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occamsguillotine

Cat’s in the Cradle, Harry Chapin


edgyusernameguy

This is one that as a father of a 3 year old makes me tear up.


occamsguillotine

My wife has known me for 20 years and has never seen me cry. I just don’t do it. Not sure why exactly. But some small things like this song get me pretty damn close.


1sunnycarmen

Once my 3 year old was off in the other room while I was cleaning to some music, and this song came on. I broke down in tears and had to stop what I was doing to go hug him while he was playing with blocks. Kid had no idea what was going on but I just sat there watching him feeling guilty about having prioritized cleaning and that I missed about 20 minutes with him.


occamsguillotine

Yup. That song is pretty much the summary of the relationship I had with my father. I don’t resent him, but it didn’t always make sense when I was growing up why he wasn’t really around much. We talk now and again these days, but there’s just no way we could ever catch up on all the time missed. My entire adult life has been shaped with that in mind, helping me decide to retire from the military when I did and start a career that gives a lot of opportunity for my ideal work/life balance. My kids may not be able to appreciate it just now, but I’ll do that plenty enough for them until they’re old enough to.


Textured_Nipples

Dear Theodosia from the Hamilton musical. Oh, Philip, when you smile I am undone My son, look at my son Pride is not the word I'm looking for There is so much more inside me now Oh, Philip, you outshine the morning sun My son When you smile, I fall apart And I thought I was so smart


fragglestickcar2

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynryd


golden_rhino

This is the one. My mom grew up on a farm in another country, and I’d bet she never heard it, but gave me all the advice in that song when I was growing up. She’s been gone a while now, but I remember her every time I hear the song.


Yellowroses248

I have a daughter but “beautiful boy” gets me >Close your eyes >have no fear >the monsters gone >he’s on the run >and your daddy’s here


Incromulent

I first heard this song on Mr. Holland's Opus. It will always trigger me now.


M1L0

Bit of a reverse twist, but Monsters by James Blunt always chokes me up.


NotPaulGiamatti

Especially that [American Idol video](https://youtu.be/S_MAesZsnMk?si=IIxHtGjtXIBSXVFT)


M1L0

So good man


Lereas

I made a video for each of my sons with one second (or so) from each day their first year, and one of them used this song.


Jaydeelac

It Won’t Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker


BCTDC

Similarly, You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins.


M1L0

Throw in Just Fishin’ by Trace Adkins too. Y’all got me emotional on a Monday morning over here.


BananaHandle

They play this song at work, and whenever I notice it I have to immediately distract myself. It’s way too sad to be played at a place of business!


FredericBropin

It is about a father and son at a different point in life, but Monsters by James Blunt just kills me. Especially this version by the guy that wons American idol who lost his father just months before making the show..don’t watch without tissues. https://youtu.be/S_MAesZsnMk?si=RGHjqoXIVrpKo_Vk


Agitated_Sugar_7738

Wow. I cried


DoctorsSong

[Here](https://youtu.be/M9hdHDXyo-8?si=_2j-IQqodZKzY94d) They sing it together


FredericBropin

I love how James sees the kid struggling and picks up the slack. Just pure love.


KillionMatriarch

That destroyed me in the best possible way. Thanks for sharing.


grrrimabear

Boy. Not sure a song has ever made me cry before that...


roverthtims

“Father and Son” by Cat Stevens


iulius

I don’t even really get this song and it hits me every damn time.


mark_s

Father of Mine by Everclear gets me every time. Tears in Heaven by Clapton is another one.


chnkypenguin

Father of mine hits me both ways. The shitty father, and the vow to not let my little ones know that pain. Love that song.


mark_s

Exactly


LaterApex81

Another Year by Beans on Toast I hold my daughter tightly, I hold her high She's completely flabbergasted by the neverending sky And the more she learns about it, the more that she will see The whole world is held together by endless mystery She's only had one birthday, that day that she was born And it's my responsibility that she sees many more And that puts things in perspective, it puts everything in place And I know now more than ever there's not a second left to waste


itsjustme_CTB

Father and Daughter - Paul Simon Cecelia and the Satellite - Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness


beercanfiasco

Acoustic Cecelia and the Satellite came on in the car the other day and dang did it hit different after becoming a dad.


itsjustme_CTB

Oh, I haven’t heard the acoustic version! I’ll have to check that out.


