33 Best Songs About Daughters

Finding songs about daughters is a sure way to pull at the heartstrings and get you all nostalgic for those easy days when your little girl was still at home.

Songs about daughters growing up can make for bittersweet moments, bringing back heartfelt memories.

Here are some of the best songs about daughters or dedicated to daughters.

“In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride

Song year: 1993

Most women dream of the day when they have a little girl all their own.

And even though we take care of our girls, we know that they take just as much care of us.

This song peaked at number three on the country music charts and spent 50 weeks in the top 100.

“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw

Song Year: 2006

Most songs about daughters seem to touch you deep down. They make you feel things you’re not used to and maybe that you don’t like.

With this song, Tim McGraw reminds us to make the most of the time that we have with our daughters because they will grow up one day.

“Daughters” by John Mayer

Song Year: 2003

The thing about daughters is that some guy will take an interest in them one day. And girls will tend to look for men who resemble their dads.

There’s no factual explanation for this: it’s simply how the world works.

As the third single of Heavier Things, “Daughters” emphasizes the importance of being a great father figure to their daughters, as fathers play an essential role in determining the future relationships that their daughters will create.

“Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman

Song Year: 2007

A sweet tribute to his daughters, Steven Curtis Chapman, wrote this song as a reminder that moments are precious and life is fleeting.

A few short months later, one of his daughters died tragically in a car accident.

The song took on a whole new meaning for Chapman and anyone who chooses to use it at their wedding.

Life is precious. And it goes by too fast. So, make the most of it while you can.

“Fathers & Daughters” by Michael Bolton

Song Year: 2015

Nothing beats a heartfelt ballad about everything unique that exists between a father and his daughters. And this soundtrack tune by Michael Bolton is no exception.

If you aren’t crying by the end of this song, you might need to see about getting a heart transplant.

“I Am There For You” by Huey Lewis & The News

Song Year: 2020

Huey Lewis & The News has been releasing some of the best upbeat music for multiple generations. It seems like they put out a new hit every decade.

Their best song for the 2020s has got to be this sweet tune. It’s not exclusively about daughters, but it communicates a clear message that any parent can understand and will be there for their baby girl.

Don’t be surprised if you start seeing this one played more frequently at weddings and graduation parties.

“When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 1998

Parents would do anything for their children. And there’s an extraordinary bond that exists between parents and their daughters.

Daughters seem to need protection and care in a way that sons don’t, and fathers are especially adept at offering that kind of care.

Springsteen’s song illuminates all of that and more, expressing that innate desire that every parent has to be there for their daughter no matter what. Whenever the kid needs help, someone will be there to help them out.

“Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel

Song Year: 1993

Fathers don’t always have all the answers. But their love is everlasting, and sometimes, a daughter needs that reassurance.

Billy Joel has an exceptional talent for writing heartfelt ballads that make the waterworks start flowing. And when his kids get involved, he takes it to a whole new level of intensity.

His lullaby song for his daughter is a clear tribute to the special bond that exists – or ought to exist – between a father and his little girl.

“Where You Lead” by Carole King

Song Year: 1971

This song about love and devotion became popular in the early 2000s. The theme song to the show The Gilmore Girls is all about a mother and daughter who do everything together.

Parents would do anything for their kids, and a good relationship means that kids would follow their parents no matter where they lead.

The song might not be explicitly about daughters, but the words reflect a reality that most parents would quickly assent to devotion matters.

“There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2004

This is easily one of Kenny Chesney’s sweetest songs. Even though it peaked at only number 29 on the country music charts, it was an easy fan favorite and still plays consistently on the radio.

It’s a song about a man who unexpectedly finds himself forced into fatherhood. It ruins all of his plans for adventure. The first verse captures his frustration at the carelessness of his actions.

The same man watches his daughter drive away for college and realizes that she is his everything by the end of the song.

“You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1969

Johnny Cash did not write this song, nor was he the first to sing it. But his version is by far one of the most touching versions around.

