41 Best Songs About Dads

Sometimes, hearing a song that says everything we're thinking is the most magical thing in the world. Artists have been writing songs about their relationship with their fathers or father figures throughout history.

Whether you're putting together a playlist to share with your dad for father's day, a birthday, or just to let him know you're thinking about him, you have many songs to choose from.

Here are the best songs about dads out there today.

1: “Daddy” by Beyonce

Song Year: 2003

“Daddy” is a song that comes from Beyonce's first solo album but still resonates with fathers and daughters even 19 years later.

The song is an ode from a daughter to a father talking about how he’s always been a support system and good role model and how she will never forget that. This could be an excellent song for father figures, not just biological fathers.

2: “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele

Song Year: 2007

If you've ever been to a father-daughter dance or watched the special moment between dads and daughters at a wedding, you've probably heard of “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele.

The song is beautiful and depicts a daughter talking about how no one else in the world is like her dad. If you feel like your dad is irreplaceable, you'll resonate with this song, and so will your he.

3: “My Father's Eyes” by Eric Clapton

Song Year: 1998

This Eric Clapton song is one of the best songs about dads, but be warned; you'll probably cry. The artist sings about how he feels when he looks at his son and imagines how his father would be looking at him as his son.

Even though he never met his father, Clapton knows how to create a beautiful story and describe the parallels between his son and his father. The song fills you with emotions, even if you know who your dad is and don't have kids.

4: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Gerald and Eddie Lavert

Song Year: 1995

“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a cover that Roger Whittaker wrote for Gerald's 1995 album, but what makes this song so special is that he recorded a second version with his son, Eddie.

The song is all about the relationship between father and son. As you listen to the lyrics, you'll dive deeper into the close-knit relationship that Gerald and Eddie have with each other and how they always support each other.

5: “Daughters” by John Mayer

Song Year: 2003

Probably everyone and their mother has heard of “Daughters” by John Mayer. It's a lovely song that won a Grammy in 2004 for the spectacular music and lyrics.

The lyrics speak about encouraging fathers to raise their daughters well. How you raise your daughter is how they'll be, so if you're good to them, they'll be good to you too. It even encompasses the circle of life about daughters becoming mothers and raising kids.

6: “My Father's House” by Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 1982

Not all relationships with fathers are sunshine and rainbows. Bruce Springsteen writes about his strained relationship with his dad throughout his career, and “My Father's House” is one of the best he's written.

The song tells the story of Springsteen's father's struggles with his mental health. He strives to tell the story of his father through his own eyes and the darkness that surrounds it. While it's a beautiful but sad song, many people out there can relate.

7: “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2008 (re-recorded in 2021)

The iconic pop singer, Taylor Swift, is known for her breakup music, but “The Best Day” is a refreshing glimpse into her relationship with her family. While not explicitly about her father, the song is about the relationship with any parental figure, including her dad.

The lovely song speaks about a child's life from birth to growing up and how a father is always there to make her feel better, whether there are mean girls at school or they fall and scrape their knees.

8: “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross

Song Year: 2003

For all those who have experienced the loss of a father, “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross is one that will warm your heart and maybe jerk a tear or two. It's a great song even if you haven't lost your dad.

The R&B legend sings about how all he wants is to have one last dance, conversation, or look at his dad one more time. It's truly a special song about how the love of a father and son never stops, even when they're gone.

9: “I Learned From You” by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2006

Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus team up to sing this awesome father-daughter song, “I Learned From You.” It was originally released on the Hannah Montana soundtrack, but it's more than just a song for the TV series.

The song speaks all about the things that a daughter, or another child, learns from their dad. Whether it's learning how to remain strong through the tough times, believing in something bigger, or another lesson, it's a tribute to dads who teach their kids how to get through life.

10: “He Walked On Water” by Randy Travis

Song Year: 1989

Randy Travis is a country music star who openly writes about how he viewed his father. He grew up thinking his dad could handle anything and everything and was ultimately invincible.

The song takes a turn when you learn that his father's passing is what made Randy Travis realize that while his dad was fantastic, he was human. This will speak to those of you who think their dad's the best, but have lost him.

11: “Daddy's Hands” by Holly Dunn

Song Year: 1986

Dad and daughter relationships can be bittersweet, and Holly Dunn captures that image perfectly with this song. While our dads are solely focused on raising us and watching us grow up, as kids, we may not always see how much they care and forget about all the things we love about them.

The song speaks about how no matter what things we may forget about our dads and how they love us, we'll never forget at least one specific thing. In this case, his hands and how they hold us.

12: “My Old Man” by Mac DeMarco

Song Year: 2017

Much of Mac DeMarco's music is carefree and goofy. That doesn't mean he's not capable of producing a powerful and meaningful song. “My Old Man” is performed with an acoustic guitar, which adds to the sentimental value of the song.

The entire song is DeMarco talking about how he can see his own father looking back at him when he looks in the mirror now. It shows you how eventually, we'll all see pieces of our parents in ourselves.

13: “The Greatest Man I Ever Knew” by Reba McEntire

Song Year: 1991

Reba McEntire wrote this song about her relationship with her dad. As you listen to the lyrics, you'll hear the story about how she and her father seemed more like roommates than father and daughter.

It showcases how some dads don't explicitly say “I love you” but show their love in different ways, like putting food on the table. It's lyrically beautiful and expresses the feeling of millions who just wish their dad would say those three words.

14: “Papa Don't Preach” by Madonna

Song Year: 1986

Leave it to Madonna to write an iconic song about dads. The 1986 song is one of the artist's most famous songs and is all about her gaining strength as a new mom.

While the song's primary focus is about her reclaiming her power in the role of motherhood, there's more. She sings about everything her dad taught her throughout life and wants him to accept her choice to become a mother at such a young age.

15: “Song For Dad” by Keith Urban

Song Year: 2002

Our dad and other parental figures significantly impact who we turn out to be as adults. Whether that's a good or bad thing is up to you. This song by country singer Keith Urban speaks about turning into your father as you age.

While most people joke about how they don't want to turn into their parents, no matter how fantastic they are, Keith Urban sings about how this isn't so bad and the traits he got from his dad.

16: “These Three Words” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year: 1991

Stevie Wonder has always written powerful songs, and this song is a great one he wrote about loved ones. Even though the lyrics feature several loved ones and not just a father, it's still worth mentioning.

The entire song is about making sure you take the time to cherish the ones you love while they're still alive. We love the gentle reminder to always tell them you love them whenever you have the chance.

17: “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon

Song Year: 2002

Paul Simon wrote a wonderful song about the relationship between a dad and daughter. Originally released on the soundtrack of “The Wild Thornberrys Movie,” it eventually received an Oscar nomination.

Later, the song appeared on Paul Simon's album. The song is innocent and sweet, documenting how strong a father's love for his daughter is. Although some may find the lyrics a bit cheesy, there's no denying that this song is heartwarming and genuine.

18: “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel

Song Year: 1993

Billy Joel is famous for his excellent songs, and this is the last proper single he released while producing albums. “Lullabye” is definitely one you'll want to have tissues nearby for when listening.

He wrote the song in dedication to his daughter. The song is a lullaby that he wanted to be passed down from generation to generation in his family. The song isn't directly about a dad, but it's a father showing his love for his daughter and future relatives when you read between the lines.

19: “My Dad” by Davy Jones

Song Year: 1965

Children don't always grow up being best friends with their dad or mom and often don't give them enough credit when they're growing up. Davy Jones discusses this trend in his song, “My Dad.”

The lyrics speak about how his dad may not be anything miraculous through other people's eyes, but to his own kids, he's everything. It's all about cutting your dad some slack because he's doing his best.

20: “The Best Day” by George Strait

Song Year: 2000

Telling our dads how we feel about them isn't always easy, unless you're the type to wear your heart on your sleeve. If you're looking for a song that captures how much you love your old man, then this song by George Strait is perfect.

He tells the story of how every time he spends time with his dad, it's one of the best days of his life. It captures how even the most simple moments can create memories with our dads that last a lifetime.

