Playing some songs about dads is just one of the best ways to pay tribute to the man who guides us through life the best way they can.
Sometimes, we find it quite challenging to put our feelings into writing, especially when we are aiming to capture our father’s larger-than-life presence. Of course, the special bond between you and your father can’t also be easily compressed within a store-bought Father’s Day card.
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When words start to fail, that’s when music can definitely speak.
In honor of Father’s Day, we present to you some of the best songs about fatherhood. There are ones from the kid’s perspective, while others from the fathers – either way, they are all packed with a sentimental punch.
1. “Drive (for Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson
Written by Alan Jackson, “Drive (for Daddy Gene)” is apparently dedicated to the country singer’s father, Eugene Jackson, who died in 2000.
Jackson recalled how he and his father would drive all over the countryside in their old beat-up truck, which they would often fix up together. Now that he’s all grown up, he vows to share the same experiences with his three daughters.
2. “He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley pays tribute to all the incredible stepfathers everywhere with “He Didn’t Have To Be.” It tells the tale of a man who discovered that the woman he was dating had a son at home.
The moment he knew it, he stepped up and became a father figure to the child by starting to include him in the time that they spent together, like bringing him to movies and on many outings with his mother.
3. “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
“Daddy’s Hands” was released by Holly Dunn in 1986 from her self-titled album as a Father’s Day gift for her father, who was a minister. The song was such a massive success for her, peaking at No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart and helping her earn two Grammy Awards nominations.
Dunn also revealed that the song had a strange impact on her live audiences. She said that every time she sings it, she would see people weeping.
4. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
Written by Bob Carlisle himself, the tear-jerking song follows a father-and-daughter relationship — from the day she was born until the day he gives her away to enjoy wedded bliss.
Carlisle was inspired to write the brilliant lyrics after browsing some family pictures. He realized that his daughter, who was turning sixteen at that time, would be leaving home in a few years.
He then recorded the song onto a cassette tape for his daughter’s birthday, without any plan of releasing it to the public. Eventually, the singer ended up including the song on his third studio album, which sold over two million copies due to the popularity of “Butterfly Kisses.”
5. “My Last Name” by Dierks Bentley
Released in 2003 as the second single from his self-titled debut album, Dierks Bentley describes the origins and the experiences he went through because of his last name, like how he beat up a bully for making fun of his name and how his grandfather grandpa “took it off to Europe to fight the Germans in the war.”
At the end of the song, he said he wanted to marry the woman he loves — to give her his last name because he does not have much.
6. “Mr. Mom” by Lonestar
“Mr. Mom” is Lonestar’s last No. 1 hit to date.
Released in 2004 as the second single from their studio album Let’s Be Us Again, the song sings about a father’s attempts to be “Mr. Mom,” like staying at home trying to raise his kids while his wife is at work. He later realized that he doesn’t know how his wife does it all. Grateful enough, he proclaimed her as his hero.
7. “The Best Day” by George Strait
If you’re a fan of the King of Country, then you know how much he treasures his relationship with his son, George Jr. or more popularly known as Bubba. And George Strait describes his relationship with his son in the song “The Best Day.”
8. “Tough Little Boys” by Gary Allan
In 2003, Gary Allan showed the country world his fatherly side as he sings about a father who always envisioned himself to be a tough man, even when he was just a child. However, the moment he looked at his own child, he started worrying about his child’s safety. He later admits that “When tough little boys grow up to be dads. They turn into big babies again.”
9. “That’s My Job” by Conway Twitty
In 1987, Conway Twitty had fans bursting into tears with his moving ballad, “That’s My Job,” that pondered on heartening memories any parent can relate to. The country music icon sings about a boy who walked from a nightmare in the dead of night. Terrified by the experience, he ran to his father for comfort.
The song’s chorus served as a response from the loving father all through the ballad’s events, even during his time of unfortunate passing.
10. “Anything Like Me” by Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley definitely knows the thrill of being a first-time father welcoming a little boy into the world. Though feeling nervous about raising a son, he is comforted by the fact that he’s going to be just like him when he grows up.
11. “Love Without End, Amen” by George Strait
“Love Without End, Amen” is absolutely one of the ultimate Father’s Day songs wherein George Strait sings about the unconditional love that is always present no matter what situation a child gets themselves into.
12. “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins
Rodney Atkins’ “Watching You” is a great reminder that children are always watching. Even though you’re at your best moment or your worst, it’s very important to be a role model for them.
13. “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” by Reba McEntire
Some fathers just so happen to leave their emotions to themselves and won’t show warm love through hugs and kisses. But as Reba sings, that doesn’t mean they don’t love their kids—sometimes, that means they love their children more than anybody will ever see.
14. “Family Man” by Craig Campbell
What inspires every father to be the best man he can possibly be? Of course, it will always be because of his loving and caring family.
15. “Daddy Come and Get Me” by Dolly Parton
The moment she got her heart broken, Dolly Parton sings how she needs to be with the man that she can always depend on – and it’s no other than his father.
More Country Songs About Dads To Bond With Your Old Man
Go ahead and put these country songs about dads together for a unique gift that summarizes the special relationship you share.
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country songs