When it comes to first dances, a lot of couples have their song that they’ll instinctively go to; one that will always hold a symbolic, romantic and maybe nostalgic meaning for them. However, not everyone has a specific song that they can pinpoint their relationship with. We’ve searched high and low throughout the music universe and have curated a list of our Top 20 first dance songs of 2019 that will help you find your song for the night and the rest of your lives.
Classic Songs
1. Can’t Help Falling in Love- Elvis Presley
Although this song was originally recorded to coincide with his movie, Blue Hawaii, “I Can’t Stop Falling in Love” has become one of Elvis’s most popular and romantic songs. The ballad is all about not being able to resist the feeling of love and falling head over heels for that one person, making it a perfect song for your first dance.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
If you love this timeless classic but are looking for a version that’s more modern, check out Haley Reinhart's cover.
2. At Last- Etta James
Originally written in 1941 by Harry Warren and Mark Groden, “At Last” found its greatest success in the voice of Etta James in 1960. This song tells the story of finding that one true love and emotions that come along with it.
Favourite lyrical moment:
You smiled and then the spell was cast
And here we are in Heaven
For you are mine at last
If you’re looking for a modern take on this love song, check out Beyonce’s cover from the film Cadillac Records (2008). Beyonce also performed this live at the Neighbourhood Inaugural Ball in 2009, where Barack and Michelle Obama shared their first dance as President and First Lady of the USA.
3. Your Song- Elton John
This 1970 Elton John B-side single showcases the feeling of wanting to show the person you love how much you love and appreciate them while not necessarily having a lot of money or material items to give, but being able to show your love through music and the little things in life. Not only is “Your Song” the ultimate love song but it’s steady beat and angelic guitar-based instrumentals makes it a great first dance song.
Favourite lyrical moment:
I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world
If you’re looking for a different arrangement of this song, look out for Lady Gaga’s cover from the album ‘Revamp: The Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin’. This arrangement is just as beautiful as the original with the addition of piano and string instrumentals.
4. Moon River- Audrey Hepburn
Moon River is a short, simple song, but the soaring melody and the romantic lyrics create a dreamy element to the song that makes it perfect for a first dance. The softness of it all illustrates a feeling of love and lightness, like dancing on a cloud.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Oh, dream maker
You heartbreaker
Wherever you're going I'm going your way
In 2018, Frank Ocean released a cover of “Moon River” that reinvents the iconic song to the 21st Century by using modern music technology that almost gives the song a three-dimensional sensation.
5. Something- The Beatles
George Harrison's “Something” has been hailed as one of the greatest love songs of all time by Frank Sinatra, as it perfectly illustrates how you start to notice and fall in love with all of the quirks and mannerisms of your significant other.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Somewhere in her smile, she knows
That I don't need no other lover
Something in her style that shows me
I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe and how
Popular Songs
6. 1+1- Beyonce
“1+1” exemplifies that no matter what’s going on in the world or what life throws at you, you’ll always have the love you share with your significant other. This R&B power ballad has become a popular first dance song as it expresses the feeling that can sometimes be hard to put into words.
Favourite lyrical moment:
When my days look low
Pull me in close and don't let me go, make love to me
So when the world's at war, let our love heal us all
7. Come Away With Me- Norah Jones
“Come Away With Me” was the eponymous track from Jone’s debut album in 2002. This song exhibits the feeling of wanting to run away with the one you love and create new memories and adventures together, leaving their worldly troubles behind.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you
8. Lucky- Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
This love song brings the phrase ‘home is where the heart is’ to life. The lyrics indicate that the couple has been in a long-distance relationship but matter how long they’ve spent apart, when they’re together it’s like they never left each other's side and their love is as strong as ever.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
9. I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You- Kina Grannis ft. Imaginary Future
This song is actually about the wedding day between Kina Grannis and Jesse Epstein (Imaginary Future). It speaks about how lucky they feel that they get to spend the rest of their lives together, creating new memories and music with each other. “I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You” has an extra sense of authenticity than other love songs as it was written by and about the artist’s love for each other.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Oh, but lately, I've been counting my stars
'Cause I will spend my whole life loving you
10. How Would You Feel (Paean)- Ed Sheeran
This paean was written by Ed Sheeran for his girlfriend, in an ode to their relationship. It’s about the moment when you finally know that you’ve fallen in love with a person and the need to tell them exactly how you feel.
Favourite lyrical moment:
How would you feel
If I told you I loved you?
