cinderella, Steven Curtis Chapman. http://s0.ilike.com/play#Steven+Curtis+Chapman:Cinderella...
Love it. Congrats!!

I am in the exact same situation and I used Brad Paisley's "Because He Didn't Have to Be." God luck and congrats on the wedding!!

My dad and I danced to " Dance with Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman, I'm getting teary-eyed just remembering!! All the best on your special day!

My daughter had the song "I loved her first" by Heartland, http://www.elyrics.net/read/h/heartland-lyrics/i-loved-he... I cry just reading the lyrics.
Her best friend had "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks, http://www.kovideo.net/stealing-cinderella-lyrics-chuck-w... she was the only girl and the youngest child so they always treated her like a little princess.
I googled wedding stepfather songs and came up with a few how about "Your My Hero" http://www.yourweddingplace.com/wedding-songs/father-daug... youre my hero
Good Luck, I'd love to have an update as to what song you decide to use.

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman (This Moment album)

you can find it on this website and listen to it.

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=ie7&q=steven+cu...

It talks about his daughter growing up and the changes in life like graduation, getting married etc. It is a wonderful father/daughter song.

Martina McBride's "My Daughter's Eyes" was my suggestion for my step-daughter's wedding two years ago. It makes me tear up just thinking about her dancing with her dad. It's a beautiful song and the lyrics are so touching. For a man who has raised you practically your entire life, I think it's perfectly fitting.

Congratulations and have a wonderful wedding ~ L.

We did Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole's "Somewhere over the rainbow/it's a beautiful world" medley and it made everyone cry. I still cry whenever I hear it, I danced with my brother for the father/daughter dance (my dad was also never really in the picture)

Through the Years by Kenny Rogers. I used at my wedding because my Dad has always been there for me through all of my 33 years for anything I needed or wanted. I hope you find the right song for you! Best wishes!

my dad always played Butterfly Kisses by Carliale and Daddy's hands by Holly Dunn to me and I played Butterfly Kisses in his memory at my wedding

Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III. Its sort of folky sounding though, so if thats not your thing you probably wont like it. The lyrics are great. =) Congrats on getting married.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVam-fshUgw

Wow - sounds just like my daughter's wedding. In fact everyone in the family photo was from my husband's side of the family - none were able to make it from my side and mr. biological wouldn't come because our names were on the invitations (well, heck, we paid for it!!!) Anyway, she picked "Butterfly Kisses" - perfect.

Have you ever heard of the song Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle? It's a beautiful father/daughter song. The father is singing about his daughter growing up and the different stages and then mentions her getting married "today". I highly recommend that song - very appropriate. Good Luck & Congratulations!

Here are the lyrics:
http://www.weddingvendors.com/music/lyrics/b/bob-carlisle...

How about Brad Paisley's The Dad He Didn't Have to Be? I don't know if country is your thing or not but the words would fit really well. (Although it is written about a male child instead of a female!). google the song title and you can find it to listen to on You Tube I am sure.
And congratulations on your upcoming wedding and on having such a great Dad!!!!

Congratulations! And I'm so happy for you that you have a real daddy, even if he is not your bio-father.

My daughter and her daddy LOVE the Paul Simon song Father and Daughter. The lyrics are as follows:

If you ever leap awake
In the mirror of a bad dream
And for a fraction of a second
You can't remember where you are
Just open your window
And follow your memory upstream
To the meadow in the mountain
Where we counted every falling star

I believe the light that shines on you
Will shine on you forever
And though I can't guarantee
There's nothing scary hiding under your bed
I’m gonna stand guard
Like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave till I leave you
With a sweet dream in your head

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
That loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition
It's just like going fishing
You cast your line
And hope you'll get a bite
But you don't need to waste your time
Worrying about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

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
That loved his daughter more than I love you

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
That loved his daughter more than I love you

I used 'Isn't she lovely' by Stevie Wonder. It's about a dad looking at his daughter and marveling at her, kind of an upbeat song but not too fast. It came out in 1977.

