“My Way” by Frank Sinatra (1969)
One of Sinatra’s biggest hits, a man looks back at his life and talks through the pitfalls, but is comforted by the fact that well, “I did it my way.”
“Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all, and I stood tall And did it my way”
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“Broken Halos” By Chris Stapleton (2017)
The soulful voice of Chris Stapleton grieves openly the loss of his friend, who passed from cancer.
“Angels come down from the heavens Just to help us on our way Come to teach us, then they leave us And they find some other soul to save”
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“Live Like You Were Dying” By Tim McGraw (2004)
“Live Like You Were Dying” is about living life to the fullest, checking things off the bucket list before it’s too late.
“I went sky divin' I went Rocky Mountain climbin' I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu And I loved deeper And I spoke sweeter And I gave forgiveness I've been denying And he said someday I hope you get the chance To live like you were dyin' ”
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“There You’ll Be” By Faith Hill (2001)
A beautiful ballad that communicates the strong emotions of loss. It’s like we’re listening into a private conversation between Faith and someone close to her.
“In my dreams, I'll always see you soar above the sky In my heart, there will always be a place for you, for all my life I'll keep a part of you with me And everywhere I am, there you'll be”
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“You Should Be Here” By Cole Swindell (2016)
One of my favorites on this list, it feels genuine and vulnerable. This song was by Cole Swindell after his father died unexpectedly.
“You should be here Standin' with your arm around me here Cuttin' up crackin' a cold beer Sayin' cheers Hey y'all, it's sure been a good year It's one of those moments That's got your name written all over it And you know that if I had just one wish It'd be that you didn't have to miss this Aw, you should be here”
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“My Old Man” By Zac Brown Band (2017)
Something about country singers being able to capture the emotions of loss. This beautiful song an ode to a father, and communicates a deep gratitude for the lessons he passed on to his son.
“My old man Feel the callous on his hands And dusty overalls My old man Now I finally understand I have a lot to learn From my old man”
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“Daddy’s Hands” By Holly Dunn (1986)
"Daddy's Hands" captures the memories that we can have of our father when we were children, the unconditional love and warmth of his hands, and how we felt so protected by him. A window into a daughter’s love for her dad.
“Daddy's hands Were soft and kind when I was crying Daddy's hands Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong Daddy's hands Weren't always gentle but I've come to understand There was always love in daddy's hands”
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“Winter” By Tori Amos (1992)
Tori Amos creates a powerful story through her piano melody and emotional voice. Tori talks about childhood memories especially in winter with her father and the life lessons he taught her.
"When you gonna make up your mind? When you gonna love you as much as I do? When you gonna make up your mind? 'Cause things are gonna change so fast All the white horses are still in bed I tell you that I'll always want you near You say that things change, my dear"
“You Can Let Go” By Crystal Shawanda (2008)
The relationship between a father and daughter is narrated through three stories of the singer’s life. Each time she lets her dad know it’s ok to let go, until it’s time to say the final goodbye.
“You can let go now, Daddy You can let go Oh, I think I'm ready To do this on my own It's still a little bit scary But I want you to know I'll be ok now, Daddy You can let go”
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“Dance With My Father” By Luther Vandross (2003)
This R & B hit is a tribute to Luther’s father who died of diabetes when he was just seven years old. It’s emotionally vulnerable and incredibly touching.
“If I could get another chance Another walk Another dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end How I'd love, love, love To dance with my father again”
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“Wind Beneath My Wings” By Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert (1995)
Nothing better than a song to dedicate to your dad, especially when the singers are father and son. The song reflects a great love and the inspiration the father gives to his son to achieve great things in life. Sadly the son, Gerald passed away in 2006.
“Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I would like to be I could fly higher than an eagle, yeah, yeah 'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings It might have appeared to go unnoticed But daddy, daddy, daddy, I've got it all Right here in my heart, yes, I do say”
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“Unforgettable” By Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole (1991)
What made this song incredible beyond the two legendary singers on the track, is how Natalie recorded her part 25 years after her dad’s passing.
“Unforgettable, that's what you are Unforgettable, though near or far Like a song of love that clings to me How the thought of you does things to me Never before has someone been more Unforgettable in every way”
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“Hero” By Mariah Carey (1993)
This song is an instantly recognizable hit, and Mariah's vocals are simply amazing. The ballad emphasizes pushing on, and finding comfort in the hero inside.
“And then a hero comes along With the strength to carry on And you cast your fears aside And you know you can survive So when you feel like hope is gone Look inside you and be strong And you'll finally see the truth That a hero lies in you”
“Your Joy” By Chrisette Michele (2007)
“You'll always be my father and I'll always be your joy”, the final phrase of the song, captures the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. The acoustic guitar and intimate vocals are pure and unfiltered like they were playing in your living room.
“No one loves me just like you do No one knows me just like you do No one can compare to way my eyes fit in yours You'll always be my father And I'll always be your joy”
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“See You Again” By Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth (2015)
An emotional song used in Fast And Furious as a tribute to the death of actor Paul Walker.
