Maybe you’re planning your wedding, and you’re not sure what to pick for the father-daughter dance. Or you want to dedicate a song to your daughter. Well, this list of songs about dads and daughters has something for everyone.
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
In 1991, Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole re-recorded his 1951 song “Unforgettable.” This velvety, musically sophisticated version of the classic celebrates the deep affection fathers and daughters share.
Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder wrote and recorded “Isn’t She Lovely” in 1976 as a celebration of his daughter Aisha.
What makes it different from other songs about dads and daughters is that Wonder incorporated recordings of a baby’s first cry and a happy child in the bath between the verses.
Daughters by John Mayer
John Mayer’s “Daughters” is much less uplifting than some other songs about dads and daughters, but it’s a poignant warning that shows how important a dad is to his daughter and her future life.
Mayer sings, “On behalf of every man looking out for every girl; you are the guide and the weight of her world,” emphasizing the importance of a father’s influence on his daughter’s life.
Gracie by Ben Folds
In Ben Folds’ song “Gracie,” he considers some of the mundane but precious moments of parenting his daughter, as well as the deep and unique friendship between a father and daughter.
Much like Natalie Cole, Gracie Folds followed in her father’s footsteps – she works as a singer-songwriter now, sometimes collaborating with her father.
I Loved Her First by Heartland
You may not be familiar with the band Heartland since they haven’t been active since 2007, but chances are you’ve heard “I Loved Her First.” It’s a classic, bittersweet father-daughter dance song that explores the thoughts of a father giving his daughter away at her wedding because he “loved her first.”
Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) By Billy Joel
Written for his daughter Alexa Ray Joel in her childhood, “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” is a song about a father’s relationship with his daughter and the questions children ask as they grow up.
My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s song “My Little Girl” is full of images that fathers of daughters can relate to! He encourages his daughter to go out into the world to pursue her dreams and “take on this whole world” while still reminding her that she can always come home.
Sweet Pea by Amos Lee
Amos Lee’s “Sweet Pea” celebrates the way his daughter’s love provides an emotional anchor amidst life’s other challenges and difficulties. And, whatever he struggles with, he assures her that she’s “the only reason I keep on coming home.”
I Learned From You by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
“I Learned from You” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus was featured on the Hannah Montana soundtrack, but its themes aren’t just for kids and teenagers! The song reminds us that fathers and daughters can learn from each other.
Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
Another father-daughter dance classic, “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle traces a father’s feelings from his daughter’s early childhood to her teen years and finally walking her down the aisle.
She’s a Rainbow by the Rolling Stones
Unlike some of these songs about dads and daughters, the psychedelic “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones isn’t necessarily about the father-daughter relationship, but it does express the wonder that dads feel as they watch their daughters grow up: “She shoots colors all around, Like a sunset going down.”
Daddy Dance With Me by Krystal Keith
In “Daddy Dance With Me,” Toby Keith’s daughter Krystal Keith combines tender, nostalgic childhood memories with a celebration of her ongoing relationship with her father. She tells him that the way he raised her gave her strength, faith, and confidence as she became an adult and went out into the world.
First Man by Camila Cabello
Like other songs about dads and daughters, “First Man” focuses on the lasting impact of a father’s love. It traces the progress of the relationship through the singer’s reassurances to her father, from an early date to meeting the parents to her father preparing to walk her down the aisle.
Other Songs About Dads and Daughters
- The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
- You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash
- Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- My Girl by The Temptations
- Wildflowers by Tom Petty
- Daddy’s Little Girl by Michael Buble
- My Darling by Wilco
- Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
- God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
- My Wish by Rascal Flatts
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- Right By You (for Luna) by John Legend
- How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You) by James Taylor
- You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
- Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks
- You’re My Best Friend by Queen
- Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
- Daddy’s Hands by Holly Dunn
- Count on Me by Bruno Mars
- Cecilia and the Satellite by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
- The Best Day by Taylor Swift
- Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison
- Just Fishin by Trace Adkins
- One Call Away by Charlie Puth
- Your Song by Elton John
- Michelle by the Beatles
- Butterfly Fly Away by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
- Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison