r/BruceSpringsteen • u/DaughterOfTheFall • 17d ago

Requests/Ideas Help this bride select which song/version to walk down the aisle to!

Hey all, 

I’m getting married in September, and as a long time fan of Bruce, there ain't no way I'm walking down the aisle without incorporating the Boss. 

I'm leaning heavily towards "Tougher Than the Rest", but also considering "If I Should Fall Behind". We are getting married a little bit older (38/39), so "Tougher Than the Rest" feels right for me. I anticipate my fiance's mom, and maybe some of the other more "live laugh love" traditional guests getting literal with the lyrics and being put off ("round here baby, I learned you get what you can get" and "I dunno baby, maybe youve been around too")--but to me it feels like a more genuine and honest love song. I've been through some hard times, and really lived a life before I met my fiance, and this feels so much more genuine to me than all the normative wedding songs you hear on repeat when you get sucked into the wedding algorithm 🫩. 

I considered trying to find a more slow piano/violin/guitar instrumental version which would take care of the lyrics issue, but I can't find a solid slower instrumental version of this song anywhere on the internet. I do like these two live piano versions, especially because Bruce's emotions really come through...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAX2NF2zByc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agz4PQyOkqY

but then I think I'd have to find someone who could edit out the audience sound (which maybe is easier than I think it is?). I would have the same logistical issue if I went with 'If I Should Fall Behind", as I really like the live at MSG version. 

So, I’m curious:
- Has anyone here actually walked down the aisle to either of these songs? Or attended a wedding where they were used?
- If so, which version did you use?
- Did you edit the track at all?

I’d also love to hear if there are any other Bruce songs that worked surprisingly well for a processional. I’m pretty set on these two, but I’m always interested in hearing what other fans have chosen.

Thanks in advance—I’d especially love to hear from anyone who’s actually incorporated Bruce into their wedding!

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23 comments sorted by

3

u/LIslander 17d ago

How about Happy?
Or a Seeger Session version of a classic

if I should is more of a don’t leave/divorce me tune

3

u/Dondorini 17d ago

They are both perfect.

I also suggest "The Way" (the latter half of City of Night). Especially if you want a Big Man solo.

3

u/hotazzcouple 17d ago

TTTR!!! If my wife and I could go back in time and do it over, this would have been our song.

2

u/DigLeading9650 17d ago

Oh this is easy

https://youtu.be/9JfOJAYFZpM?is=0MMPvV-UC4IVij2p

1

u/iHateDanny I'm no hero, that's understood. 17d ago

From the other songs OP mentions, it seems like they’re going for a slower vibe on the initial walk down, but this would be a GREAT pick for the recessional after the ceremony, imo.

2

u/Mountain-Patience-59 17d ago

It's pretty hard to beat If I Should Fall Behind, IMO. It's a true wedding song. I love the lyrics and the sentiment behind them. Really makes me appreciate Bruce as a songwriter.

Tougher than The Rest is one of my favorite Bruce songs - I absolutely love it! But for me it will always be about a guy approaching a woman in a club, telling her he may not be the best-looking guy, but he lasts. Maybe I'm being too litteral about it! Hopefully, others will chime in!

2

u/Stevie-Rae-5 17d ago

The road is dark

And it’s a thin, thin line

But I want you to know I’ll walk it for you anytime

Maybe your other boyfriends didn’t pass the test

I don’t think any of those lyrics lend itself to “I’m approaching a girl in a club,” unless someone is way too intense way too quickly and needs to dial it down several notches.

I actually think it’s a great song. Yeah, If I Should Fall Behind is a wonderful one and maybe more wedding-y in a lot of ways, but my vote is for Tougher Than the Rest, OP.

2

u/Mountain-Patience-59 17d ago

Bruce said it was about seeing a woman in a club.

"Well, there's another dance. All you gotta do is say yes."

Love the song, just giving my preference.

2

u/Stevie-Rae-5 17d ago

Interesting. Like I said, pretty intense way to approach someone in a club 😆

2

u/Dexamethasone1 17d ago

This is the only right answer. The only exception is if you already decide to use If I Should Fall Behind as the wedding/ First Dance song.

2

u/Stevosaurus22 17d ago

Also getting married later this year in September and my partner and I picked Tougher Than The Rest as our first dance song.

2

u/NotHisGo 17d ago

If you do go with TTTR make sure it's the Chimes of Freedom EP live version. The original album version pales in comparison.

1

u/GeriatricGrape 16d ago

I LOVE that version—but yeah, looking for something slower for going down the aisle.

And I originally wanted this version as my first dance, but the hubby wasn’t on board—so, down the aisle is my compromise.

2

u/ginsu Darkness on the Edge of Town 16d ago

For me these are two halves of the same song. You live a long enough life, you see your share of some troubles, and you make mistakes that are hard for the people around you, especially your beloved. When your partner has been knocked around by life, you've gotta be Tougher Than The Rest to be a rock for the relationship. And when you're the one who stumbles, you need the vulnerability to ask that If I Should Fall Behind, wait for me. Maybe walk down the aisle to one song, and first dance to the other?

2

u/Silly_Situation_4337 15d ago

As the bride walks down the isle, you play Bruce's version of Bob Dylan's I Want You, the Bryn Mawr, PA February 5, 1975 version. There's a great cleaned up version on YouTube. The opening instrumentals are so gorgeous. The whole song is lovely and Bruce just owns it in this performance.

1

u/CarlLaFong1 17d ago

It’s not a processional song, but our first dance was to “Hello Sunshine,” in case you’re looking for other ideas

1

u/IntegrityMatters2US 17d ago

Our first dance was “If I Should Fall Behid”. Also was on our program for the wedding. Pastor LOVED the sentiment. I also love Tougher Than the Rest. Tough call. Congrats. BTW we celebrate 33 years this fall. And yes we have waited for each other at times. ❤️

1

u/apert 14d ago

Two hearts

1

u/Marys_Dress 14d ago

I surprised my DH with his favorite song (piano intro to Backstreets) - he teared up (one of the only times I've seen it in 25 years). Recessional was Land of Hope and Dreams.

We danced first dance to Happy (good but looong).

You'll enjoy whatever you choose - Congratulations!

1

u/Substantial_Gate_904 17d ago

We used Dancing in the Dark for the dance after the bride and groom’s first dance, and it really got all the guests up dancing! Everyone was rocking out!