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Whenever Father's Day rolls around, we're all faced with the same question: How should I celebrate this year? If you already have a gift for Dad picked out, and his favorite Father's Day dinner is ready to go, there's one final thing you can do to make the day extra special—create a playlist of the best Father's Day songs about dads. These tunes are as heartwarming as classic Father's Day poems, but even better because you can dance to them.
Music is a wonderful way to capture your special relationship, dad jokes and all. Some tracks directly mention dads, like Keith Urban's heartfelt country hit "Song for Dad" or John Mayer's "Daughters." Other songs don't have the words "dad" or "father" in them but sweetly capture your feelings like Stevie Wonder's hit, "These Three Words." Plus, there are a few in here that are just simply classic dad songs (Ahem, Ladd Drummond is a big country music fan)! And even if he still wants the coolest new grilling accessories, what's a better Father's Day activity than turning up the tunes and jamming out?
"Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
Did he ever know that he's your hero? You can tell him now with this sweet ballad by Bette Midler that expresses gratitude to the one who spent their life lifting you up.
"Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
In 1991, decades after Nat King Cole's death, his beloved song was edited and reworked to create a posthumous duet with his daughter, Natalie. Don't be surprised if this beautiful father-daughter duet brings you both to tears!
"Carried Me with You" by Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile wrote this touching song for Onward, an animated film about two elf brothers trying to bring back their late father, so you know it's going to be fitting for Father's Day. She has said it's "a song about not taking love for granted—accepting love even when you don't feel like you deserve it."
"My Girl" by The Temptations
This is a classic father-daughter wedding song for a reason! It tugs at your heartstrings while still being super sweet and upbeat.
"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle
Any dad who's ever watched his precious little girl grow into an amazing young woman will appreciate this tearjerker. Even though you're all grown up now, he'll never forget those butterfly kisses at bedtime!
"Right by You (for Luna)" by John Legend
John Legend dedicated this sweet song to his daughter, Luna. In it, he promises he will always be there for his daughter whenever she needs him.
"Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder's 1976 hit celebrated the birth of his daughter with sweet questions like: "Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful? Isn't she precious?" We're willing to bet your own dad was thinking the same things when you were born!
"Most of All" by Brandi Carlile
He's taught you so many life lessons and now you can thank him with this moving song featuring lyrics like: "He taught me to forgive, how to keep a cool head, how to love the one you're with."
"Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)" by Billy Joel
This lullaby was inspired by Billy Joel's daughter, who was a little girl when he wrote it. He has said the song sends an important message to children that "they are not alone" and will never be abandoned.
"Cat's In The Cradle" by Harry Chapin
If this one doesn't make you want to pick up the phone and call Dad, we don't know what will! It's a bittersweet song about a father who is too busy to spend time with his son until it's too late.
"Daddy Could Swear, I Declare" by Gladys Knight & the Pips
This cheeky 1973 song is cute, silly, and perfect for any pop who does his best but sometimes swears like a sailor. It has a sweet message: You don't need to have a PHd or be the tallest to still garner your children's love.
"Watching You" by Rodney Atkins
Parents sometimes don't realize just how much their kids are watching them and what they're picking up from them. Atkin's country hit tells the story of a dad who sees his son picking up his habits like a sponge.
"Love Without End, Amen" by George Strait
Wow, this is a sweet one. The chorus is so heartwarming, as Strait sings, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love / A secret that my daddy said was just between us / He said daddies don't just love their children every now and then / It's a love without end, amen."
"Father And Son" by Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens' popular 1970 song is like a duet performed solo. It frames an exchange between a father who doesn't understand his son's desire to grow into his own, and Stevens sings in different octaves to indicate the different perspectives.
"Drive (For Daddy Gene)" by Alan Jackson
When this song was released, it reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles. It's dedicated to the singer's father, who had passed away, and the song recounts fond memories of the pair fixing up an old beat-up truck together.
"They Don't Make 'em Like My Daddy" by Loretta Lynn
Lynn named her 24th studio album after this beloved single about how they don't make men like her father anymore. When Lynn sings, you just want to listen. Your pop will surely love this ode to a hard-working man.
"Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn
Get your tissues ready! Dunn rose to fame from this song because of its touching lyrics. If you don't play this version, consider the duet version Dunn sang with Dolly Parton on The Dolly Show in the late '80s!
"I Learned From You" by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
Talk about an iconic country music father-daughter pair! The two wrote the lyrics together and trade off singing verses about what each learns from the other in their different roles.
"Just the Two of Us" by Will Smith
"Just the Two of Us" was the fourth single released from Will Smith's debut album. Inspired by Bill Withers' and Grover Washington, Jr.'s love song of the same name, Smith's version switches things around to focus on the love between a father and son.
"That's My Job" by Conway Twitty
Ask most parents, and they'll say their job is to keep their kids secure and safe. That's what this sweet song is all about—no matter how much you grow up and how different your lives become, your dad is always a safe landing place.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
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