Everyone knows the chorus of this song, but the verses are where the genuine emotion lies. It’s all about love, devotion, and the pain of loss. That doesn’t always mean death: sometimes, loss is simply reflected over time.

It’s another great reminder to hold on to the precious moments that make life so grand and make the most of the time you have now to love your children and keep them close.

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

Song Year: 2008

Darius Rucker has a smooth, sultry voice that makes anything emotional. His song about growing up and taking advantage of all the little moments is a tear-jerker.

Sometimes, we take for granted that things are going to stay the same.

Sometimes, things fly by, and we miss them. Sometimes it’s good to slow down and make all the memories that we can before it’s too late.

“That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding

Song Year: 1964

While this song was not explicitly written about daughters, it tells an important story worth remembering for any parent who has a little girl in their care.

No matter what, your baby needs you. And that never changes. So, reminding them that you’re going to be there for them can help when life throws a curveball.

Never assume that your little girl knows how much you care for them. Overcommunicate and leave no room for doubt.

“Tough Little Boys” by Gary Allan

Song Year: 2003

Even the toughest men fall to their knees in tender love and devotion when they become fathers for the first time, especially when they become fathers to sweet little girls.

Gary Allan reminds all the men out there that having a baby girl makes you more emotional.

And that’s okay.

You may not cry when you watch a chick flick, but you’re going to cry the first time your little girl calls you “daddy.”

And that’s okay, too.

“I Loved Her First” by Heartland

Song Year: 2006

Sometimes, letting go is hard. When the wedding day comes, and your daughter is marrying the man of her dreams, it’s hard to keep all the feelings in line.

Heartland reminds us with this song that it’s good to remember that the love of a father never changes. Your daughter might not be under your roof anymore, but she’s always your daughter. That’s a special bond that even marriage doesn't change.

“Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks

Song Year: 2007

When a man goes to ask a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage, there’s a certain level of nervousness expected. It’s no small thing, after all.

Her father isn’t going to make it easy on you. This song tells the sweet story of a man who faces all the things a father and daughter share. And even though he gets what he wants in the end, he realizes that he’s taking something away from the father.

And one day, he will have to deal with the same thing.

“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson

Song Year: 2002

This is one of those songs that you can listen to repeatedly. And when it’s finished, you’ll want to hear it one more time.

Alan Jackson tells a story about all the times his father let him drive, even as a child, and how that made him feel. It created a special bond.

And then, he ends with a tribute to his daughters, letting them experience the same freedom that he did all those years ago.

“Sweetest Devotion” by Adele

Song Year: 2015

We’ve talked a lot about the special bond between parents and their children. And daughters, in particular, have a unique place in their parents’ hearts.

Adele reminds us of that with this sweet tune that tells of the heartfelt devotion a mother has when her daughter comes into the world.

No one can prepare you for the sort of devotion that you just have to experience.

“A Mother’s Prayer” by Celine Dion

Song Year: 2004

Another song about daughters growing up.

Celine Dion delivers a beautiful song that captures the heart of a mother who has to watch her daughters grow up in a broken world.

Every mother wants their child to stay innocent, pure, and safe for as long as possible.

And sometimes, divine intervention is the only recourse for making that happen.

“Father And Daughter” by Paul Simon

Song Year: 2002

There are plenty of songs about fathers and their daughters, so it’s no surprise that Paul Simon contributed his take on the relationship.

It’s all about how a father is there for his daughter, no matter the situation. He can’t protect her from everything, but he can be there.

And sometimes, that’s all a daughter needs.

“I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)” by Zac Brown Band

Song Year: 2015

A man doesn’t know what love is until he gets married. And even then, there’s something missing.

When his daughter enters the world, it’s like his heart grows by leaps and bounds. Suddenly, the world looks different, and it all relates to that precious little girl.

A man quickly realizes that he is responsible for that little girl. And no matter what, he’s the one who needs to be there for her until her prince comes along.

A song from the band’s album Jekyll + Hyde, “I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)” and its music video go deeply into this.

