Leave it to Madonna to make a song that simultaneously stirs the pot and features danceable cello music. At the time of the single’s release, the pop star was in peak form, but the lyrics caused controversy and forced conversation about taboo subjects like abortion, teen pregnancy, and religion. Like many Madonna songs, “Paper Don’t Preach” was a flash-point in the 80s culture wars. It’s the least “personal” song on this list but, thanks to the heavy guitar of Brian May, and Freddie Mercury’s fantastic voice, it pulls double duty as a great power ballad and one of the best Father’s Day songs.Ĭlick to load video 16: Madonna – Papa Don’t Preach The song conjures up images of war, land, and family honor. Taking into account the grandest visions that a father may have for a son, Queen’s “Father To Son” seems to be written from the perspective of not just your everyday Dad, but perhaps a king or lord. Originally about Claudette Rogers Robinson, Smokey Robinson’s wife at the time and a member of The Miracles, “My Girl” now regularly features prominently as one of the best Father’s Day songs for dads and their not-so-little girls to dance to at weddings the world over. 18: The Temptations – My GirlĪnother song that’s been reclaimed by fathers and daughters all over is this gem from The Temptations, recorded in 1964. Fun fact: Simon’s 10-year-old son sings the melody on the track. “Father And Daughter” is all about Simon’s hopes for his daughter’s future and is a touching wish list from a doting father. It might have had more of an impact had it not been first released on The Wild Thornberrys film soundtrack nonetheless, it’s a sweet song that deserves a listen. Paul Simon first wrote this song about his daughter, who was seven at the time. A seemingly throwaway track by the masterful country crooner.Ĭlick to load video 19: Paul Simon – Father And Daughter The beauty of the song is in its simplicity of subject matter, phrasing, and musicality, while its genius lies in the execution.

“The Best Day,” a song about a father and son sharing a day together, is one of Strait’s most deft magic tricks, more than earning its place among the best Father’s Day songs. When George Strait wants to, he can reduce anyone into a quivering pile of bones incapable of controlling their tearful emotions. Marx was impressed with the singer’s recall of childhood memories from Vandross’ home where he regularly watched his father dance with his mother. Described as a personal and revealing song, Vandross shares the writing credit with Richard Marx. Released just after Vandross was hospitalized following a stroke due to complications from diabetes, this song quickly became both a commercial and critical success. 22: Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father It’s a lovely Father’s Day song that encompasses the many rewards and anxieties that come with being a father. This song is about the rush of beautiful feelings Jay Z felt when his daughter Blue was born, but it doesn’t shy away from the pain that a previous miscarriage caused. “Glory” is melodic hip-hop from one of the best MCs to ever pick up a mic.

He does make one mistake though: He promises to “keep with the changin’ times” by getting Disney movies on CD-ROM, a format that was on its last legs when this was released. In just four verses, Smith makes a pretty good case for himself as a world-class dad, with a steady hand for discipline and a lot of love to give. It took rapper, entertainer, and all-around nice guy Will Smith to turn Withers’ love ballad into a salute to the joys of fatherhood. 29: Will Smith – Just The Two Of Usīill Withers actually wrote a much more upbeat fatherhood song, though he didn’t know it at the time. There’s no resolution here, only the singer’s anger as he repeats: “You should have told me, Lucy!” for a good minute into the fadeout. Over an ominous funk backdrop (with taut Stephen Stills guitar), the singer tracks down Lucy, an ex he hasn’t seen in six years, and wonders if Lucy’s daughter even knows that the singer is her dad. Click to load video 30: Bill Withers – I’m Her Daddyīill Withers’ debut album spawned the classic “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and there was definitely no sunshine in this deep cut either.

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