We love a good song. Why do you think we started Denon & Doyle? A good song makes people happy, or moves them in some sort of profound way. That’s why we’ve written a number of blogposts on favorite songs for a first dance. In today’s post, let’s take a look at some lesser-known, untraditional first dance songs.
Untraditional first dance songs
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes recorded a song called “Man of Fire” with these lyrics:
I’m a man on fire
Walking down your street
With one guitar
And two dancing feet
Only one desire
That’s left in me
I want the whole damn world
To come and dance with me.
This is a folk-rock song that warms up a crowd and gets them itching to hit the dance floor:
Ben Folds wrote a tender love song you may not know called “The Luckiest.” It’s a lovely song defined by Folds’ strong piano playing and wistful vocals.
The a cappella octet, VOCES8, gave “The Luckiest” the a cappella treatment. Wow! These British vocal stylists take Folds’ lyrics to a new level with a sumptuous arrangement by Jim Clements. Check it out, this is really worth a listen:
The a cappella treatment isn’t for everyone.
But then again, that’s what defines untraditional first dance songs. They’re not for everyone. But it might be right for you.
Folds’ doesn’t get hung up on a rhyme scheme in his lyrics:
I don’t get many things right the first time,
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns the stumbles,
And falls brought me here
And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face,
Now I see it every day
And I know
That I am, I am, I am, the luckiest
But the message of a flawed man finding love is timelessly appealing.
Looking for a more uptempo untraditional first dance song? Johnny Stimson wrote a real catchy tune called “A Million Years” with fun lyrics like these:
My, my I’m singing to the open sky
Oh my dear I’m hoping you can hear
And all my life your the only one I’m thinking of
And I will love you for, a million years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSifPhy8T9c
Yes, there are timeless classic songs that will always be favorites for the first dance at weddings. But sometimes you’ve got to think outside the box and consider some untraditional first dance songs.
Denon & Doyle has a library of thousands (and thousands!) of the best songs ever written. Want your wedding reception to rock? Check us out!