Father's Day, Vol. 2

Father's Day is almost here again, and. I still hold the opinion that in most cases, dads are indeed rad. My dad has come in clutch for myself and many others over this past absolutely insane year, from faithfully delivering stuff my Grandad needed during the pandemic even when he wasn't allowed inside to bringing my husband and I multiple gallons of boiled water so that we could function when our water wasn't working during the February ice storm here in Texas. He's a great example of what a good dad should be, and I'm usually pretty proud to show him off (unless he's done something super embarrassing but that doesn't happen as often now as it did when I was 13). So today, we have more songs inspired by dads, written by dads for their kids, or even just referencing dads so they're on here for a laugh. Let's get started!

I'll Stand By You by Amber Riley (written by B. Sternberg, C. Hynde, T. Kelly)

Featured on the soundtrack for The Quarterback (S5E3) of Glee, this cover by Amber Riley (Mercedes) was a tribute to Cory Monteith's character Finn who covered the same song in an earlier episode (S1E10, Ballad). The original was recorded by The Pretenders for their 1994 album Last of the Independents, and since then the song has become kind of an unofficial song for parents to their kids. The whole reason Finn sang the song on Glee in the first place was to his unborn daughter (who ended up not being his daughter but that's a whole other convoluted storyline) so that she would know that he would be there for her no matter what, even though he wasn't sure what the future would hold. Amber Riley's version is heartfelt and beautiful for a lot of reasons, and that's why it's my favorite and was chosen for the playlist.

Oh, why you look so sad/Tears are in your eyes, come on and talk to me now/Don’t be ashamed to cry/Let me see you through, ‘cause I’ve seen the dark side, too/When the night falls on you, don’t know what to do/Nothing you confess could make me love you less/I’ll stand by you/I’ll stand by you/Won’t let nobody hurt you/I’ll stand by you

bad guy by Billie Eilish (written by F. O'Connell, B. O'Connell)

Oh hey look, it's sone of those songs I mentioned that's not about dads but instead references them so it's on here as a joke. Featured on Eilish's 2019 album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, the chorus briefly includes a reference to someone's dad so that's the whole reason it's here.

So you’re a tough guy, like it really rough guy/Just can’t get enough guy, chest always so puffed guy/I’m that bad type, make your mama sad type/Make your girlfriend mad tight, might seduce your dad type/I’m the bad guy, duh

Anything Like Me by Brad Paisley (written by B. Paisley, C. DuBois, D. Turnbull)

Featured on his 2009 album American Saturday Night, this song was written for Paisley's sons Huck and Jasper. Paisley's narration of a father imagining how his son will be from the moment he finds out he's going to be a dad to the moment the son drives away for college its relatable, sweet, and delightfully honest. A two-year-old Huck Paisley's cameo on the last line of this song is just the cherry on top for being adorable.

I remember saying, "I don’t care either way/Just as long as he or she is healthy, I’m okay"/And then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen/And said, "You see that thing right there, well, you know what that means"/And I started wondering who he was gonna be/And I thought, "Heaven help us if he’s anything like me"/He’ll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike too fast/End up every summer wearing something in a cast/He’s gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street/He’s gonna get in trouble, he’s gonna get in fights, I’m gonna lose my temper and some sleep/It’s safe to say that I’m gonna get my payback if he’s anything like me

Return to Pooh Corner by Kenny Loggins (written by K. Loggins)

Featured on his 1994 album Return to Pooh Corner, Loggins actually wrote this song when he was 17 years old and didn't want to study for a final exam. Years later, he went back and added a third verse for his son Lukas. This whole album holds a special place in my heart, as I spent my entire childhood falling asleep to it and it just reminds me of special times with both my dad and my mom.

Christopher Robin and I walked along under branches lit up by the moon/Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore as our days disappeared all too soon/But I’ve wandered much further today than I should/And I can’t seem to find my way back to the Wood/So help me if you can, I’ve got to get back to the house at Pooh Corner by one/You’d be surprised, there’s so much to be done/Count all the bees in the hive, chase all the clouds from the sky/Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh

Mr. Mom by Lonestar (written by D. Pfrimmer, R. McDonald, R. Harbin)

Featured on their 2004 album Let's Be Us Again, this is one of my favorite songs and music videos from Lonestar. Following the story of a dad who goes from a full time job to a full time stay at home dad, it's a comical journey watching him learn to navigate and appreciate a different side of parenting his kids.

Lost my job, came home mad, got a hug and a kiss and, "That’s too bad"/She said, "I can go to work until you find another job"/I thought, "I like the sound of that," watch TV and take long naps/Go from a hard-working dad to being Mr. Mom/Well, Pampers melt in a Maytag dryer, crayons go up one drawer higher/Rewind Barney for the fifteenth time, breakfast 6, naps at 9/There’s bubblegum in the baby’s hair, sweet potatoes in my lazy chair/Been crazy all day long, and it’s only Monday, Mr. Mom

Welcome to Earth (Pollywog) by Sturgill Simpson (written by S. Simpson)

Featured on his 2016 album A Sailor's Guide to Earth, this opening track is just the introduction to a musical letter from Simpson to his oldest son. Talking about how much he loves him even when he has to be away is so sweet, and the song is unique and beautiful and a great listen.

Hello, my son, welcome to Earth/May not be my last, but you’ll always be my first/Wish I’d done this ten years ago, but how could I know/How could I know that the answer was so easy/I’ve been told you measure a man by how much he loves/When I hold you, I treasure each moment I spend/On this Earth, under Heaven above, Grandfather always said/God’s a fisherman, and now, I know the reason why

Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift (written by T. Swift)

Featured on her 2010 album Speak Now, this is a beautiful, introspective song from Swift dealing with her mixed feelings about growing up. She does talk about her dad during the bridge, but the whole song could also easily be sung from a parent to a child about them growing up.

Your little hand’s wrapped around my finger, and it’s so quiet in the world tonight/Your little eyelids flutter ‘cause you’re dreaming, so I tuck you in, turn on your favorite nightlight/To you, everything’s funny, you got nothing to regret/I’d give all I have, honey, if you could stay like that/Oh, darling, don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up, just stay this little/Oh, darling, don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up, it could stay this simple/I won’t let nobody hurt you, won’t let no one break your heart/And no one will desert you, just try to never grow up/Never grow up

I hope you've found some great music to listen to as we celebrate our dads this weekend. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!