I agree with Karen C. that he might like something from his favorite artist. Or, something that you recall enjoying with him from childhood might also be appropriate. For instance, my dad was never a Stevie Wonder fan but he would sing me "Isn't She Lovely?" growing up and I loved it!

the song I remember is called he didn't have to be. it is by brad paisley although it specifically isn't about a father daughter relationship it is about a stepdad. sorry I'm not a lot of help but it is a beautiful song about how a stepparent can become more of a parent than the original parent.

I love Butterfly Kisses (not sure name of artist). I danced to it with my Dad at my Wedding about 13 years ago. It is a great song! Good Luck and Congratulations!!!!

Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings"

There is a song by Garth Brooks that he wrote for his mom. It is called Your Song (I think). It would be a great father/daughter song. My sister has a song called Roots and Wings by Doug Supernaw that you might want to check out.

Congratulations and enjoy your day!

We used "I Am Your Child" by Barry Manilow.

Good luck,
K.

Bio dad or no, I think it's really sweet that you are putting so much thought into this:^)

Part of the problem for me in picking a song to dance w/my father was that all the "standards" have been so done to death, they felt like they were someone else's memories. Maybe there's a song he used to sing to you when you were little? There are so many grown-up versions of even little-kid songs (seriously, Google "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and see what happens) that you can probably find something appropriate easily.

For my father/daughter wedding dance, I picked Lou Rawls' "Miss My Lovin'". Guests either burst out laughing or got totally misty-eyed. If he had Nat Cole or Louis Armstrong in his 8-track when I was a kid, I might have picked something more traditional. But hey, it totally worked for everyone involved. Good luck!

Butterfly kisses, playing Cinderella, I loved her first, and I used Garth brooks' to make you feel my love. And although it's about a man and his stepfather listen to he didn't have to be by brad paisley sometime.

My dad would sing to "what a wonderful world" so I chose that for our song as a surprise to him. He did not recognize the song at first but then his eyes lit up and tears came to his eyes. My suggestion would be to think back to any specific memories where a song came up or a song that reminds you of that memory. I hope that helps!!!

"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong--a timeless classic!

Wanted to add "In My Life" by the Beatles.....

have you entered "father/daughter dance songs" into a search engine? Quite a few good ideas came up when I tried it! Basic, but it worked!!

Celine Dion - Because you loved me

do you like the beatles?

I love you more...

There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

In my life I love you more

Wow, seems like you're talking about my wedding! I have the same relationship with my stepfather (raised me from 4 months old). We danced to "Butterfly Kisses" and it was perfect!

I knew my dad would be very emotional but he loves to polka...so I had the band play a polka for us. I figured I would keep it upbeat and fun...and something we both would love so he wouldn't be a wreck dancing with me.

We danced to What a Wonderful World- it was VERY hard for me to pick a song. My dad is the reason music is so important for me. He has been in various bands since I was a baby. I really wanted to do something un-traditional- he used to sing and play guitar for me when I was little Keep your Hands to Yourself by the Georgia Satelites- I seriously considered using this... but it would be hard to dance to so we decided not to at the last minute.
My sister was going to use Mr.Bojangles in honor of our God father and my dads best friend who passed away.
I guess what I am trying to say is if you are having a hard time picking a song b/c so many of them are so cliche- pick something that may not have to do with daughter/father, but means something to only the 2 of you.
Hope that helps!

My dad and I danced to Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World. Still very happy with the choice and we just celebrated our 9 year anniversery.

My dad and I danced to James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend". He's a big JT fan, and that song seemed most fitting for our relationship.

I haven't read through all the responses, so forgive me it I just gave you more to read and nothing useful! :)

I danced with my father to "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill. I loved it and it totally fit our love for each other.

Have fun! Enjoy and best of luck to you!

Have you listened to 'Butterfly kisses'? Or go on youtube for more song ideas....congrats on your wedding :)

I used Dad by K's Choice. I thought it was just right. Here's the lyrics.

I was a kid, you were my dad
I didn't always understand
I wanted freedom, you got mad
You were concerned, I got upset
I didn't recognize you yet

And did you cry, I know I did
When I lied to you
I didn't want to hurt you
I just never knew I did

You never told me that you loved me
I know you didn't know how
I guess that shows we're much the same
'Cause I love you too and until now
I've never said those words out loud
I hope you're proud
To be my dad...