It's just something that I want to do
I'll be taking my time
Spending my life
Falling deeper in love with you
So tell me that you love me too
Unique Songs
11. Baby, I’m Yours- Arctic Monkeys ft. 747s
Originally written by Van McCoy, “Baby I’m Yours” became the hit single for Barbara Lewis in 1965. About 40 years later, the Arctic Monkeys covered the track in 2006 and managed to keep the ‘60s elements alive as well as fit it to their style of music. The song encompasses the strong feeling of being so attached to someone that you’ll do anything for them and will be there for them forever.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Baby, I'm yours, 'til the stars fall from the sky
Baby, I'm yours, 'til the rivers all run dry
Baby, I'm yours, until the sun no longer shines
Baby, I'm yours, 'til the poets run out of rhyme
12. Happiness- Rex Orange County
This piano ballad projects the future thinking you experience in a relationship and how you imagine things might be years down the track. Rex Orange County spoke to HighsNobiety about the song and said “I’ve recently been really lucky and found someone amazing for me and “Happiness” is simply about my core feelings on my relationship with her and how my life has been for the past year and a half.”
Favourite lyrical moment:
And I want you to love me the way you love your family
The way you love to show me what it's like
To be happy
13. Toothpaste Kisses- The Maccabees
This Maccabees song is all about being romantically enchanted by someone and how all the small tasks they do together, like brushing your teeth before bed, can hold a special place in their everyday life.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Lay with me, I'll lay with you
We'll do the things that lovers do
Put the stars in our eyes
14. Love- Lana Del Rey
Though this track isn’t your typical love song, “Love” is ultimately about being ‘young and in love’ and how it’s important to keep trying to have fun and carefree while still balancing life's responsibilities and not running from the troubles life may throw at you. When listening to the lyrics, it may not seem like a song you’d pick for a first dance. However, the messages Del Rey projects throughout come from a place of love and resemble the advice you’d receive from an older family member.
Favourite lyrical moment:
It doesn't matter because it's enough
To be young and in love (ah, ah)
15. Best Part- Daniel Caesar ft. HER
Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part” showcases how important his significant other is to him and how much they can brighten his day. Throughout the song, it’s apparent how he is reliant on his partner to get through the obstacles of life.
Favourite lyrical moment:
I know you're a star
Where you go I'll follow
No matter how far
Upbeat Songs
16. I Wanna Dance With Somebody- Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s 1987 hit single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” may sound like just a classic ‘80s dance song, but the song expresses the desire to find somebody you can dance through the ups and downs of life with.
Favourite lyrical moment:
Oh! I want to dance with somebody
I want to feel the heat with somebody
Yeah! I want to dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
17. You’re the One That I Want- Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
From Grease: The Original Soundtrack made for the 1978 film adaptation, “You’re The One That I Want” became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The upbeat dance track is perfect if you’re looking for something not too serious and a little more fun.
Favourite lyrical moment:
The one that I want (you are the one I want)
Oo-oo-oo, the one I need (one I need)
Oh, yes, indeed (yes indeed)
18. Dancing in the Moonlight- Toploader
Toploader’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” is a cover of the 1972 single by King Harvest. This track is all about having fun, feeling free, and dancing until your heart’s content. If you were wanting a lighter song for your first dance or a song to transition from your special moment to get the party started, this is a great option and it’ll get everyone on their feet in no time.
Favourite lyrical moment:
We like our fun and we never fight
You can't dance and stay uptight
It's a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancing in the moonlight
19. PYT- Michael Jackson
“PYT”, released in 1983, was the sixth single from Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller. The funk/disco track is about when you start to have feelings towards someone and the wanting to connect with them on a new level. This signature ‘80s dance song is perfect if you’re looking for a more upbeat song that still has the meaning of love behind it.
Favourite lyrical moment:
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some lovin' (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I'll take you there, girl
20. Let’s Dance- David Bowie
Released the same year as Jackson’s “PYT”, David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” followed the same post-disco/ dance-pop sound that was becoming popular in the early ‘80s. While the song’s infectious beat makes anyone want to get up and dance, the song also holds a deeper meaning of wanting to be close to the one you love and never wanting to leave their side, just like when dancing.
Favourite lyrical moment:
If you say run, I'll run with you
And if you say hide, we'll hide
Because my love for you
Would break my heart in two
If you should fall, into my arms
And tremble like a flower
For better access to these songs, check out our Spotify playlist below:
FINDABAND'S TOP 20 FIRST DANCE SONGS PLAYLIST
Main Image by Andreas Rønningen on Unsplash