21: “He Didn't Have to Be” by Brad Paisley

Song Year: 1999

This song goes out to all the people whose father may not have been there, but their stepdad or another father figure stepped in to fill the role. Brad Paisley's heartfelt song tells the story of a child who appreciates the love his stepdad gives him in his biological father’s place.

It's all about the choice to love a child even though there's no blood relation. Even if this situation doesn't pertain to you, it's a great story with a better lesson about choosing to love.

22: “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

Song Year: 2006

Another song sure to bring tears to your eyes is this one by Heartland. You'll commonly hear it at father-daughter dances and weddings when the bride and her dad have their first dance.

The song's all about a father singing to his child's partner. The lyrics depict a father talking about how he loved his child before they stepped in and how hard it can be to let go. Even though he's ready to let his child go, his love will always be there.

23: “Daddy's Working Boots” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1973

The Iconic Dolly Parton graced us with this 1973 song about her hard-working dad. It goes out to all the children who have a father who seems to work more often than they’re at home, but that's how they show their love.

They show their love by providing a roof over their head and food on the table. The song is a dedication to how appreciative children can be of their parent's hard work.

24: “Daddy's Little Girl” by The Shires

Song Year: 2016

Get ready for another tear-jerking song about dads. The lead singer of The Shires tells a very personal story about how her father passed away when she was a little girl and how he'll never see her grow into the woman she is.

The lyrics focus on all the things her father used to tell her, like not to grow up too fast and how she'll always be daddy's little girl despite her age and him being gone.

25: “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” by Owl City

Song Year: 2018

This song by Owl City isn't specifically about dads, but if you have a great relationship with your father, you can probably relate to the lyrics. “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” speaks about everyday heroes who keep us safe and happy.

You can relate this to your dad, who provides for the family, makes you laugh, and is always there to support you. Some of the lyrics point to how the hero in the story built them a treehouse and taught them how to drive, things a dad would do.

26: “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins

Song Year: 2006

A brighter and more lighthearted song about dads is “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins. The song is upbeat and pretty funny when you listen to the lyrics.

The song is about a dad with a young boy who realizes that his son is always watching him and learning from him. Even if that means he learned a curse word or two. It's a great reminder to dads and parental figures that children are always watching and learning.

27: “Life of a Salesman” by Yellowcard

Song Year: 2003

While there are a lot of songs about dads from country artists, this pop-punk band wrote a beautiful song about a hard-working and loving dad. Many of the lyrics focus on kids wanting to hear their dad say they're proud of them.

Some of the lyrics go on to speak about how they will follow in their father's footsteps to become the best man (or person) that they can be.

28: “Ready Set Don't Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus Feat. Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2007

The Father-daughter duo teamed up yet again to provide us with a great song about dads. While it's primarily Billy Ray singing, his daughter is featured on the track.

The song speaks about how Billy Ray is proud despite having a different upbringing and understands that his daughter will grow up to go off and do her own thing. It's an excellent message for fathers who are struggling to let their kids go.

29: “You Should Be Here” by Cole Swindell

Song Year: 2016

For those who've lost their dad, you know how deep the loss hits. Cole Swindell perfectly captures the feelings of losing a father in this song. Much of the music speaks about how he knows his father would love all the little moments he's missing.

He expresses how his dad should be here for all the monumental life moments and the simple ones like having a cold beer together. It's a beautiful and emotional song about dads, even if your dad is still around.

30: “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2004

This song about a dad is a little different from the other heartfelt and sad tunes we've talked about. Kenney Chesney sings about a teenager who isn't ready to be a father, and how he thinks this will ruin his life.

The song is all about how what you may think is ruining your life turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. In this case, fatherhood. It showcases how dads are humans, too, and although it may not have occurred at the “right” time, it was worth it.

31: “Cleaning This Gun (Come On in Boy)” by Rodney Atkins

Song Year: 2006

Almost every girl has had their father try to scare the living daylights out of a date they bring to the house. Rodney Atkins perfectly captures that dad's moment with his song “Cleaning This Gun.”

