Some of the best 1972 wedding songs were recorded by Cher, The Stylistics, and Johnny Cash.
In this list of the most popular choices, you’ll find songs for all parts of the wedding ceremony, from the processional to the send-off.
1972 Wedding Songs
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
Released in April 1972 on the album Still Bill
No one really performed this classic hit the way that Bill Withers did, and this is probably why it is still used by modern newlyweds for their weddings.
The song has been used in many contexts, but it is most often included as a part of the formal processional.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
Released in June 1972 on the album I Can See Clearly Now
There is something about finding your forever partner that puts all things in perspective, and that is exactly what Johnny Nash sang about in this song from 1972.
The lyrics make it a splendid choice for the first dance between husband and wife, and it’s one that all your guests will appreciate.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead, there’s nothing but blue skies
Look What You Done for Me – Al Green
Released in March 1972 on the album I’m Still in Love with You
Al Green sang about the transformative power of true love in this huge hit, and it has a soul vibe that couples prize when it comes to dancing music for weddings.
Have the DJ spin it once the party is fully underway so that everyone can join their special one on the dance floor.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ya baby, look what you done for me,
Ya baby, you set my heart free,
Baby, do you want to, do the thing that you oughta,
You’ve been very good for me
Drowning in the Sea of Love – Joe Simon
Released in November 1971 carry-over on the album Drowning in the Sea of Love
The vulnerability of love is a persistent theme in this ballad from Joe Simon, a 70s artist of modest fame. Imagine looking into the eyes of your new spouse while this song plays at the reception and being grateful that you no longer have to face the world alone.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’ve been down one time
And I’ve been down two times
But right now I’m drowning, drowning in the sea of love
A Thing Called Love – Johnny Cash
Released in April 1972 on the album A Thing Called Love
“A Thing Called Love” has been covered by many artists, but most can agree that the Johnny Cash version from 1972 stands tall above the rest. The Man in Black’s edgy vocal style complements this song’s theme of love’s enduring power and resilience.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And then I see a mother’s tenderness
As she holds her young close to her breast
Then I say thank God this world will win with the thing called love
Sweet Dream Woman – Waylon Jennings
Released in June 1972 on the album Good Hearted Woman
Waylon Jennings had one of the greatest love stories in country music, so it is no wonder his performance of this 1972 wedding song is so authentic.
It is a tune that should be reserved as a bridal dedication, but it can also be played before the wedding speeches are made.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Sweet dream woman of the night
Come and love me in the night
Sweet dream woman come and be
A woman to me
Loving You Could Never Be Better – Tanya Tucker
Released in September 1972 on the album Delta Dawn
Tanya Tucker was just a mere child when she recorded this follow-up to “Delta Dawn” and other classics, but the timeless nature of the lyrics makes it suitable for weddings today.
The song is best reserved for the first dance as man and wife, but it can also be played as the newlyweds light a unity candle.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You’ve got that love-me-look in your eyes like you’ve had so many time and how
Loving you could never be better than it is right now
I Will Never Pass This Way Again – Glen Campbell
Released in 1972 on the album Glen Travis Campbell
To love with one’s whole heart and promise forever is what weddings are all about, and Glen Campbell captures that sentiment in this guitar ballad.
It evokes tenderness in a way that all couples will appreciate, and it can become the perfect send-off song for your wedding.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
If there’s any love that I can give
Let me give it now, oh Lord please show me how
You’re Everything – Lynn Anderson
Released in 1972 on the album Listen to a Country Song
Lynn Anderson released this country ballad in 1972 to favorable reviews, and it is still played at weddings today as a part of the processional or recessional. You might also want to consider having the song played as your wedding guests arrive and take their seats.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’m on the top of the world, lookin’ down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I’ve found ever since you’ve been around
Your love’s put me at the top of the world
I’ll Take You There – The Staple Singers
Released in February 1972 on the album Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
Those who like rich harmonies and a true 70s vibe will want this song by The Staple Singers included on your wedding day. It speaks of taking your partner to places that only the two of you can go together.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Play on it, play on it, make daddy now
Daddy, daddy, daddy, play your
Ooh, Lord, all right now
Baby, little lady, easy now
Tip See a list from the prior year with the popular 1971 wedding songs.
Top of the World – The Carpenters
Released in June 1972 on the album A Song for You
Most people would agree that there is no feeling similar to that experienced when one says their wedding vows. The Carpenters understood that being on top of the world can happen when you find that special one to share your life with.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Is the love that I’ve found, ever since you’ve been around
Your love’s put me at the top of the world
Betcha by Golly, Wow – The Stylistics
Released in February 1972 on the album The Stylistics
The Stylistics recorded this song in 1972 and cemented its place in music history, and it’s a ballad that you will want to share with your new partner. The beautiful thing about the song is that it speaks of love through the years, and you’ll appreciate that more with each passing anniversary.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And betcha by golly, wow
You’re the one that I’ve been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you keep growin’ strong
Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast – Wayne Newton
Released in April 1972 on the album Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast
Wayne Newton knows a thing or two about wedding music given his long-standing residency as one of Las Vegas’most popular acts.
