This would be perfect for a mother son dance song.  It’s loosely about a relationship between a mother and son, though the lyrics are a bit cryptic.  It’s definitely NOT traditional.  But it’s unbelievably lovely and it gives me chills.

“Flume” performed by Peter Gabriel

This is actually a cover of a Bon Iver song.  If you like that indie-folk acoustic feel, you might perfer Bon Iver’s version.

“Flume” performed by Bon Iver

I think this song choice illustrates an important point…

You do not have to pick a traditional parent dance song unless you want to.  The most important thing is that it fits you.  It can be sentimental, bittersweet, funny, quirky or even weird.

If you think back over those moments in life with your mom and dad, a song may come to you.  It may very well be traditional, but it’s really okay if the perfect song isn’t “typical.”  As long as you and your parents get it, it will still be perfect.

Check out my previous posts on Parent Dance Wedding Songs for more ideas.  And if you’ve got a special song picked out, feel free to leave a comment and your choice!

There will always be a place for Al Martino crooning, “Daddy’s Little Girl” and for Boyz II Men’s “A Song For Mama,” but when you’re looking for something different for that father daughter dance or a mother son song that fits your personality…where do you look?

A few thoughts that may knock some ideas loose…

1. You don’t have to choose a song specifically written for a parent and child.  There are plenty of beautiful, quirky or sentimental songs that work perfectly as a parent dance.
2. Search your memories for songs that remind you of mom or dad.  Did your father sing you a song when you were little?  A particular artist your mom played over and over?  Your childhood memories often suggest a song that fits your relationship.
3. Use a story to make a non-traditional song the perfect fit.  If the song that comes to mind is a little weird, have your entertainer give a little explanation so your guests understand.  One of our grooms chose “Your Song” by Elton John for the dance with his mother.  Technically, it’s a love song, but his mom played it for him on the piano and it always made him think of her.
4. Have fun with it.  Choose a light-hearted or even silly song for your parent dance.  You’ll both be smiling…and so will your guests.

Here are 9 outside the box parent dances courtesy of our creative Hudson Valley couples..

A Little Bit o’ Country

• “Mama Tried” – Merle Haggard

• “For Baby” – John Denver

Lightening It Up

• “The Wind” – Cat Stevens

• “Do You Believe In Magic” – Lovin’ Spoonful

• “Days Like This” – Van Morrison

Soulful

• “Mother Father” – Musiq Soul Child

Alternative

• “Blue Does” – Blue October

Sweet & Sentimental

• “The One Who Knows” – Dar Williams

• “Edelweiss” – The Sound of Music

Of course, these aren’t one size fit all choices.  But that’s the point.

Have you already found the perfect parent dance song for your wedding?  Leave a comment here and share the knowledge!

Stewart Butterfield

In case you’re searching frantically for the perfect Parent Dance song…and coming up empty…here’s a trick I use to come up with totally unique and meaningful suggestions for our couples.

This may work for you if…

• You don’t want to choose a traditional “mother son” or “father daughter” dance.
• You want a song with personal meaning for you and your parent.
• You don’t know where to start and none of the recommended songs seem to fit.

*HINT:  Ask your dad or mom if he or she has a song in mind before starting your search.  If they have a preference…you’re off the hook!

First of all, don’t freak out.  There are thousands of beautiful songs out there and it’s not as tough to find the right parent dance song as you might think.

A few questions to lead the way…

1)  Is there a song from your childhood that makes you think of your mom or dad? Spend a few minutes thinking back to when you were a kid.  If you remember a song attached to a memory (for me it’s “Bus Stop” by the Hollies and “Daddy’s Home” by Shep and the Limelites) that could be the perfect choice.

2)  Does your mom or dad have a favorite artist? Sample a few of that artists’ tunes to see if you can find one that works as a parent dance song.

3)  Once you’ve found the right song, pair it with a special dedication to make it perfect. To use my example, I’d have my entertainer say, “Stephanie remembers her father singing this song to her every day when he got home from work…”

You can check the lyrics of potential songs at Lyrics.com, AZLyrics, LyricsMania or any number of other easily searchable online lyrics databases.

Here’s a peek at the inner workings of the Hudson Valley DJ in hot pursuit of the ever-elusive perfect parent dance song…

Michelle and Eric are searching for parent dance songs and coming up empty.  So they need not one…but two…danceable songs.  They would like a song by one of these artists: Elvis, The Beatles (but “In My Life” is out), Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash.

Digging through the archives, I came up with these potentials:

Elvis – “The Wonder of You” or “Memories“

The Beatles – “All You Need Is Love” or “Here Comes the Sun“

Bob Dylan – “If Not For You” or “Forever Young“

Johnny Cash – “Daddy Sang Bass” or “I Love You Because“

Maybe I got a little carried away…

Now I’ll send these over to our couple and get their verdict.

