The symbolic first dance at a wedding reception sets the musical tone for your new life together, but before you tell the DJ to play that special song, make sure it’s the right one.

Perhaps the chorus of your favorite song has some words which resonate with your mushy feelings. Maybe “your” song was the first you ever danced to as a couple. These are great reasons to choose a first dance song, but why not be realistic with the symbolism?

As a professional DJ for many years, I’ve performed at more events than I could count (not because I’m bad at math, but because I’ve done quite a few). Many of these events were wedding receptions. I’ve played all the lovey romantic songs you could think of. While that’s all well and good, it makes me want to gag.

Why?

Because half of all marriages end in divorce.

When you get divorced, do you really want to cringe every time you hear that “special” song. What was once your favorite song could soon become your most hated. To prevent this heartache down the road (the song, not the marriage), you need to put some real thought into that first dance.

Consider a song which expresses words of real relationship truths.

Personally, I love the song “Good Enough For Now” for by Weird Al Yankovich. I think it’s the BEST wedding song EVER. If I ever get married again, it HAS to be my first dance.

Check out the lyrics:

Oh, I couldn’t live a single day without you
Actually, on second thought, well, I suppose I could
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, honey, you’re the greatest
Well, at any rate, I guess you’re…pretty good

Now, it seems to me I’m relatively lucky
I know I probably couldn’t ask for too much more
I honestly can say you’re an above-average lady
You’re almost just what I’ve been looking for

You’re sort of everything I ever wanted
You’re not perfect, but I love you anyhow
You’re the woman that I’ve always dreamed of
Well, not really…but you’re good enough for now

You’re pretty close to what I’ve always hoped for
That’s why my love for you is fairly strong
And I swear I’m never gonna leave you, darlin’
At least ’til something better comes along

‘Cause you’re sort of everything I ever wanted
You’re not perfect, but I love you anyhow
You’re the woman that I’ve always dreamed of
Well, not really…but you’re good enough for now
No, not really…but you’re good enough for now

But if you’re looking for something different, consider song of these songs:

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2

Gold Digger – Jaime Foxx

Should I Stay or Should I Go – The Clash

I Don’t Love You – My Chemical Romance

Nothing Lasts Forever – Echo & The Bunnymen

Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield

Love Stinks – J. Geils Band

She Hates Me – Puddle of Mudd

You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Rolling Stones

Everything About You – Ugly Kid Joe

Am I being spiteful or evil with this song this? Absolutely not. I’m just a realist.

Think of it as being preemptive. Have a little fun with the first dance. Nothing says it has to be serious! And it things do bad down the road, you can still listen to your favorite song, free of disgust and anger (well, maybe).

Now that I’ve totally crushed your wedding spirit, what other inappropriate songs can you think of that would be great first dance songs?

Leave a comment and let me know!

Marty