For this year’s Father’s Day, I thought it might be fun to share my Top 10 songs about Dads.
Why would I do this? Music speaks to our hearts in ways that words sometimes can’t. Songs touch me deeply, and I’m hoping these ones might do the same for you.
I used to be a radio announcer before I moved into the academic world. I’ve grown up with a dad who sings, plays piano and guitar, and has music as a language of love. When I hear songs with a message that speaks to me, I get choked up. I love the stories, the emotions, the artistry.
If you’re looking for something that tells Dad you love him, take a look at the list below.
Before you read the list, I have to confess that the fact I have six daughters has influenced my song choice. There are several songs that are all about daddys and their little girls. I also have to own up to the fact that I really enjoy country music – and the country muso’s do songs about family better than anyone. So, here we go with my top 10 songs about Dads – for Father’s Day.
10. The Living Years – Mike and the Mechanics
This song was a hit when I was just a teen. While I don’t love the song, the message is too important to miss. “I wish I could have told him in the living years.” Make sure you look your dad in the eye this Father’s Day and tell him you love him.
9. Father’s Day – Weddings, Parties, Anything
For all the single dads who haven’t always lived alone. This song cuts to the heart of why Fathers Day can hurt so much for some dads, and reminds us of how important it is that we do all we can to keep our families together. It cannot always work out, but where we can, we have to try.
8. A little ray of sunshine – Axiom
As my wife, Kylie, and I entered our obstetrician’s office for the first time to discuss the pending birth of our first daughter, this song played on the radio. Kylie looked at me and stated, “We’re having a girl.” She was right. Remember the wonder of looking at your ‘little ray of sunshine’ for the first time?
7. Father and son – Cat Stevens
This would have to be the quintessential song about fathers. While it may not compete for emotion with some of the songs further down the list, this song is a must-have on any Father’s Day list.
6. Let them be little – Billy Dean
This is a relatively obscure song that I’ve pulled off the shelf because the message is perfect for Father’s Day. A great reminder of what being a dad, and being a child, is all about.
5. Cats in the cradle – Harry Chapin
A song about regret that stirs up fierce emotions in parents and their children. An all-time classic. (This clip is slightly documentary style – but worth watching it.)
4. The Day – Babyface
I discovered this song on the CD of the same name and was struck by its simplicity – the piano is perfection – and its beautiful message. “It was like falling deep in love. I heard the angels cry above. It was a blessing straight from God. The day that you gave me a son.”
3. Butterfly kisses – Bob Carlisle
This one gets me every time. A song for everyone who has ever been a daddy or a daughter. Some people think it’s soppy. I just listen to it and cry.
2. Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
For every dad who has ever been too busy, but then stopped and realised how fleeting time is… so he has to dance with Cinderella while she is here in his arms. I’m almost crying just typing. This song requires Kleenex.
1. My front porch looking in – Lonestar
The country influence is hitting pretty hard here, but this song deserves to be at the top of the list. These guys (who sang “Amazed”) tell us how incredible the views are around the world, but nothing beats the view (or takes our breath away) of “my front porch looking in”.
My honourable mentions list includes: Isn’t she lovely by Steven Wonder, Papa don’t preach from Madonna, and My father’s eyes by Eric Clapton.
So what do you think? Did any of those songs grab you? What did I miss that you’ll be listening to on Father’s Day?