“Damn, who knew? All the planes we flew, good things we been through That I'd be standing right here talking to you 'Bout another path, I know we loved to hit the road and laugh But something told me that it wouldn't last Had to switch up, look at things different, see the bigger picture”
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“The Living Years” By Mike + The Mechanics (1988)
The composer B.A. Robertson was inspired by the death of his father and the not so good relationship he had with him, he talks about living without resentment because when our loved one dies it is too late to make up for the lost time. A classic 80s hit.
“Say it loud (say it loud) Say it clear (say it clear) You can listen as well as you hear It's too late (It's too late) When we die (oh, when we die) To admit we don't see eye to eye”
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“Wish You Were Here” By Pink Floyd (1975)
A song full of melancholy, longing, and grief. The song has a nod to bassist Syd Barret, who left the band due to mental health concerns. The chorus is beautiful and you can’t help but sing along.
“How I wish, how I wish you were here We're just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl, year after year Running over the same old ground, what have we found? The same old fears, wish you were here”
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“Wake Me Up When September Ends” By Green Day (2004)
Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer of Green Day, wrote this song about the death of his father from cancer, when Armstrong was only 10 years old.
“Here comes the rain again Falling from the stars Drenched in my pain again Becoming who we are As my memory rests But never forgets what I lost Wake me up when September ends”
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“Wildflowers” By Tom Petty (1994)
A folk melody that can have the listener equally longing for a lost loved one or relationship. Either way it tells a beautiful story that captures the sentiment well. Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus performed Wildflowers together as a tribute to Tom Petty, after his passing in 2017.
“You belong among the wildflowers You belong in a boat out at sea Sail away, kill off the hours You belong somewhere you feel free”
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“Tears In Heaven” By Eric Clapton (1992)
Eric Clapton composed this song after the tragic death of his 4 year old son Conor. It urges you to reflect on how important it is to enjoy and value every moment with your loved ones.
“Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven? Would you be the same if I saw you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on Because I know I don't belong Here in heaven”
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“Father And Daughter” By Paul Simon (2002)
The whimsical introduction, followed by the soothing rhythms of the drum intro. This song was part of the soundtrack of the Nickelodeon movie The Thornberrys.
Paul Simon dedicated the song to his daughter Lulu Simon, he expresses his immense love for her and his wish for her to fulfill all her dreams.
“I'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow Gonna paint a sign so you'll always know As long as one and one is two There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you”
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“Fire and Rain” By James Taylor (1970)
The lyrics of this song discuss the sad and lonely periods of James Taylor's life, it becomes a mixture of emotions captured through the metaphor of a crash. Taylor’s vintage vocals and acoustic guitar are a beautiful tribute to any loved one.
“Won't you look down upon me, Jesus You've got to help me make a stand You've just got to see me through another day My body's aching and my time is at hand And I won't make it any other way”
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“Father And Son” By Yusuf / Cat Stevens (2001)
The song is like a conversation between a father and son, about a son who feels misunderstood and wants to go his own way and a father who advises him to take it easy.
“How can I try to explain? When I do, he turns away again It's always been the same Same old story From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen Now there's a way And I know that I have to go away I know, I have to go”
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“Knockin' On Heaven's Door” by Bob Dylan (1991)
This song was written from the perspective of a sheriff, who is dying and sees his life passing by while approaching the “Heaven’s Door”. It’s been covered by Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and most famously by Guns N’ Roses. In my opinion though, the original is the best version of all.
“Mama, take this badge off of me I can’t use it anymore It’s getting dark, too dark to see I feel I’m knockin' upon heaven’s door”
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“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban (2003)
This song is about how lucky and blessed we can be to have a person to support us in our most difficult moments. The orchestral arrangement is stunning.
“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up, to more than I can be”
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“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley (1994)
Originally a Leonard Cohen composition, covered by Jeff Buckley. The vocals soar and lift your spirits despite the melancholy tone.
“Well, your faith was strong but you needed proof You saw her bathing on the roof Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya And she tied you to her kitchen chair And she broke your throne and she cut your hair And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah”
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“Time To Say Goodbye” by Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli (1995)
Sung in Italian and English, two beautiful voices that can move you to tears. Unless of course, you’ve watched the movie Stepbrothers, then maybe avoid it.
“Time to say goodbye Horizons are never far Would I have to find them alone? Without true light of my own with you I will go on ships overseas That I now know No, they don't exist anymore It's time to say goodbye”
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“Love Without End, Amen” by George Strait (1990)
This country classic talks about a father's unconditional love.
“And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love A secret that my daddy said was just between us” He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen"
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“Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill (1994)
It is about the loss of a loved one, Vince Gill was inspired by the death of another country singer Keith Whitley, and later finished the song when his older brother passed away. The song is stunning.
“So go rest high on that mountain Son, your work on earth is done Go to heaven a-shoutin' Love for the Father and the Son”
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“Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1990)
The melody with the ukulele and the lyrics are peaceful, calming, and the perfect mix of uplifting and sentimental.
“Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams that you dreamed of Once in a lullaby Oh, somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dreamed of Dreams really do come true”
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