This is the song that many brides choose when it comes to a father-daughter dance, and the emotion of the lyrics and Newton’s voice will surely bring a tear to many eyes.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Daddy don’t you walk so fast
Daddy slow down some
Coz your making me run
Heart of Gold – Neil Young
Released in January 1972 on the album Harvest
Neil Young brought his earthy voice to this 1972 classic, one that draws upon complex romantic imagery to deliver a sentimental message. You should have your wedding DJ play the song as you and your spouse make your grand entrance into the reception hall.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
That keeps me searchin’ for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
Keeps me searchin’ for a heart of gold
Morning Has Broken – Floyd Cramer
Released in 1972 on the album Class of ’72
Instrumental music is still a popular choice for wedding ceremonies today, and you could easily make this Floyd Cramer piano version of an old classic your very own bridal march. The soft nature of the song is perfect for inclusion in the more formal parts of your wedding.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Morning has broken, like the first morning.
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning,
Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.
The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A. – Donna Fargo
Released in March 1972 on the album The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.
Donna Fargo was a country music sweetheart, and this was one of her only radio hits from the 70s era. You might be surprised to know that some brides choose to play this song while dancing with their father at the wedding reception.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Gotta go I love you
You have a beautiful day,
And kiss the happiest girl, In the whole U.S.A.
Run to Me – Bee Gees
Released in July 1972 on the album To Whom It May Concern
Your chosen spouse is meant to be a form of refuge for you in times of trouble, and the Bee Gees make this notion clear in this wedding day hit. Some wedding songs are just made for dancing the night away, and this one should be added to your collection of reception tunes.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Run to me if you need a shoulder
Now and then, you need someone older
So darling, you run to me
I Wanna Be Where You Are – Michael Jackson
Released in May 1972 on the album Got to Be There
The King of Pop Michael Jackson was still just a boy when this song was released in 1972, but it has a modern feel that will fit in with most wedding ceremonies today. A groom could make his bride feel very special when he plays this song just for her in addition to making a wedding speech.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I wanna, wanna be where you are
Anywhere you are
I wanna, wanna be where you are
Summer Breeze – Seals and Crofts
Released in August 1972 on the album Summer Breeze
Love is something that should come as easy as a breeze on a summer day, and that is what this Seals and Crofts classic is all about. You need some songs at your wedding reception that will just help you to relax after all the pressure of the ceremony, and “Summer Breeze” gives everyone a chance to savor the moment.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
July is dressed up and playing her tune
And I come home from a hard day’s work
And you’re waitin’ there, not a care in the world
The Way of Love – Cher
Released in January 1972 on the album Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves
Cher embarked upon her solo career with hits like this one, and the song reflects how the path of love is never the same for any two couples. Most newlyweds like to use the song because it expresses the individuality of the romantic journey.
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Then what will ya do
When he sets you free
Just the way that you
Said goodbye to me
Tip Next, see a list of the best 1973 wedding songs.
Celebrating weddings of 1972. Where were you and what was happening?
If you were one of the weddings in 1972
Congratulations on your wedding of 1972. You share your anniversary with the following events.
Celebrity Weddings of 1972
- Robert Wagner married Natalie Wood
- George Strait wed Norma Voss
- Richard Branson married Kristen Tomassi
- Johnny Carson wed Joanna Holland
- Carly Simon married James Taylor
News Highlights of 1972
- President Nixon becomes the first U.S. President to visit China and Moscow.
- Five burglars are charged with breaking into the Washington D.C. office of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate complex.
- Arabs massacre 11 Israeli athletes at the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany.
- American swimmer Mark Spitz wins a record seven gold medals at the Munich Olympics.
1972 Sports Champions
- The Oakland A’s won the World Series over the Cincinnati Reds.
- Super Bowl VI – Dallas Cowboys won 24-3 over the Miami Dolphins.
- Los Angeles wins the NBA Title over the New York Knicks.
- Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup over the New York Rangers.
Music Highlights of 1972
- Grammy’s Song of 1972: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Ewan MacColl
- Gilbert O’Sullivan – Alone Again (Naturally)
- Don McLean – American Pie
- Mac Davis – Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me
- Sammy Davis Jr. – Candy Man
- America – A Horse With No Name
- Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now
- Bill Withers – Lean On Me
- Chuck Berry – My Ding-A-Ling
- Nilsson – Without You
- Stevie Wonder – Superstition
- Neil Young – Heart Of Gold
- Roberta Flack – The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
- The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
- The Chi-Lites – Oh Girl
- Neil Diamond – Song Sung Blue
- Michael Jackson – Ben
- Three Dog Night – Black & White
- The Temptations – Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone
- Billy Paul – Me And Mrs. Jones
- Elton John – Crocodile Rock
- Helen Reddy – I Am Woman
- Carly Simon – You’re So Vain
Entertainment Highlights of 1972
- Best Picture: The French Connection: Philip D’Antoni
- Best Actor: Gene Hackman – The French Connection
- Best Actress: Jane Fonda – Klute
Top Television Shows
- All In The Family, Bridget Loves Bernie, Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Ironside, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Maude, NBC Sunday Mystery Movie, Sanford & Son, The Wonderful World Of Disney
Learn more about 1972 on Wikipedia. Thank you for visiting our page – weddings of 1972.
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