It's been a while since I've done a first dance song review, but I'm turning over a new leaf and will be attempting to update this resource more often. Nothing like the beginning of the school year to get you motivated! (FYI: I am not a student, nor do I have school age children, yet I still feel the same "beginning of the school year" excitement I used to feel. Nerd alert!)

Anyway, take a listen to this song by Brett Eldredge and check out my pros, cons and recommendation below. And if you are hoping to dance to this song for your wedding and don’t live nearby, check out my online course for beginners. The steps you learn through the course go perfectly with this song!

The Pros

Not only does this song have beautiful lyrics, but it is really easy to dance to, especially for beginners. For couples who have trouble hearing the beats of the music, this song makes it super easy because of it’s strong drum beat. Also, pretty much each line of the song starts a new eight-count - for those of you who know how to count music - which makes it really easy to know when to start dancing and when to move on to another step.

The Cons

I really don’t have very many cons with this song besides the length. At 3:48, this song might be a little long for couples who are planning to just “prom sway” to it. However, if you are planning to do first dance choreography to this song, there are two good places to fade it out: either around 2:12 after the second chorus, or at 3:21. You don’t need to keep dancing through the final musical notes but rather plan to end the dance with a dip and a kiss when the lyrics end.

Recommendation

I think this is a great first dance song choice for couples who want a relaxed/casual and sweet and romantic first dance. Also, because it’s a country pop song, I feel like it fits nicely with outdoor weddings or weddings with rustic themes. That’s not to say it wouldn’t work beautifully for a black tie affair in a fancy ballroom. Just check out the picture above of my students Lauren and Zach at The Duke Mansion in Charlotte, NC. Gorgeous, dahling!

The Lyrics

If I could be the reason your hair's a mess,
The bass drum beatin' way down deep in your chest,
If I could be the voice on your radio,
Then I could be your long ride home.

If mine could be the name that changes yours,
The wine in your glass,
The swing on your porch,
The dollar in your pocket, and the peaceful in your sleep,
Then I'd be what you mean to me.

Standing here,
Watching you,
Turning every head in this crowded room,
The lights down low,
Dancin slow,
Oh, if falling's how you feel,
And perfect is what you see,
Then I'd be what you mean to me.

If I could be the fire in your firefly,
The cool in the rain,
The spark in your eye,
The answer to your prayer,
And the faith that sets you free,
Then I'd be what you mean to me.

Standing here,
Watching you,
Turning every head in this crowded room,
The lights down low,
Dancin slow,
Oh, if falling's how you feel,
And perfect is what you see,
Then I'd be what you mean to me,
What you mean to me

And oh, all of this talkin' makes you laugh,
But I've gotta let you know just how I feel
Eel eel while I'm standing here,
Watching you,
Turning every head in this crowded room,
And the lights down low,
Dancin slow,
Oh, if falling's how you feel,
And perfect is what you see,
Then I'd be what you mean to me.

Yeah falling's how you feel,
And perfect's what you see,
Then I'd be what you mean to me.
Be what you mean to me.
Oh, be what you mean, what you mean, what you mean,
What you mean to me.

What do you think of Mean to Me by Brett Eldredge as a first dance song? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram @firstdancecharlotte.

Image of Lauren and Zach courtesy of Cathy Durig Photography.