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No matter if Dad has always been the number one man in your life or if your relationship has taken its twists and turns, it can be tough to put into words what he means to you. Good thing we have music! As Father’s Day nears, it's time to queue up a batch of the best Father’s Day songs to celebrate him. The best dad songs and tribute songs for dad are often a mix of emotion and humor, and these tunes hit the mark.
Some of the songs on our list, such as Camila Cabello’s “First Man,” are songs for Dad from a daughter, while others, like “Build Me a Daddy” by Luke Bryan, are songs about father and son. Our list also includes poignant (and catchy!) odes to the stepfathers in our lives, and two favorites on that front are “Color Him Father” by the Winstons and “He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley.
As you gear up for Father’s Day this year, let this soundtrack guide your memories and your mood. Put on our playlist of the best songs about fathers while Dad opens Father’s Day gifts or while you’re having fun with a Father’s Day activity. You might even pull a lyric or two from a song you find particularly meaningful and write it in a Father’s Day card.
Now, on to our complete list of the best Father’s Day songs. This soundtrack can be enjoyed every day of the year your dad is a significant part of your life.
"Next Thing You Know," Jordan Davis, 2023
A heartfelt country song about how big life events—including the birth of your first kid!—have a way of sneaking up on you.
"Daddy Do," Chapel Hart, 2019
These days, country trio Chapel Hart is a household name, but newer fans might have missed this sentimental tune from their first album. With lyrics like "You'd take me on car rides when I couldn't sleep / and you played me good music as I danced on your feet," this one is filled with sweet memories about Dad.
"My Father's Daughter," Jewel featuring Dolly Parton, 2015
This lovely folk song is all about being proud of where you come from and the people who raised you—particularly dear ol' Dad.
"First Man," Camila Cabello, 2019
Dad, get ready for the tears to flow! This one gets us every time. It also makes for a wonderful wedding song for a father-daughter dance.
"He Walked on Water," Randy Travis, 1990
Most kids think their dad walks on water because that's just how special he truly is. Randy even notes he thought his dad's cowboy hat was an angel's halo.
"I Loved Her First," Heartland, 2006
This now-classic country ballad is for all the sentimental girl dads out there.
"Daddy Come and Get Me," Dolly Parton, 1970
After getting her heart broken, Dolly croons that she needs the man that she can always rely on: her daddy. This song is a good reminder that you can always depend on dad.
"Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)," John Lennon, 1981
Written for his son Sean, the singer-songwriter penned this tune, which begins like a lullaby and transforms into fatherly advice for his "beautiful boy."
"Glory," Jay Z featuring Blue Ivy, 2012
Jay Z's pensive song about the birth of his daughter is the perfect song to ponder the feelings that come with being a father.
"Build Me a Daddy," Luke Bryan
This heartbreaking song is about a little boy missing his father, who is "strong as Superman" and has a crooked smile. (You'll definitely want to have tissues nearby!)
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"Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)," Billy Joel, 1994
Billy Joel wrote this beautiful lullaby for his daughter, Alexa Ray. The song later inspired one of two picture books by Joel.
"Father and Daughter," Paul Simon, 2002
Recorded by Paul Simon, this sweet father-daughter tune was written about his daughter, Lulu.
"Daughters," John Mayer, 2004
The famous track won John Mayer the Grammy for Song of the Year, written about how big of an impact a father's relationship can have on their daughters.
"Song For Dad," Keith Urban, 2002
The ultimate ode to Dad, Keith's song is all about understanding in retrospect why his father did things the way he did.
"You Should Be Here," Cole Swindell, 2015
Grab the tissues, y'all. Cole recorded this track after his dad died unexpectedly in 2013. The heartbreaking number includes the line: "They say now you're in a better place, and I would be, too, if I could see your face."
"Ready, Set, Don't Go," Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, 2007
It doesn't get sweeter than a song about the love between a father and daughter. Miley and Billy Ray's voices sound great together on this nostalgic track.
"It Won't Be Like This for Long," Darius Rucker, 2008
Darius sings about what it's like to raise a daughter, from a newborn to grown woman. Even through the tough times, he reminds himself: "It won't be like this for long."
"Just Fishin'," Trace Adkins, 2011
As a parent, even the seemingly mundane moments can be so meaningful. In Trace's case, it's catching fish with his daughter.
"Anything Like Me," Brad Paisley, 2010
Brad's popular tune will take you through all the stages of fatherhood, including the very beginning. The country superstar opens with the line: "I remember sayin', 'I don't care either way, just as long as he or she is healthy, I'm okay.'"
"There You'll Be," Faith Hill, 2001
For those whose dads are no longer here, this tune will be a heartwarming reminder of your favorite guy.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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