30 Sweet Father’s Day Songs That Pay Tribute to Dads Everywhere
Updated: Jul. 02, 2024
From soulful odes to country tunes, these Father's Day songs are sure to get Dad smiling—and dancing!
As Father’s Day approaches, you may be looking for ideas to show your father just how much you care about him and his lifetime of dedicated dad duty. One idea that’ll get him up and moving? Playing him a curated list of Father’s Day songs.
If you’re stumped on which Father’s Day songs to include, don’t worry. Just snag our playlist of dad songs that celebrate your amazing father and your special relationship. Some tracks are funky, others are sentimental—and you may hear a few in some of your favorite Father’s Day movies. Turn that volume up and let the dad songs play!
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1. “My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band
In this heartwarming Father’s Day song, Zac Brown, the frontman of Zac Brown Band, beautifully reflects on the significant figures in his life—his dad Jim Brown, and his mentor Rodney Shelton (affectionately known as “Old Man”). As “My Old Man” progresses, he gracefully transitions to seeing the world through his children’s eyes, adding a heartfelt touch to his lyrics.
2. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Let’s take a stroll through Paul Simon’s tender tune “Father and Daughter,” originally crafted for his seven-year-old girl. In this dad song (which is just as emotional as any dad story or tale of love), Simon lays out his hopes and dreams for his daughter’s future, crafting a heartfelt wish list from a loving dad. Bonus trivia: Simon’s own son lends his voice to the melody on this touching track. Loving these music recommendations? If so you’ll enjoy reading a few Father’s Day poems from some of the most popular writers in the world.
3. “Letter 2 My Unborn” by Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur may have left us too soon to experience fatherhood, but his wisdom lives on in “Letter 2 My Unborn.” In this poignant Father’s Day song, Shakur shares a powerful message for future generations, urging them to learn from his own struggles and avoid the pitfalls of life. It’s a heartfelt plea from a father figure to his unborn child, resonating with anyone who dreams of guiding their offspring through life’s challenges.
4. “Daddy Come And Get Me” by Dolly Parton
On top of sharing a good ol’ dad joke, journey back to 1981 with a classic dad song from country music star Dolly Parton. In “Daddy Come And Get Me,” we witness a daughter’s emotional plea to her father after facing betrayal and institutionalization by her husband. It’s a timeless reminder that no matter our age, we all need the support of our number one guy when life throws us curveballs.
5. “Color Him Father” by The Winstons
Travel back to the Vietnam War era with The Winstons’ debut single “Color Me Father.” This soulful Father’s Day tune shares the touching story of a boy’s love for his stepfather, who stepped up to raise him and his siblings after their biological father tragically perished in the war. It’s a tribute to the unsung heroes who take on the role of fatherhood and share their loving dad advice, even in the face of adversity.
6. “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
Now, this is a sweet Father’s Day song to dedicate to Dad. “Just the Two of Us,” off Will Smith’s album Big Willie Style, is a fun yet sentimental song any dad can relate to. Throw it on to highlight your special relationship with your No. 1 guy! You can even share some of the lyrics as Father’s Day quotes.
7. “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens
“Father and Son” by Cat Stevens is a beautiful blend of folk and rock that’s worth a play on Father’s Day (and beyond). The lyrics depict a father and son at odds in life; the son wants to go out and follow his own path, but his father advises against it, encouraging his son to live a simpler life. The song paints a vivid picture of the love and frustration felt in a disagreement between a father and child.
8. “They Don’t Make ’em Like My Daddy” by Loretta Lynn
A twangy ode to the father of all fathers, “They Don’t Make ’em Like My Daddy” by country legend Loretta Lynn is a must-play dad song. Listen on as Lynn croons about the sweet adoration she feels for a dad who is rough, tough and not afraid to roll up his sleeves.
9. “The Man Who Loves You the Most” by Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band pulls at the heartstrings of every dad with “The Man Who Loves You the Most,” a tender country track about a father who wishes nothing but the best for his child. But, no matter where they go or who they marry, their dad will always be the man who loves them the most. Don’t be shocked if Dad gives you a big ol’ hug after listening to this one.
10. “Father to Son” by Queen
This one’s for the dads who rock—and love rock! This dad song, off Queen’s 1974 album Queen II, was written by guitarist Brian May—who also shows off his impressive piano chops on the track. It’s about a father talking to his son about the important things in life, and it’s perfect to play for the dad who has shelled out solid life advice over the years.
11. “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon
“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” is one of the most touching songs John Lennon ever wrote. Lennon penned the tune, found in 1980’s Double Fantasy album, for his son Sean. The lyrics depict a father comforting his son and wondering what his life will be like as he grows. Fun and tenderhearted, “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” is a song both fathers and sons will appreciate.
12. “Daughters” by John Mayer
John Mayer’s 2005 smash hit has an important message behind its acoustic goodness: Fathers, be good to your daughters. In “Daughters,” his most successful tune off 2003’s Heavier Things, Mayer croons about the importance of the father-daughter relationship. Mayer earned a Grammy for the song and a permanent spot on many Father’s Day playlists.
13. “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
Soulful and oh-so-endearing, “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross is one of those Father’s Day songs that brings a tear to your eye. Vandross sings about the beautiful memories of his father and him dancing together and how he wishes he could cut a rug with him just one more time. The lovely and heartfelt R&B tune earned him two Grammys in 2004, cementing its place as one of the best dad songs of all time. Don’t forget to hug Dad after listening to this one.
