# Help! I need a first-dance Wedding song. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 31, 2000, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524 "2000-08-31T18:22:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gregatiki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e95f7d/32.png) [@Gregatiki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gregatiki)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/1 "2000-08-31T18:22:13Z")
As a longtime lurker, I know all of you are people of class and taste, so I was wondering if y’all have some good ideas for a wedding song. Me and my tikigoddess have already seen our original choice (“What a Wonderful World”) used in three recent weddings with close friends and family members. Not that we want to one-up anybody, but we are getting kind of sick of hearing it a weddings. Truth be told, we don’t have anything close to an “Our Song” to choose from. We just never got around to it. OK, here’s the parameters: 1. We’ve got a live band (go us!) that has both a male and female vocalist, so I guess it can’t be anything too complex or otherwise irreproducible. 2. Pop, classic and ‘classical’ are cool, and so are folk and (to a much lesser degree) country. Our taste ranges from Ella to Buddy Holly to Peter Gabriel to Curtis Mayfield to Ani DiFranco to Ben Folds Five to Frank Sinatra to the Muppets 3. Quirky is cool (We also like They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies, and Moxy Fruvous) 4. No Aerosmith I look forward to hearing what you think! ---
**Author:** ![Odieman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a87d85/32.png) [@Odieman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odieman)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/2 "2000-08-31T18:41:48Z")
Well I won’t recommend the first song played at my sister’s wedding. It was “The Breakup Song” By Greg Kihn. They realized aftewards that it was probably not the best choice of material, but since it was their last gig before breaking up they thought it would be appropriate for that. I would go for something like "Don’t Give up " By Peter Gabriel. Is that quirky enough for yah? Keith ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/3 "2000-08-31T18:42:38Z")
The Way You Look Tonight, by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields. Perfect for the occasion. And congratulations. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/4 "2000-08-31T18:49:41Z")
Diane Schuur’s version of [“What a Difference a Day Makes”](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000001RC/ref=sim_music/102-9530834-0284121). Congrats! ---
**Author:** ![Gregatiki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e95f7d/32.png) [@Gregatiki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gregatiki)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/5 "2000-08-31T18:52:25Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Odieman \* \*\*Well I won’t recommend the first song played at my sister’s wedding. It was “The Breakup Song” By Greg Kihn. They realized aftewards that it was probably not the best choice of material, but since it was their last gig before breaking up they thought it would be appropriate for that. \*\* [/QUOTE Ummm…you mean the band’s last gig, right? 🙂 > [@](#): > > \*\*I would go for something like "Don’t Give up " By Peter Gabriel. Is that quirky enough for yah? > Keith \*\* That is one of Aly’s faves…good thought! ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/6 "2000-08-31T18:56:17Z")
My husband and I used “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. His voice just gives me chills. ---
**Author:** ![Odieman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a87d85/32.png) [@Odieman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odieman)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/7 "2000-08-31T19:01:11Z")
:o Uhhh…yeah, I guess that’s what happens when you edit the post and forget to re-read it before you hit submit. Keith ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/8 "2000-08-31T19:05:24Z")
The last wedding reception I went to, which was about a week and a half ago, played “Is This Love?” by Whitesnake. (White Snake? WhiteSnake? Ah, who cares?) ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/9 "2000-08-31T19:05:41Z")
…and to love you. “Air That I Breathe” by The Hollies A simple, beautiful song that I’m sure no one has ever used for a first dance, but everyone knows. Give it a listen again (or for the first time) and see if you agree. Zette Here’s a link to the lyrics: [http://www.cae.wisc.edu/~gansler/hollies/holla2.htm](http://www.cae.wisc.edu/~gansler/hollies/holla2.htm) and a small piece: If I could make a wish, I think I’d pass. Can’t think of anything I need - No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound, nothing to eat, no books to read. Making love with you has left me peaceful, warm, and tired. What more could I ask? There’s nothing left to be desired. Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak. So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep. Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe and to love you. ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/10 "2000-08-31T19:05:50Z")