Got parent dance song trouble?  Leave me a comment and we’ll see what we can do…

The groom wants something short.  It can be sweet, but NOT sappy.  He loves his mom, but he wants to get in and get out.

His mother…well, usually she imagines savoring the moment in her son’s arms, clutching wads of soggy tissues in her fingers.

What makes it worse is that there aren’t many songs specifically written as a mother and son wedding song.

So I’ve put together links to some specific Mother Son Songs.  You’ve probably heard a few of them, but there are a few unusual tunes in this mix.

WARNING:  Parent dance songs come with a high cheese factor, so if that’s a concern for you…proceed with extreme caution. (If his mom has her heart set on a tear jerker, these are right up her alley.)

“The Man You’ve Become” by Molly Pascutti

“On This Day” written by Steve Zuccarello, performed by Christian Barnes

“A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men

“The Perfect Fan” by the Backstreet Boys

“Mama” by B.J. Thomas

“Oh, Mother Of Mine” by the Temptations

“Like My Mother Does” by Kristy Lee Cook

“Mama” by Il Divo

“Thank You Mom” by Good Charlotte

“Mom” by Earth Wind and Fire

Got a question about what to pick for your mother son dance song?  Leave me a comment or shoot me an email.

But now, years later, I wish I’d had that dance with him.  I know just what song I’d pick: “Daddy’s Home” by Shep and the Limelites, the song Dad sang when he came home from work every night when I was a little girl.

Maybe I can sneak in a dance with my dad when we renew our vows someday…

The father and daughter dance is a special moment, and one I recommend (from hard earned experience) that you take advantage of.  I mean, how many times will you dance with your father in your lifetime?

If you don’t have a song that reminds you of your dad, try these on for size.

My Favorite Father and Daughter Dance Songs of 2008…

“Daddy” by Kendall Payne – This one is a definite tear-jerker.  A sweeter than honey voice with heart-felt delivery and piano accompaniment.  Great lyrics!

“Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III – A bit more light hearted, but still a sweet and true bluegrass tune.  Sung from a devoted father’s point of view.

“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw – This one’s not exactly an unknown, but it still makes my list of favorites.  Country fave Tim McGraw sings straight from the heart, there’s no denying.  It gets me every time.

Have you found the perfect father and daughter dance song?  Leave me a comment.

Photo by Anthony Kelly

If you’re searching for the perfect father and daughter dance or mother son wedding dance song, you can always go with the classic favorites:

“Daddy’s Little Girl” by Al Martino or “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle or the new favorite “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

“Song For My Son” by Mikki Verrick or “Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men or “The Man You’ve Become” by Molly Pascutti

But if you’re looking for the best parent dance songs you haven’t heard, these might be right up your alley.

The following songs work for either father and daughter or mother son dances:

“Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi – Sentimental and sweet, but still cool.  I mean, it’s Bon Jovi!

“One Friend” by Keb Mo – A touch of bluegrass with slide guitar, heart felt lyrics.  Perfect for if you and your dad are friends, too.

“The Secret of Life” by James Taylor – Classic, syrupy sweet James Taylor.

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles – A bit upbeat and just charming.  It conjures up images of parent consoling a child who’s just scraped her knee.  (At least for me, big sap that I am.)

These are just some of my favorite less traditional parent dance songs.  But it’s just the tip of the ice berg.  Hopefully this spurs you on to the song that’s right for you.  More ideas for parent dance songs that are mother and father specific coming next week.

Got a favorite undiscovered parent dance song?  Leave me a comment.

pjinomaha

Are you stuck on picking out a song for your parent dance?  You want something that fits your relationship…something different…but not too different?

A few tips before you start beating your head against the wall in frustration over finding the “perfect” parent dance song:

• Ask your mom or dad if they have a particular song in mind.  If they come up with a song that’s special for them, it’s one less thing you have to worry about.  Job done!

• Think back to your childhood.  Is there any song or artist who makes you think of your dad?  Does he have a favorite singer?  If so, this could point you to the right song for your parent dance together.

• Don’t worry about the lyrics too much.  (Most people don’t listen that close anyway.)  If you find a song that’s meaningful to you, who cares if it’s an “official” parent dance song.  You and your dad will get it.

• If you do choose a less traditional song for your parent dance, ask your entertainer to provide a simple explanation for your audience.  For example, “Jennifer picked out ‘You Are My Sunshine’ for her special dance with her father because he sang it to her when she was a little girl.”  Instantly an unusual parent dance choice becomes perfect.

Stay tuned for my favorite Parent Dance songs of 2008 over the next couple days.

Are you having a tough time picking out your parent dance song?  Leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help out.