When was the last time you heard the song you danced to at your wedding?
My husband and I have the sheet music to our first-dance song engraved in wood and resting on a shelf in our family room.
I can only read the title from where I sit, but I know the words by heart.
After a lengthy Google/listen/veto decision process (only to be outdone by our baby name process two years later), we landed on a classic: “The Glory of Love,” the jazzy cover version by Ann Hampton Calloway.
The lyrics are simple:
You’ve got to give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love
As long as there’s the two of us
We’ve got the world and all its charms
And when the world is through with us
We’ve got each other’s arms
It’s light. It’s straightforward. It’s way easier and breezier than the ups and downs of actual marriage. But it also grounds us in what really matters and why we proclaimed those vows eight years ago.
When I ask a couple what they chose for their wedding song, there is often a wistful pause as they’re transported back to gliding blissfully across the floor to their chosen tune.
I recently uncovered a Mom Poll issued by the Cincinnati Mom Collective in Fall 2020, which gave a glimpse into the music local couples first danced to on their wedding day. I chose a few favorites to share with you.
Kids, jobs, yardwork and schedules can all drain the life from our love. When we’re tired, have had it up to here, and are stuck in routines, these lyrics break through the everyday weariness and serve as a reminder – for all of us – of the love that began our marriage adventure.
“At last, my love has come along.” – Etta James
Perfect for any couple, especially those who waited longer than most for their true love.
“God bless the broken road that led me straight to you.” – Rascal Flatts.
So many of us have a broken road story. We often don’t see the beauty of that road until we find our person and look back on the purposeful journey.
“How wonderful life is when you’re in the world.” – Elton John
It may not be natural to drop this beautiful sentiment into everyday conversation, but who wouldn’t want to hear it?!
“And when there’s silver in your hair, you won’t have to ask if I still care, ’cause as time turns the page, my love won’t age at all.” – All-4-One
Love that exists as a fountain of youth. May we all say these unconditional words in our later years.
“We’ll look back someday, at this moment that we’re in, and I’ll look at you and say, and I thought I loved you then.” Brad Paisley
I had never heard this tune, but fell in love with the words, about a love that grows into something better than on that best day of your life.
“Give your all to me. I’ll give my all to you. You’re my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I’m winning.” John Legend
On your worst day, being with that person means you’ve come out ahead.
“You are my best friend, and you are where my heart is. And I know at the day’s end, I get to come home to you.” John Michael Montgomery
This sums up the best parts of marriage for me: someone to share everything with and to be there at the end of the day.
Maybe when you’re mired in your next marital “discussion,” or when a long day zaps the little bit of energy left for your spouse, turn on your wedding song and remember what brought you together in the first place.
Tell us: What was your wedding song?
Two Less Lonely People in the World by Air Supply. My husband and I were both only children, we both moved at an early age and friends came and went. Once we met there truly were Two Less Lonely people in the world! We have been married31 years!
Aww wonderful!!!!!