With Father’s Day on the horizon, we thought it was the perfect time to pull together a list of all the best songs that will get your dad grooving. From classic dad songs to those written about father figures, here’s our pick of hits that’ll help you craft the perfect playlist for your old man.
Before we press play, fancy a sneak peek at our brilliant collection of Father’s Day cards? Packed with funny sentiments and thoughtful messaging, there’s something for every type of dad out there:
And once you’ve chosen the perfect design, explore these Father’s Day messages for inspiration on what to jot down inside!
The best songs for Father’s Day
Now, get ready to shield your eyes from all the dad dancing, cue our list of dad songs to blast this Father’s Day!
1. Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
Starting off strong with some classic feel-good energy, Isn’t She Lovely is perfect for all the girl dads out there. Featured on the 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, this one’s all about a new father’s overwhelming love for his daughter. Super sentimental and one he’ll probably know the words to, it’s a great song to kick things off.
2. Butterfly Fly Away by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Next up we have a 2009 country ballad performed by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus. This sentimental duet is all about a daughter growing up and spreading her wings, equipped with the love and guidance her dad gave her. It’s simple, touching, and definitely worthy of a spot on our playlist.
3. The Best Day by Taylor Swift
The Best Day is pure nostalgia. In it, Taylor reflects on happy childhood memories including painting, trips to the pumpkin patch, and driving around her hometown. It’s a love letter to her parents and the happy childhood they gave her, making it a great one to say a massive thanks to your dad.
4. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel
Gentle and heartfelt, this is a sweet lullaby that reminds you that your dad’s love is always there, even when you’re apart. As Joel sings in verse one: “Wherever you may go, no matter where you are, I never will be far away”.
It’s ideal for a quieter moment, or just to remind your dad that he’s super appreciated no matter your age.
5. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) John Lennon
John Lennon’s classic is a father’s ode to the joys of being a dad and raising a son (basically an anthem for father-son love). Another slower one, it’s a touching track that celebrates the mundane and meaningful moments of fatherhood, with Lennon’s repeated “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, Beautiful boy” creating a lullaby-like chorus.
6. First Man by Camila Cabello
Time to grab some more tissues, this one is a tearjerker about all the special moments between dads and daughters. It’s heartfelt, emotional, and the kind of song that makes you really appreciate everything your dad’s done for you.
Lyric sneak peek: “You don’t even know how much it means to me now, that you were the first man that really loved me.”
7. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) by James Taylor
Ok, we’re done with the soppiness now. This James Taylor classic is pure, unfiltered joy. Warm, soulful, and fun, it’s a song all about the happiness that comes from being loved (making it a great one to apply to the love you feel from your dad). It’s super catchy too, so you’ll probably find him singing along before you know it.
8. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
No playlist is complete without a song that’ll spark some dad air guitar moments. This rock classic is full of energy and nostalgia, making it perfect for a Father’s Day sing song in the car with your dad!
9. Father and Son by Cat Stevens
In the penultimate spot on our list of Father’s Day songs is Father and Son by Cat Stevens. This one captures the bittersweet conversations between a dad and his child as they navigate life and growing up.
It’s another track that’s full of emotion, and it’s the kind of song that’ll make you both pause, reflect, and appreciate your relationship.
10. With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles
Got a dad who’s more like a best mate to you? This classic Beatles tune is all about friendship, camaraderie, and getting through life’s hurdles together, making it the perfect one to wrap up your Father’s Day playlist (especially if you’ve got a particularly close relationship with your dad).
And there you have it, a bunch of Father’s Day songs to add to your playlist. There are songs about dads, songs for dads, and even a few classic dad dancing songs thrown in there too, so there’s bound to be something he’ll love.
Don’t forget to sprinkle in a few tracks that mean something to the both of you too, whether that’s an inside joke, a shared memory, or a surprise genre he’s yet to explore. Happy listening, and a huge happy Father’s Day from us here at thortful!
Looking for more inspo? Don’t forget to check out the rest of the thortful blog. There you’ll find Father’s Day quotes as well as fun questions to ask your dad. And we’ve also come up with some Father’s Day gift ideas if you’re really looking to treat him.
Lastly, if you’ve recently lost your dad, Father’s Day can be a massively difficult day. So, we’ve pulled together a guide on spending your first Father’s Day without your dad filled with tips on how to take care of yourself. Creating a playlist can be a wonderful way to honour your dad as well, helping you feel close to him and remember all the good times while you listen.
