41 Best Father’s Day Songs For Dads That Mean The World To You

Father's Day is a great time to show your dad how much he means to you. One of the best ways to do this is by sitting back and listening to some music with him. Songs can evoke emotions that otherwise are often left unaccounted for.

Continue reading to learn more about the best Father's Day songs (in no particular order) for dads that mean the world to you. This music for dads spans several different genres of music, so you can be sure to find one or more songs that will prove a worthwhile listen for you and your dad on Father's Day.

“Anything Like Me” by Brad Paisley

Song year: 2009

Brad Paisley's hit song, “Anything Like Me,” is a classic country take on a father imagining his future life with his expected son. With a lighthearted tone throughout, this is a great song for sons who have begun recognizing their father in themselves. It is also a great way to reminisce on a father and son relationship.

Finding similarities between yourself and your father can be a bittersweet moment, and this song is sure to bring out both of those feelings. While you may not love the idea of growing old and being like your dad, he will surely appreciate the acknowledgment.

“The Best Day” by George Strait

Song year: 2000

George Strait rarely fails to write the best country songs about all different aspects of life. In “The Best Day,” the song is about the adventures between a son and his father as the son grows older. All of the son's most memorable days are spent in the company of his dad.

When you are young, many of your memories probably revolve around spending time with your family. This song may spark the realization that your dad is responsible for some of your favorite moments.

“Song For My Father” by Sarah McLachlan

Song year: 2014

Sarah McLachlan's “Song for my Father” reveals a daughter's love for her late father. Though her father is gone, the daughter remembers how intimately her relationship with him molded her into the woman she is today. While it is a mellow song, it can still be enjoyed with your father to remind him how much he means to you.

Losing one's father is heartbreaking. This song pushes you to appreciate the presence of a father figure in your life.

“There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney

Song year: 2004

“There Goes My Life” is one of the most touching father-daughter songs written. Initially thinking that the birth of his daughter barred him from doing what he wanted in life, he soon realizes that his daughter is his life. And before too long, she is starting her own life.

While not all of these songs are in the country genre, it is clear that country artists sure do know how to tug at the heartstrings of their listeners.

“Mr. Mom” by Lonestar

Song year: 2004

Lonestar's “Mr. Mom” satirizes a man losing his job and becoming a stay-at-home dad while learning how hard his wife actually works when taking care of the kids. In this song, you can see the crazy life of a father learning to take on the responsibility of children.

This lighthearted song is excellent for the goofy father that appreciates horsing around with his kids.

“Isn't She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder

Song year: 1976

In the classic soul song, “Isn’t She Lovely,” Stevie Wonder celebrates his daughter, Aisha. This is a great song for any father-daughter duo looking to enjoy some upbeat music on Father's Day.

Having the love you show your father reciprocated by him is terrific, and this song proves that. Giving gifts is often more meaningful to someone than receiving, and by showing your dad this song, he will surely appreciate your recognition of him.

“Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn

Song year: 1991

Holly Dunn pays tribute in another father-daughter song, “Daddy’s Hands.” The song remembers a hard-working father who sacrificed tremendously out of love for his family.

Some fathers spend their days doing hard labor to provide for their families. It is essential to show how much thanks you have if your dad is a father who gets his hands dirty every day.

“I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice

Song year: 2012

In “I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice honors a memory by driving his loved one’s truck. Sometimes, the material joy experienced with your father is the best way to appreciate him in remembrance.

There is a lot of speculation over the true meaning behind this story: whether it is about a father and son, two brothers, or more. Regardless, this song is inspirational in encouraging a father and his child to appreciate each other while they are both still in this life.

“Watching You” by Rodney Atkins

Song year: 2006

In “Watching You,” a father realizes that his actions heavily influence his very observant son. This song is great for those sons who credit their father for helping raise them into the man they have become.

It is definitely exciting for a dad to see his son become more like himself. You may not notice the changes, but your dad likely recognizes them every day.

“A Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash

Song year: 1969

Johnny Cash's hilarious take on an unfortunately absent father in “A Boy Named Sue” comes full circle when he finally meets up with his dad at the end of the song. This song is ideal for a father and son who want to sit down, drink a beer, and have a great laugh.

Father-son relationships are not always handshakes and beers, however. This song also discusses the serious struggles that a boy and his dad are likely to encounter in their relationship.

“Father To Son” by Queen

Song year: 1974

“Father to Son” is a must-listen for diehard father and son rock fans. The remarkable instrumentals and vocals of Freddy Mercury are sure to provide six minutes’ worth of fun on Father's Day.

While the song's message is not entirely clear unless you are already familiar with it, Queen is still a classic band to listen to with your old man.

“Life Of A Salesman” by Yellowcard

Song year: 2003

If you and your dad like heartfelt music with a twist, the pop song “Life of a Salesman” is a great way to show your appreciation for everything your father has taught you.

Striving to be just like your father is one of the best ways to show him that he means the world to you. This song brings to life the reality of your father seeing himself in your eyes.

“Song For Dad” by Keith Urban

Song year: 2002

In “Song for Dad,” Keith Urban describes his increasing respect for his father as he grows older. He hopes that when he becomes a father, he can mean as much to his kids as his father meant to him.

Shaping your approach at fatherhood after the way your dad raised you is one of the biggest compliments you can give to your dad.

“Father Of Mine” by Everclear

Song year: 1997

“Father of Mine” is a rather morbid song, but it is better enjoyed for its rock rhythm than looking deeply into the lyrics. If you are looking to enjoy a classic song with your father, this is a great choice; keep in mind, however, that it may not be best for the faint of heart.

“Love Without End, Amen” by George Strait

Song year: 1990

In another one of George Strait’s most famous songs, “Love Without End, Amen” explains how a father’s love is not temporary. He will love his children eternally.

If you ask your dad about his love for you, chances are that he would never say it ends at a certain time. The love of a father is one you can count on through and through.

“My Father’s House” by Bruce Springsteen

Song year: 1982

This melancholic song certainly has its spiritual connotations, but “My Father’s House” can also be listened to in a literal sense. No matter what happens, you may see your father as someone who will always be there for you.

The privilege to rely on your dad in times of need should never be taken for granted. Knowing you can turn to him in your most troublesome times is quite a relief.

“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon

Song year: 1980

“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” is a song about a father’s unconditional love for his little boy. It is a great song for fathers who especially appreciate the lives their boys have lived.

It is also a great song to encourage fathers to notice the small things in life that make their roles as fathers worth pursuing.

“Daughters” by John Mayer

Song year: 2003

In “Daughters,” John Mayer creates one of the most beautiful father-daughter songs in the music industry. It is a must-listen for fathers who look after their daughters no matter what.

Whether it be played as a father-daughter dance at your wedding or just simply spending time at home with your dad, this song is an excellent example of how a man should treat his daughter.

“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross

Song year: 2003

For a father and child who love R&B, “Dance With My Father” is an incredibly touching song. It remembers a boy and the love his father had for him and the rest of his family. By dancing with his father, he developed a relationship incomparable to any other.

If your dad liked to dance when you were younger, you probably remember him guiding you as you stood on his feet. This may even be one of the most intimate memories you have with your old man.

“Daddy Could Swear, I Declare” by Gladys Knight and the Pips

Song year: 1973

“Daddy Could Swear, I Declare” is a groovy R&B take on a carefree father known for his unique ability to swear in several circumstances. Though he may have had a temper, however, his family still loved him.

Maybe your dad is a hard-headed hooligan. Even though he may be a bit of a trouble maker, he probably has several characteristics that make you appreciate him being around.

“Your Daddy Loves You” by Gil Scott-Heron

Song year: 1974

In the pop song “Your Daddy Loves You,” a father explains that the troubles he and his wife might encounter in their daily lives are incomparable to the love they have for their daughter.

