No matter what type of Father’s Day activities you and your family join this year or how do you celebrate Father’s Day, having the right background music is essential. Music is the perfect way to nurture and bond with your #1 man in your life. Just think of all the great memories you have that are identified by a particular song lyric that’s always reminded you of him. Especially, if you’re far from your dad and can not in-person celebrate this special day with him, listening to music is one of the fantastic activities that can be enjoyed together across a long distance. That’s why we’ve included 15 of the best Father’s Day songs to honor dad this year.
Best Father’s Day Songs of All Time
“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
This is one of the most memorable and impressive Father’s Day songs out there. Issued just after Vandross was hospitalized by a stroke because of complications from diabetes, this Father’s Day song quickly gained success. R&B legend Luther Vandross recorded the 2003 album and its title track as a devotion to his deceased father.
Best Lyric: “If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him, I’d play a song that would never ever end. Cause I’d love to dance with my father again.”
“Just The Two of Us” by Will Smith
This a song by the actor and rapper Will Smith. He dedicates the song to his eldest son Trey. It was delivered as the fourth single from his debut solo studio album, Big Willie Style (1997).
Best Lyric: “I know I loved you more than life itself. Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord please let me be a good daddy. All he needs love, knowledge, discipline, too. I pledge my life to you.”
“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
“My Little Girl” is a song co-written and performed by Tim McGraw. He perfectly expresses the special bond between fathers and daughters with his lyrics: “Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again. Go on, take on this whole world but to me you know you’ll always be my little girl”.
“Papa Don’t Preach” by Madonna
The relationship between fathers and daughters is a sweet one, but it can be hard seeing little girls grow up. In this situation, Madonna asks her dad to help when she’s going to be a young mother. And of course, he’s always there for her.
Best lyric: “Papa I know you’re going to be upset. ‘Cause I was always your little girl. But you should know by now. I’m not a baby”
“Daughters” by John Mayer
This impressive Father’s Day song from blues-rock singer-songwriter John Mayer is received various awards, including the 2005 Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
Best Lyric: “Fathers, be good to your daughters. Daughters will love like you do. Girls become lovers who turn into mothers. So mothers, be good to your daughters too.
“Just Fishin’,” Trace Adkins, 2011
This song is performed by American country music artist Trace Adkins. In the eye of parents, normal moments are still meaningful. In Trace’s case, the moment his daughter and he catch fish is significant.
John Lennon: ‘Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)’
There is nothing wonderful than the love and sacrifice a father has done for his children. This Father’s Day song was for Lennon’s son, Sean, his second son. It’s a sweet song depicting the love he has for his son and the happiness Sean gave him.
Best lyric: “Close your eyes. Have no fear. The monster’s gone. He’s on the run and your daddy’s here”.
Eric Clapton: ‘Tears In Heaven’
For any father, nothing is hurtful than losing a child. It is unimaginable that Clapton is able to find the strength to move on and use that big loss to create something marvelous. When ‘Tears In Heaven’ was released, it quickly gained a high position on UK Singles Chart and popular around the world. People felt lamented for the loss of Clapton’s four-year-old son with him and found a voice for their own pain.
Stevie Wonder: ‘Isn’t She Lovely’
There is nothing greater and more beautiful than a father’s love for his baby girl. This standout song is by Stevie Wonder from his 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life. It is like an audible painting, so there’s not exaggerated that it’s a perfect pop ballad. It’s a must-listen and great Father’s Day song on this special day. Every father thinks his daughter is so beautiful and lovely. This song gives you a sense of your father’s love for you when you come to this world.
The Temptations: ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’
Not every wayward father story creates sad stories of woe. Some are an inspiration to produce the best Father’s Day songs. ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’ is still one of the most enduring Temptations’ – tracks of all time.
The Temptations: ‘My Girl’
Another great Father’s Day song is ‘My Girl’. It is from The Temptations, recorded in 1964. Robinson’s inspiration for writing “My Girl” was his wife, a member of The Miracles. This gem is considered one of the best Father’s Day songs for dads and their lovely girls to dance at weddings across the world.
Eric Clapton: ‘My Father’s Eyes’
For anyone who has lost a father, this song is particularly touching, reflecting on moments you hope you had your father’s support. In this song, Eric Clapton tries his best to understand the loss of his own son through the feelings of loss he suffered from his father’s death.
“My Old Man,” Zac Brown Band, 2017
My Old Man” is a ballad telling about Zac Brown’s own father, and the lifestyle examples and life lessons he taught Zac Brown.
Harry Chapin: ‘Cat’s In The Cradle’
This Father’s Day song tells the sad story of a young boy missing his dad. Although his father meets all the necessities of child-rearing, he doesn’t spend quality time with his son due to his career. Ultimately, the boy grows up and also becomes the busy one. The recurring verse “I’m gonna be like you Dad, you know I’m gonna be like you…” shows that. The song is like a warning against putting one’s career ahead of family.
Billy Joel: ‘Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)’
This song was inspired by his daughter Alexa Ray. The great song later inspired one of two picture books by Billy Joel. He wrote this beautiful lullaby based on his own inner truth, so it touched every heartstring.
Conclusion
These Father’s Day songs are great to dance with your favorite guy in your life. These songs are all sweet musical tributes that express the special relationship between dads and children. They are also emotional tracks that are given to your deceased ones. Father’s Day is coming, remember to play these songs to celebrate with dad. Which is your favorite Father’s Day song? Feel free to share with us in the comment below.