While it's kind of funny to think about a dad trying to scare their daughter's date, the deeper meaning is that they're protective and won't let anyone hurt their little girl.

32: “Thank You For Being My Dad” by Jon Barker

Song Year: 2010

Jon Barker uses this song to thank his father for everything he's done for him to express his love. Kids often don't tell their dads how appreciative they are of them, but this song does it perfectly.

The song shows how the child doesn't realize how they haven't expressed their love for their dad until they have a child of their own.

33: “Daddy Lessons” by Beyonce and The Chicks

Song Year: 2016

This song was originally by Beyonce, but she teamed up with The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) to perform this personal song at the CMAs.

“Daddy Lessons” is all about how her father turned her into a soldier and helped make her the strong woman she is today. It's a great story about how a father's love inspires his kids to be the best version of themselves.

34: “Song For My Father” by Sarah McLachlan

Song Year: 2014

Sarah McLachlan gives us another powerful song about a dad who has passed away. She wrote this song in dedication to her father in light of his death, and it's one you'll need tissues for.

The lyrics tell the story of how she misses her father profoundly and how he was always the light in the dark. The song is a reminder that even if our dads are gone, they're always with us in our hearts and in spirit.

35: “My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band

Song Year: 2017

Zac Brown Band is known for its catchy tunes and upbeat songs, but this song about dads will warm even the coldest hearts. It's a wistful glance at the lessons that children can learn from their dads.

Some of the lessons spoken about in the lyrics include being less defiant, making our own way, and more. The song also hints that we often don't learn these lessons until we have kids of our own or our dads are gone.

36: “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson

Song Year: 2015

Kelly Clarkson is one of the greatest lyricists of the modern era, and her song “Piece by Piece” is a deep song about how the absence of a father shaped who she became.

Much of the song speaks about how hurt she was when her father left when she was a little girl. It's also about how when she has kids, she'll make sure to choose a dad who won't leave her kids as hers left her.

37: “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon

Song Year: 1981

This song was one of John Lennon's last songs and one of Paul McCartney's favorites. John Lennon wrote this song about his son and any dad can relate to the love expressed in the music.

The lyrics focus on how beautiful his child is and how he makes the world a better place just by existing. He encourages his son to do anything it takes to be whoever he wants. Dads will love the message and probably feel similarly about their kids.

38: “Father Daughter Dance” by Kesha

Song Year: 2020

Kesha has always been open about not knowing who her father is. This song goes out to all the kids who have always wondered what their dad was like. It's a somewhat sad song, but she does a beautiful job lyrically.

The lyrics speak about how the absence of her dad and not knowing who he was contributed to mental health issues throughout her life and how she wonders if life would've been different had he been there.

39: “They Don't Make ‘Em Like My Daddy” by Loretta Lynn

Song Year: 1974

Loretta Lynn takes pride in being a coal miner's daughter, and this song is an ode to her hard-working dad. The song highlights all the best qualities of a hard-working dad and the disappointment when she can’t seem to find a man that compares.

If you feel like your dad is the best man in the world, you'll relate to the lyrics by Loretta Lynn. Even if you don't, the song is still a great song to listen to.

40: “Papa Can You Hear Me” by Barbra Streisand

Song Year: 1983

Legendary Barbra Streisand wrote this Oscar-nominated song for the film Yentl, but it's more than a movie song. The song is about a child speaking to her dad, wondering if he can hear her from wherever he's at.

The lyrics speak about the lessons a father teaches, how much love children have for their dad, and how they miss him.

41: “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars

Song Year: 2010

While this song by Bruno Mars doesn't specifically mention fathers, it's a beautiful song about being there for someone no matter what. Kind of like the ideal relationship between a father and child.

The lyrics serve as a reminder that your dad will be there no matter what happens. The upbeat tune and cheerful lyrics are bound to put a smile on your face, especially if you have fond memories of your dad.

Top Songs About Dads, Final Thoughts

These songs about fathers are just skimming the surface. Whether you have a strained relationship with your dad, the best relationship you could ever hope for, or they've passed on, these songs are sure to warm your heart and remind you of your old man.