What are your secrets, do you pray
Is there a god that shows your way
I wish I knew...
Do you have crazy fantasies
What happens in your dreams
I want to know...

I guess you'll always be a mystery to me
But you taught me how to value life
And what else do I need
I have a dad who watches over me

This was my song...it was the father I wished for!

THE MEN IN MY LITTLE GIRL'S LIFE
(Mary Candy / Eddie Deane / Gloria Shayne)

Mike Douglas - 1966

Also recorded by: Tex Ritter.

The men in my little girl's life
The men in my little girl's life

It seems like only yesterday when I heard my little girl say
"Daddy, there's a boy ouside, his name is Rod
He wants to play in our backyard
Can he daddy? Can he daddy? Oh please daddy"

Is it really so long ago she'd come to me and she'd wanna know
"Dad, there's a boy outside, his name is Lee
He wants to carry my books for me
Can he daddy? Is it alright, dad? He's got freckles, dad"

The men in my little girl's life
The men in my little girl's life

Then came pony tails and jeans and my little girl was in her teens
"Popsie, there's a boy outside, his name is Tom
He wants to take me to the prom
OK, popsie? He's cute, popsie. We'll be home early, popsie"

Before I knew it time had flown and how my little girl had grown
Now it was "Father, there's a boy outside, his name is Eddie
He wants to know if we can go steady
Can we, father? Yes, father. Oh, can we borrow the car, pop?"

Yes it seems only yesterday I heard my lovely daughter say
"Dad, there's a boy outside, his name is Jim
He asked me if I'd marry him. I said yes, dad
Got something in your eye, dad? I love him, dad"

The men in my little girl's life
The men in my little girl's life

A child, an adolescent, a young lady, a wife
And, oh yes, there's another man in my little girl's life
"Hi dad, there's a boy outside, his name is Tim
I told him Grampa was gonna babysit him
Thanks, dad. Bless you, dad. Good night, dad"

The men in my little girl's life
The men in my little girl's life

Celine Dion "because you loved me!!!"
or do a google search "father daughter songs"

I got married in 2003 and since my dad had passed away in 2001, I had my two brothers and sister all dance to Lee Ann Womack's song "I Hope You Dance". I am not really a die-hard country music fan, however I really love that song. It says so much of what a parent, who has years of experience on this Earth, would want to tell their child. Let me know what you come up with. I am curious.

First of all, Congratulations!!
Not sure if someone already suggested this, but Rascal Flatts sings a song called My Wish. I danced with my dad to Unforgettable Nat King Cole, but the one with his daughter Natalie singing also. It's like they were singing to each other.
Enjoy your wedding day :o)

I won't suggest particular/traditional songs because I think it is important for the song to mean something to you and your dad. I had a really hard time with this too, and liked some of the traditional songs, but never thought they "fit." I ended up with a song by the Beatles (Long and Winding Road) just because i knew it meant something to the both of us and we could sing and dance along comfortably. We listened to the Beatles alot growing up and as a family we all knew every word to every song, so it just seemed to "fit" !!!

Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof. Our daughter chose this to be played when seating the parents. It made us all think!!! I still remember the feelings.

Brad Paisley He didn't have to be
Trace Atkins Then they do

my MIL likes I loved her first by heartland. my dad choose a fathers love by steven curtis chapman and for the life of me i cant remember the one i liked....good luck! i think the one my dad picked will suit your description of your (step) dad! congrats! let us know how it goes!

Simple...Celine Dion.. Because you loved me.

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through it all

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
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

I loved her first by Heartland is amazing!

Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love you're alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
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

How could that beautiful woman with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
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

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first

Let us know what you decided on!

Something to keep in mind while choosing, a father daughter dance should be a love letter to your dad. A lot of the father daughter dances I've seen are a love letter to the bride. But it's really a moment to honor dad. The whole rest of the ceremony is about the bride. It's your chance to thank him for always being there and to let everyone know what he means to you.

I'm coming in late here and don't know if you've had this suggestion but...

Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn

I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.

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.

I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.

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.

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.