Most of the time when I DJ weddings, the couple will know or at least have in mind their first dance song. Often these songs are ones the groom and bride have a personal connection to, or have lyrics that are appropriate to their relationship, or are simply classics, like "At Last" by Etta James. But sometimes couples aren't sure of a song yet when they hire DJNYC, and they ask if I know of anything good. I really enjoy telling them of some songs that I think would be great first dance songs, and that probably aren't on any "cookie cutter DJ" first dance lists. What I tell them next is to not just look at all these rather same lists of favorite first dance songs that are all over the internet but instead to explore a bit more, especially going through their music collections to find a special song. Then, if they still want one of the first dance "staples," great. At least the couple thought about it a bit and realized you don't have to pick one of those well-known songs.
Now and then I'll be posting an entry of a first dance song I think would work great but is likely not well known. First up is one of the songs I suggest most to couples, "I Want You to Be My Love" by the group Over the Rhine. It's from their album Drunkard's Prayer, and is a stunner of a tune. There's a lovely piano melody; the lyrics are simple, true, but also feel entirely fresh; the female vocals have a perfect balance of passion and tenderness. When I hear the song's last line, "And I want you/And all you've been through" it gives me the good chills.
"Paul and Virginia" from their album Til We Have Faces, and "Drunkard's Prayer" off of Drunkard's Prayer are two more of my favorites. They also have a sweet little ditty called "Let's Spend the Day in Bed" on their latest album, The Trumpet Child.
At the last show of theirs that I saw, they asked how many people got engaged or danced at their wedding to "I Want You to Be My Love" and there was quite an overwhelming response.
On a similar note, "Somebody Loved" by the Weepies is a lovely first-dance option. Again, a husband and wife folk duo perform a sweet ballad full of bright guitar and mandolin and haunting melody. I love this song because it isn't about love being eternally perfect--Deb Talan sings about the heat going out, the rain turning the ground to mud, growing old. And yet, everything's okay because the love is still there, even amidst the muck.
I'm so excited that I found your blog. I could talk about this stuff for days.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2009 at 02:45 PM