Pride, distance, gratitude, and the things sons and daughters wish they had said. The songs about fathers hold all of it. A list for Father's Day and beyond.
Updated 2026
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone by The Temptations 1972
A father's absence, pieced together after he is gone.
My Father's Eyes by Eric Clapton 1998
Searching for a father he barely knew in his own child.
Color Him Father by The Winstons 1969
A grateful tribute to the stepfather who showed up.
Father Figure by George Michael 1987
A vow to be a steady, protective presence.
Father and Son by Cat Stevens 1970
Two generations talking past each other about leaving.
Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross 2003
A son who would give anything for one more dance.
Papa Don't Preach by Madonna 1986
A daughter standing her ground with her dad.
The Living Years by Mike + The Mechanics 1988
Everything left unsaid, said too late.
Just the Two of Us by Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers 1981
A father looking forward to raising his boy.
My Old Man by Zac Brown Band 2017
A son realizing he is turning into his father.