First Dance Songs (Pop/Alternative)

So, when I searched for good "first dance" songs, I had to scour the internet. I continually came up with the same 10 songs. For MONTHS, I've been compiling a pretty comprehensive list of songs that span several genres. I will split this post into multiple posts, each focusing on different genres. 


If you're planning a wedding, I hope you find my lists helpful!


Daniel Powter - "Cupid"-- If you're looking for something with sweet lyrics from guy to girl, this song is cute, upbeat, and reminiscent of Jack Johnson.
(Note: there is one part about make-up sex, so be warned.)

Lyrics excerpt:
You're a yes in a world of no's
You're the Beatles to my Stones
It's a sweet romance 
A spotlight dance
Girl you shake me to my bones

Check it out on YouTube:

Jason Mraz - "I Won't Give Up" -- Had this song existed before my wedding, it would've been our first dance song.  I love Jason Mraz and his music, and this song might be my favorite. This song is slower than "Cupid," and it makes you want to sway. The lyrics are a beautiful testament to how love can know no bounds and how love is about helping the other person grow into the best person he/she can be. Powerful.

Lyrics excerpt:
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky or
a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold.
And just like them old stars,
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are.
How old is your soul?
Well, I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough.
I'm giving you all my love.

Check out the lyrics video on YouTube (which would be great to show on a screen as you dance, especially if you really don't want people staring at you):

Paramore - "The Only Exception" - This song speaks to those who come from a childhood that might not have offered the best models for love, but they still found it in someone else. It speaks to those who did not believe in love until they met that one person who proved them wrong about the impossibility of love. (P.S. I love Paramore. When I saw them in concert, the bassist did a backflip while playing his stellar instrument on the stage. Epic.) 

Lyrics Excerpt:
Maybe I know somewhere
Deep in my soul
That love never lasts
And we've got to find other ways
To make it alone
Or keep a straight face
And I've always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable distance
And up until now I've sworn to myself
That I'm content with loneliness

Because none of it was ever worth the risk

Well you are the only exception

Check it out on YouTube:

The next song comes from the band Parachute. It's called "She is Love." -- A guy sings about a girl who saves him from his darkest days. I alluded to these lyrics in my wedding vows. :)

Lyrics Excerpt (from azlyrics.com): 

I've been beaten down, I've been kicked around, 
But she takes it all for me. 
And I lost my faith, in my darkest days, 
But she makes me want to believe. 

They call her love, love, love, love, love. 

Check out "She is Love" on YouTube:

Parachute also wrote a song with my FAVORITE band, Lady Antebellum, called "Kiss Me Slowly." Since it talks about "not running away" from a relationship, it's not really appropriate for a first dance, but you should check it out. 

The next three songs come from our girl Colbie Caillat - 

1. "Falling For You" -- I'm thinking that, since you're getting married, you've already fallen (completely) for the other person, but this song is sweet. She says, "I've been waiting all my life for you."

Lyrics Excerpt (from azlyrics.com):

I've been spending all my..time
Just thinking about ya
I don't know what to do
I think I'm fallin' for you

Check it out on YouTube (lyrics video): 

2. "You Got Me"

Lyrics Excerpt:

I think I felt my heart skip a beat

I'm standing here and I can hardly breathe

You got me.

The way you take my hand is just so sweet.

And that crooked smile of yours. It knocks me off my feet.

Oh, I just can't get enough.

Check it out on YouTube (lyrics video): 

3. "The Little Things"-- not the best of the three, but it's a sentiment that strikes home for many women. It's all about the little things, right, ladies?

Lyrics Excerpt (from azlyrics.com):

The little things, you do to me are
Taking me over, I wanna show ya
Everything inside of me
Like a nervous heart that, is crazy beating

Check it out on YouTube (not a skeezy video though it looks like it based on the screen shot):

Boys Like Girls featuring Taylor Swift - "Two Is Better Than One" - pretty duet, and it's always nice when a girl and guy sing so that it's not all about one or the other. Both people get their egos stroked on the big day, haha. 

Lyrics Excerpt (from azlyrics.com): 

I remember what you wore on the first day
You came into my life and I thought hey
You know, this could be something

'Cause everything you do and words you say
You know that it all takes my breath away
And now I'm left with nothing

So maybe it's true that I can't live without you
And maybe two is better than one
But there's so much time to figure out the rest of my life
And you've already got me coming undone
And I'm thinking two is better than one

Check them out on YouTube:

Michael Buble - "Everything" - It might be on the verge of being played out, but I don't know if that's in real life or just on my iTunes playlist? I know "Home" has seen its fair share of radio playlists, but "Everything" might still be in a less well known corner of the world. Maybe. I'm not telling you about it because you need to hear it. 

Check out the greatness on YouTube: 

Some others that can join this list, but might be too overplayed to deserve video credit:

• Uncle Kracker - "Smile"
• Train - "Marry Me"
• Bruno Mars - "Just the Way You Are"
• Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat - "Lucky"
• Michael Buble - "Home" 

Want to know my favorite pick from this list? No contest: "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz. 

Don't worry. I will be posting more lists (the classics, country, rock, and etc.) 

Feel free to post your POP suggestions in the comments. (Please don't post about other genres until I write posts about those!)