We humans are a strange bunch. There’s no rhyme or reason when it comes to how a song or musical work resonates with large segments of the population. Music is usually an integral part of wedding celebrations. From the processional of a wedding party down the aisle to the song chosen as a first dance at the reception, the song selection is an important and intentional decision when it comes to details on the big day. Surprisingly enough, many of the world’s most popular wedding songs either have nothing to do with marriage or are the complete opposite of a happy love song. Let’s explore some of these popular and enduring classics.
Stalking in Songs
If you’re not listening closely, The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” sounds like devotion to a spouse or lover. Listen again and pay closer attention to the lyrics. These are the thoughts of someone who is really obsessed with someone else. The feelings are so strong that the singer is letting the object of his obsession know that he is continuously tormented that they’re not together, so the consolation prize is constant stalking. A marriage should be built on several things. Obsession isn’t one of them.
Songs Of Letting Go
Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became a global hit when singer Whitney Houston covered it for 1992’s “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Couples all over the world made this classic a part of their wedding playlists. A closer inspection of the lyrics shows that the singer is mourning a past relationship and saying goodbye to lost love. Viewed through that lens, the song title becomes less romantic affirmation and more of a stalker’s anthem. That won’t stop its popularity as a love song, even for weddings. For what it’s worth, Dolly Parton wrote the song when she was breaking up with a long-time mentor and business partner to go her own way.
Feeling Bitter
Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” is an enduring soul classic. Percy offers raw, gritty vocals as he runs down the things that a lovestruck man does for the object of his affections. This slow ballad is a go-to for the first dance between the newlyweds at the reception. Who doesn’t love a man being completely vulnerable about his feelings? Revisiting the lyrics reveals that they’re the thoughts of a man who is bitter about the things he did for love.
Carrying On
Canada’s own songbird Celine Dion has built her career on love songs, several of which are popular choices for weddings. Classics like “The Power of Love” and “Because You Loved Me” were chart-toppers in multiple countries, but “My Heart Will Go On” remains her biggest love song. The main theme from the movie “Titanic,” this song describes a woman pledging her love for a lover separated by distance and time. Yes, this song is an ode to a deceased lover. That might not matter to you, given Celine’s powerful, passionate vocals.
Fighting Boredom
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars is a modern go-to, not only for wedding receptions but proposals as well. This oft-misunderstood song describes the decision to say “I do” on a whim because the singer is bored and looking for something to do. Even the lyrics make room for the proposed to break things up given that this wasn’t a serious desire to marry. This up-tempo banger brings the high energy that Bruno Mars fans love, but the lyrics are incongruous with the idea of a serious, lifelong commitment of marriage. Just so we’re clear.
When it comes to wedding music, you and your partner are free to play songs that hold special meaning or bring to mind important times in your relationship. These could be songs of any theme, genre, or era of music. That said, if words matter, you should probably reconsider making some of these songs part of your wedding soundtrack.