14. “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
“Ready, Set, Don’t Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus is a song any dad-and-daughter duo can relate to. The duet between Cyrus and daughter Miley (recorded during the Hannah Montana years) tells the story of a father and daughter coming to terms with her growing up and needing to start her own life. Doesn’t make it any easier to let go, though, as any dad can relate to.
15. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Play this Father’s Day song for any girl dad and watch him melt. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon, found on the soundtrack to 2002’s The Wild Thornberrys Movie, is a lovely whimsical tune paying tribute to that sacred father-daughter relationship. Listen in as Simon sings of being there for your little girl as she grows into her own person.
16. “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” by Reba McEntire
Found on the 1991 album For My Broken Heart, “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” by country songstress Reba McEntire is the perfect song to play for the dad who’s a man of few words, but loves his family dearly. McEntire sings about a tight-lipped father from his daughter’s perspective, reflecting on his ways and how they shaped her view of him. The country tune earned McEntire several Grammy nominations and hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart back in 1992.
17. “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” by Darius Rucker
Turn this song on while your dad’s reading his Father’s Day card! Former Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker scored one for the girl dads with 2008’s “It Won’t Be Like This for Long,” a heart-melting Father’s Day song about appreciating the time you have with your little ones. One day, they’re in diapers—then you blink and they’re packing for college. Rucker’s song reminds dads to just sit back, take the phases in stride and enjoy the time you have with your kids.
18. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
This is one of those Father’s Day songs that shows your pop just how much you appreciate him. This cover of “Wind Beneath My Wings” by the über talented Bette Midler was released back in 1989 and received both commercial and critical success; the song topped charts and earned Midler multiple Grammys. Play it for the dad who has lifted you up through everything in life, no matter what.
19. “My Father’s Eyes” by Eric Clapton
Listen to 1998’s “My Father’s Eyes” by Eric Clapton and you’ll hear a feel-good melody, a soulful chorus and an impressive guitar solo at 2:38. You’ll also hear a piece of music with very personal meaning for the guitar legend. Clapton didn’t have a relationship with his father, and according to Clapton: The Autobiography, he wrote the Father’s Day song about seeing his father’s eyes in his young son, Conor, who tragically passed away in 1991 at age 4. It’s a dad song about seeing life carry on through generations, which Dad is sure to understand.
20. “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks
“Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks is a sentimental country track that both daughters and sons-in-law can play for Dad. The Father’s Day song is about a man going to ask his love’s father for her hand in marriage and reflecting on how, in her dad’s eyes, he’ll always be the guy who whisked his princess away. Play it for the father-daughter duo who are thick as thieves.
21. “Papa Don’t Take No Mess” by James Brown
If your dad is a fan of funk, he’ll love “Papa Don’t Take No Mess” by James Brown. The dad song was released in 1974 but still packs a funky punch that modern ears will appreciate. Crank it up and dance with the dad who don’t take no mess!
22. “Drive (for Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson
Country star Alan Jackson reflected on the relationship he had with his father to pen his 2002 hit “Drive (for Daddy Gene).” Jackson sings about the fond memories he has of driving with his father in the truck they fixed up together, backed by twangy instrumentals. It’s a great song to play for Dad if you were his shadow growing up, always tagging along and helping out with projects.
23. “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel
Dedicating this song to dad sends a truly special Father’s Day message. Billy Joel’s 1994 tune “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” was inspired by his own daughter, and you can hear how much he loves his little girl in the lyrics (“Wherever you may go, no matter where you are / I never will be far away”).
24. “That’s My Job” by Conway Twitty
The lyrics in Conway Twitty’s “That’s My Job” are arguably some of the best to describe a father-child relationship. Twitty uses his signature sound to paint a picture of what it’s like to grow up close with your dad—the doting, the disagreements, the appreciation of their wisdom. It’s a beautiful Father’s Day song to play while Dad’s opening his Father’s Day gifts.
25. “Daddy” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé reflects on her own relationship with her father Mathew Knowles in “Daddy,” a soulful tribute to a father who’s done so much. Sit down with your pop and listen to Beyoncé’s gorgeous voice sing about the love and adoration one feels for their dad. It’ll make for a special bonding moment!
26. “He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley
“He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley is the perfect song to play for a stepdad on Father’s Day. It’s a sentimental country tune expressing the love and appreciation one feels for their stepdad taking on a role he didn’t have to, but genuinely wanted to. Your bonus dad will appreciate the thought behind this selection.
27. “My Girl” by The Temptations
The Temptations’ classic hit “My Girl” is a wonderful addition to any Father’s Day playlist. Dads with daughters can dance and sing along to the soulful dad song with their own little ray of sunshine!
28. “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin
Harry Chapin’s 1974 song “Cat’s in the Cradle” delivers an important reminder to fathers and sons: Make time for one another before it’s too late. The catchy tune is about a father and son who go on in life just missing each other, whether due to careers, learning how to drive or long-distance moves. It’s one of those dad songs that reminds both of you to spend quality time together and bond.
29. “Father, Son” by Peter Gabriel
Fair warning: This Father’s Day song may make you and Dad shed a tear. “Father, Son” by Peter Gabriel is a gorgeous tune about the complex relationship between a father and son. It’s a must-listen for any father-and-son pair.
30. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Country megastar Tim McGraw grasps the beauty in a father-daughter relationship in 2006’s “My Little Girl.” It’s both tender and uplifting as McGraw sings about the pride a dad feels watching his daughter grow—but also recognizing that she’ll be his little girl no matter what. Don’t be surprised if Dad puts this Father’s Day song on repeat.
Now that you have your playlist of Father’s Day songs lined up, read these lovely and inspiring dad stories, submitted by Reader’s Digest readers.
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