This song is a great compliment to children who help their parents escape the chaos of reality. If you sit down and listen to this song with your dad, you might jokingly say ‘you’re welcome’ from saving him from all those crazy parts of life.

“It Won’t Be Like This For Long” by Darius Rucker

Song year: 2008

In “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” Darius Rucker’s tone turns from somber to thankful as a man raises his baby girl. Through the struggles of raising a child, he comes to appreciate the sacrifices he makes, focusing more on the memories he made than the difficulty of parenthood.

This song might spark memories for your father that he had otherwise forgotten. By showing him you understand the struggles he endured in raising you, he will know that you are thankful for him.

“Daddy” by Beyonce

Song year: 2003

The R&B pop song “Daddy” emphasizes a daughter’s love for her dad. She wishes that every man in her life was as magnificent as her father. All of her best memories are with her dad.

As a father, you will probably find it highly flattering if your daughter tells you she wants all of the men in her life to be like you.

“Glory” (Explicit) by Jay-Z

Song year: 2012

Jay-Z celebrates his and Beyonce’s creation of their baby girl. He promises to raise her correctly, saying that she is destined for greatness. “Glory” is a beautiful father-daughter song.

It is nice to see such a well-known rapper with wild stories take time to relate to other fathers and their children.

“Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel

Song year: 1993

“Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” is a beautifully written song about a father rocking his child to sleep. In all of the world's chaos, this song is great to listen to for escaping reality a bit and appreciating the love that your father has for you.

One day, you might be taking care of your father. It is important to remember how he took care of you.

“Color Him Father” by The Winstons

Song year: 1969

For all of the step-fathers out there, “Color Him Father” is a fantastic song to listen to with any step-children you may have. It tells the story of a child accepting his step-father into his life after realizing how much love the step-father has to give.

Blood does not always define a familial relationship. If you love your step-father, do not be afraid to show him.

“Papa Don’t Take No Mess” by James Brown

Song year: 1974

James Brown’s “Papa Don’t Take No Mess” is the perfect song for a father-child funk-loving duo. This song is sure to get you up on your feet to see if you can out-dance your dad.

More ecstatic fathers are sure to get up and boogie to this song. Make sure to listen to it with your dad if you know he will want to jump around with you.

“Winter” by Tori Amos

Song year: 1992

“Winter” by Tori Amos is one of the most heartfelt songs on this list. Listening to it with your father might cause a few tears to be shed. This song describes a father encouraging his child to love him or herself as much as he does. The change is necessary because the child is growing older, and the father will not always be around.

Self-love is so important, and what is equally essential is that you give credit to your dad if your confidence is the product of his actions. Let him know if he is responsible for your success.

“Letter 2 My Unborn” (Explicit) by Tupac Shakur

Song year: 2001

For hip-hop and rap lovers, “Letter 2 My Unborn” is a great Father's Day listen. Especially for dads who have been through tough times, this song can apply to current children as well. The father just wants to raise his child right without getting in any more trouble than he already has.

It is also a great listen for soon-to-be fathers. If you are unsure of how to take care of a kid and you also like hip-hop, Tupac may have a few wise words for you.

“Cat’s In The Cradle” by Harry Chapin

Song year: 1974

As the only folk song on this list, it is clear why “Cat’s in the Cradle” made the cut. This song describes the bittersweet relationship between a father and son. In the son’s adolescence, the father cannot find the time to spend with his son. When the son grows up, the role is reversed.

This song urges fathers not to take their time with their kids for granted. Before you know it, your kids will be all grown up and may not have as much time on their hands to spend with you.

“Father And Son” by Cat Stevens

Song year: 1970

In “Father and Son,” Cat Stevens creates a wonderful piece about a father and his advice to his son. As is predictable, the son is eager to get on with his life. The father wishes he would just sit back and appreciate the life around him.

This song is a great listen for those overzealous children who appreciate their father grounding them back to reality and helping them grow over time.

“Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele

Song year: 2007

This heartfelt song about a child’s love for her father is another tear-jerker. “Your Joy” reassures a father that his daughter will always be his little girl, no matter how old each of them may grow.