Hubby & I used Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” for our first dance. Very nice, a little unusual, especially with the tribal drumming at the end left in…🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Gregatiki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e95f7d/32.png) [@Gregatiki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gregatiki)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/11 "2000-08-31T19:18:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Odieman \* > \*\*:o Uhhh…yeah, I guess that’s what happens when you edit the post and forget to re-read it before you hit submit. > Keith \*\* Actually it made me do a double-take funny looking enough for the guy in the next cubicle to drop his coffee on his lap. Success! ---
**Author:** ![missbunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/76d3ee/32.png) [@missbunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missbunny)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/12 "2000-08-31T21:37:26Z")
If I were to get married, which I’m never going to do, I would either have Our Love is Here to Stay or The Way You Look Tonight. Natalie Cole does a nice version of OLIHTS on Unforgettable. The only version of TWYLT that you need to concern yourself with is Frank’s. Both lovely songs. ---
**Author:** ![ENugent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/13 "2000-08-31T21:44:20Z")
My husband and I used “A Wink and a Smile,” by Harry Connick, Jr. (It’s on the _Sleepless in Seattle_ soundtrack). ---
**Author:** ![ENugent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/14 "2000-08-31T21:49:11Z")
Also, here’s a [list](http://www.weddingtips.com/wt-first-dance-songs.html) of a gazillion popular first dance songs, if that helps (although I see mine didn’t make the cut). ---
**Author:** ![Sledman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/839c29/32.png) [@Sledman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sledman)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/15 "2000-08-31T21:53:43Z")
TRUE COMPANION – Marc Cohn ---
**Author:** ![xanadu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c4cdca/32.png) [@xanadu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanadu)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/16 "2000-08-31T23:05:27Z")
You Look Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton ---
**Author:** ![Profane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47774/32.png) [@Profane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Profane)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/17 "2000-08-31T23:19:59Z")
“It had to be you” or “We are in love” by Harry Connick Jr. {I know It Had To Be You is also by Frank Sinatra, I prefer Harry. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2000, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/18 "2000-09-01T00:40:01Z")
What kind of instruments will the band be playing? Is it a typical rock ensemble (bass - guitar - drums) or does it have some brass? That might influence the choice of the song. What kind of dance do you want it to be? A slow dance, swing, waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa, hustle? My wife and I, for our first dance, choose “I Love You”, performed by Frank Sinatra. We started with fox-trot and then segued into swing for the second half of the song. The rhythm of the song lended itself to both styles of dance. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2000, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/19 "2000-09-01T00:51:13Z")
- It’s your love\* Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Very beautiful song. Not twangy country either. ---
**Author:** ![Merlot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3e96dc/32.png) [@Merlot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merlot)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2000, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524/20 "2000-09-01T01:00:25Z")
Style Council’s “You’re the Best Thing” I could be discontent Just the rainbow’s end I might wait much more But lose all that is mine I could be a liar But I know I’m not I’m content just with the riches that you bring I might shoot to win And commit the sin I wanted more than I’ve already got I could run away But I’d rather stay With the warmth of your smile Lighting up my day And all that makes me say You’re the best thing that ever happened To me in all the world You’re the best thing that ever happened So don’t go away I might be a king Still my people sing But I don’t go for that Power crazy way All that I could rule I’ll check for fools That I need is left to lift my way This is what I say You’re the best thing that ever happened To me in all the world You’re the best thing that ever happened So don’t go away It’s all I need You’re the best for me You come and rock my dreams You take a chance from me It’s all I need You’re the best for me You come and rock my dreams You take a chance from me You’re the best thing that ever happened To me in all the world You’re the best thing that ever happened So don’t go away You’re the best thing that ever happened To me in all the world You’re the best thing that ever happened So don’t go away [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-i-need-a-first-dance-wedding-song/31524.md?page=2)