Last night, I had the Amazing privilege of seeing Stevie Wonder (one of my all time FAVORITES- I simply play out his stuff at the office) at Jones Beach. To say it was a musical highlight of my life is an understatement- the man is a living legend and he has a song for nearly every thought or emotion one could have. If you haven't gone to a concert at Jones, you should try and do it this summer, it's amazing- even though it rained on us early on, hearing such awesome music with lightning and waves crashing in the distance is just really something.....
(here, photo of the theatre and me waiting out the rain!)
In any case, let me get to the PURPOSE of the post. So, Stevie did a lot of our favorites, including Overjoyed. Mayra turned to me and said "Isn't it so weird that so many people choose this as a first dance?" To which I completely agreed. The song is basically completely about unrequited love. It speaks a lot about being overjoyed and over loved over you, but basically in DESPERATE anticipation of reciprication. Not really about mutual love and admiration at all..... I responded "Ribbon in the sky seems on the surface cheesier, but is actually a MUCH more appropriate wedding song."
Here is the thing, and I can't tell you how common this is: Many people select really REALLY really inappropriate wedding songs. I'm not trying to be the Lyric Police and Obviously, sometimes we have personal reasons for picking a song, and I think that can't be understated, but I thought it was a good reminder of the importance of listening to song lyrics.... Sometimes band leaders will make suggestions and, since it's not the '50's, it's hard to figure out what "your song" is.
I thought I'd also make some suggestions of some LESSER used AWESOME first dance songs that have certainly gotten me a little bit misty!
Jack Johnson, Better Together
If this world were Mine by Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross
By My Side, Sade
Every Time I Close My Eyes by Babyface
All the Way by Frank Sinatra
I'd Rather by Luther Vandross (especially if you've been together off and on for, like forever...)
You're my Best Friend by Queen (a little fast, but good)
Ain't Nobody by Chaka Kahn (also a little fast, but good)
I want to Thank You by Alicia Myers (Again, fast, but Soo cute)
Send me your suggestions, if you have them, I'd love to add to the list......