The relationship between a father and his baby girl is unlike any other, and this song displays that very well. Playing this song for your dad on Father's Day will remind him that you will never be too old for him.

“My Father’s Eyes” by Eric Clapton

Song year: 1998

“My Father’s Eyes” is an upbeat, classic rock song about a man remembering how his father cared for him so that he can take care of his own newborn son. Every time the man finds himself struggling, he thinks of his father’s eyes, knowing that what his father taught him is perfectly sufficient enough to guide him on his own journey of fatherhood.

Listening to this song with your dad can bring back memories he has of raising you, making an excellent topic of conversation on Father's Day.

“Papa Don’t Preach” by Madonna

Song year: 1986

Madonna’s pop song “Papa Don’t Preach” shows that even when a daughter makes a huge mistake, she knows that she can turn to her father for help. However, with something like an unexpected pregnancy, the father will surely have a lot to say. Nonetheless, the song reveals a daughter’s trust for and want of approval from her father.

If you are the rebel child of the family, this song can be a good listen for you and your dad. Although you may have been through a lot, your dad will always be there for you in some form or another.

“These Three Words” by Stevie Wonder

Song year: 1991

With his second song on the list, Stevie Wonder’s “These Three Words” encourages parents and children to remember to tell each other ‘I love you.’ This is a great song to sit down and listen to with your dad on Father's Day to show him that he means the world to you.

Those three words hold so much meaning behind them. Take the time on Father's Day to tell your dad that you love him.

“New Day” by Kanye West And Jay-Z

Song year: 2011

Jay-Z and Kanye West collaborate on “New Day” to produce a phenomenal hip-hop song for Father's Day. Although your dad may not be famous, this is still a great song to listen to, to remind your dad that you know he wants what is best for you.

Perhaps the most fulfilling feeling a dad can have is knowing that he did everything in his power to raise you correctly. Playing this song for him can show him that you think he did a great job.

“I Learned From You” by Miley Cyrus And Billy Ray Cyrus

Song year: 2006

“I Learned From You” is one of the greatest father-daughter songs to listen to with your dad on Father's Day. A daughter begins by thanking her father for everything he has taught her, and the father responds by saying that she taught him just as much about his own life.

You may not realize it, but the things you learn throughout your life are equally beneficial for your dad. This symbiotic relationship should be cherished.

“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” by Barbara Streisand

Song year: 1983

“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is another somewhat spiritual song, but the contemporary piece can be interpreted as a memorial of a child’s father. Both the vocal and instrumentals in this song are beautiful, and the melancholic tone is a great listen for a child and father looking to sit back and relax on Father's Day.

Just laying back and listening to the words of this song will surely tighten the bond between you and your father.

“He Walked On Water” by Randy Travis

Song year: 1989

“He Walked on Water” is one of the best songs to listen to with your father to show him how much respect you hold for him. There is no better time than Father's Day to tell your dad that he means the world to you.

Telling your dad that he means the world to you means telling him that he is a superhero. This song is a great outlet to tell him how you feel.

“Count On Me” by Bruno Mars

Song year: 2010

Though “Count On Me” has several interpretations, imagining a father singing this to his child is too touching not to consider. Knowing that you can count on your father whenever you need him is one of the most reassuring things to know in life.

This catchy beat is a favorite of many Bruno Mars fans. If your dad likes pop, he is sure to enjoy listening to this with you.

“My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band

Song year: 2017

“My Old Man” is yet another ode to fathers teaching their sons how to be like them someday. Though your dad may be tough on you every now and then, he has a plan.

Sit down with your dad on Father's Day and listen to this song to show him that he has done a great job raising you.

Top Father's Day Songs, Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the countless songs you can listen to with your dad on Father's Day to show him that he means the world to you. No matter what genre you and your dad prefer, music is the perfect way to express emotions of love, appreciation, and thanks. Remember never to take your father – or any of your guardians – for granted. The sacrifices they have made are well worth sitting down with them and telling them how much they mean to you.