“Handprints On The Wall” by Kenny Rogers

Song Year: 2003

From the day that your daughter is born until the day they walk out your door, your heart will hurt.

In this song, Kenny Rogers knows that you’ll love them, cherish them, and enjoy every moment of your life together. But you always know that every first moment is fleeting in the back of your mind.

And one day, it will all come to an end.

“Baby Girl” by Sugarland

Song Year: 2003

Sugarland takes their song about daughters and shows it through the eyes of the girl trying to make it on her own. The world is big and scary, but she’s powering through and trusting that everything will work out.

And one day, she knows she’s going to write to her parents and tell them all about her success and how they made it possible for her dreams to come true.

“My Girl” by The Temptations

Song Year: 1965

The Temptations can make anything sounds sexy. But this particular love song is sweetest when you think about how special a daughter is, especially to a father.

The world is a little easier to deal with when you have a love of a little girl. That’s something every father knows and believes deep down in their soul.

“Let Them Be Little” by Billy Dean

Song Year: 2004

Fathers know better than anyone how quickly time passes. One day, your kid fits in the crook of your elbow. The next day, they apply to college or get their first job.

Kids make life worthwhile. “Let Them Be Little” tell us to take advantage of every moment we can and cherish the memories we make together.

“Just Fishin’” by Trace Adkins

Song Year: 2011

Another great country song about fathers and daughters and the special relationship involves much love and uniqueness.

Trace Adkins reminds us that nothing is ever as it seems. Simple moments that your kid might take for granted are incredibly special memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

So, take the time to make them happen because you’ll never regret those moments. 

“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

Song Year: 1967

This song is not explicitly about daughters. However, it’s been dedicated to daughters everywhere countless times.

You’ll probably hear this one played at a wedding, and you might even see a father and daughter dance to it – especially if the daughter happens to have brown eyes.

“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole

Song Year: 1951

Nat King Cole sang this one originally in 1951. It became a sweet song about fathers and daughters when he sang it again with his daughter, Natalie Cole.

Songs like this one remind us that daughters and fathers go together. Their relationship is about teaching, growing, and changing together than just parenting.

And that made it so darn special. 

“Marry Your Daughter” by Brian McKnight

Song Year: 2020

Brian McKnight tells a story about how special daughters are through the eyes of a suitor coming to talk to a father. There’s nothing more terrifying than that moment.

But it must be done, and every father expects it at some point in time.

Daughters are unique and deserve special treatment. And the young man in this song explains to his future father-in-law that he intends to give her everything he can to make her the happiest girl in the world.

“You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year: 1972

A daughter has a special place in her father’s heart.

And a father knows that he can’t stand to refuse his daughter anything.

A daughter plays such a massive role in making her father a little bit more of a man, and Stevie Wonder illustrates this so beautifully in “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life.”

“How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” by Patty Loveless

Song Year: 1993

A daughter depends on her parents for so much, especially advice as she gets older. Having a good relationship with a mother makes that dependence easier to take.

With Patty Loveless’s “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” she shows us that as life passes us by, it’s important to run back to the arms of the people who loved us before anyone else. Because one day, they won’t be there to hold our hands anymore.

“Mama, I’m Alright” by Miranda Lambert

Song Year: 2005

A mother needs constant reassurance that their little girl is alright out in the big world, especially when her daughter is alone and chasing her dreams.

So, a mother does everything she can to prepare her daughter – and herself – for the day when her little girl steps out the door and sets off on adventures.

Miranda Lambert wrote this song for the girls out there starting a new phase in their lives.

“Long Day Comin’” by Hal Ketchum

Song Year: 1991

A classic lullaby about a man who wants to be closer to his children: but sometimes, life makes that difficult.

Even though this father can’t be with his daughter all the time, he reassures her that his love for her will never die. And he’ll always be there when she needs him.

Top Songs About Daughters Of All Time, Final Thoughts

Daughters are special. Even though you love all your kids the same, there’s something unique about a little girl.

These songs about daughters make it so evident that daughters are a gift to be cherished. So, making the most of every moment with them is critical.