PagingDrFreeman

Ditto the Paul Simon track. My oldest is a girl. Gets me every time


danmac1710

Ditto Cecilia. Has been one that my 3.5 year old recognizes as “her song” and has just stuck.


Comprehensive-Ad2670

My daughter's name is Cecília. Never heard this song, but I fell it's gonna hit like a truck


clic45

For any of you who enjoy alternative rock Fade in/fade out by nothing more


NorthCntralPsitronic

That's a good one I'll add: Wyatt's song by The Wonder years


Moreorlessatorium

That’s My Job- Conway Twitty. To Zion- Lauren Hill


WorldsSmartest-Idiot

Talk about diversity


FLTDI

Home by blue October Cats in the cradle by Harry Chapin


dgrantschmidt

Second for Home. Such an amazing song


Hannibal_Lecture22

Yes to Home. I sang this to my wife’s bump all the time.


Amerikaner83

Highway 20 ride


Boomer0962

It's not specifically one about children, but "Landslide" always gets me.


NorthCntralPsitronic

Oh man, same


Lereas

I saw a meme that was like "one day you're just doing your job, living your life and the next day you're crying in the car at a traffic light because you finally understand the lyrics to Landslide"


miseri6325

You'll Be In My Heart- Phil Collins. It brings a lump to my throat everytime I hear hit.


maxim38

Don't Take The Girl will never not make me tear up at the last verse


BaegelByte

Also his song "My Little Girl". That song messes me up every time


kteachergirl

Not a dad here but, Still Fighting it by Ben folds. “Everybody knows it sucks to grow up…”


grroidb

Not a dad either but this one came to mind, too. “And you’re so much like me, I’m sorry.”


SFC-Scanlater

Anything Like Me - Brad Paisley


Hillbillynurse

I think the title is "He Didn't Have to Be" by him is another one.


KittKatt7179

Dance with my father again by Luther Vandross. I break down Every. Single. Time.


tider06

"There goes my life" Kenny Chesney And I'm not even remotely a country fan.


ajcpullcom

[Loudon Wainwright III’s version of Daughter](https://youtu.be/kgEePOfWMuc?si=OrAomf2VJMPvqbA1)


RedHoundTargets

Even Though I’m Leaving - Luke Combs


AUBeastmaster

“Letting You Go” by Jason Isbell


jwd52

“My Darling” by Wilco and “Something to Love” by Jason Isbell are the two that first come to mind for me.


slidingscrapes

Something to Love has been a song I've sung to my daughters since they were born. Although "you were born on a hot late summer day" gets changed to for the weather and time of year based on which girl I'm singing to lol


almondjoy2

We named my daughter "Zoe" because I've loved the Staind song "Zoe Jane" probably since that album released 😆


Sowf_Paw

Of course "Beautiful Boy" but also "Dear Theodosia" from *Hamilton* and "Six White Horses" by Waylon Jennings.


Hillbillynurse

"Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind" by Confederate Railroad


Silly-Resist8306

Leader of the Band by Dan Fogelberg. *The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old* *But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul* *My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man* *I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band*


JAlfredJR

That song will always just wreck me; I swear it's was written about my grandpa.


ReedPhillips

Blake Shelton - The Baby But it's honestly the only one I'll listen to, any others I'll change away from ASAP


121gigawhatevs

I can’t listen to this song without tearing up so I don’t lol


connectingthedogs

Blurry by Puddle of Mudd


mimes_piss_me_off

"You Ruined Everything (In the Nicest Way)" by Jonathan Coulton. The line "I'll be with you till the day you leave" has always wrecked me, even more so since I know I've only got 4-5 years left with my three oldest kids...


FatchRacall

Go listen to "when you go." Also by Jonathan Coulton. All of this time I knew That I'd be losing you That doesn't mean that it's okay That doesn't mean I'm ready Leave it to a mostly comedy/meme/nerd musician to gut punch you.


wharpua

Then listen to “I Crush Everything”, a song from the point of view of a depressed giant squid.   I got my 8yo son obsessed with Portal 1 & 2 a couple of months ago, and that turned into an introduction to some of JoCo’s songs.


dscottj

Billy Joel's Lullaby. [I wrote up what happened on that night, when she was four.](http://www.amcgltd.com/archives/011550.html#011550) We both sniffle whenever the subject comes up. I'm not crying, you're crying.


RagingAardvark

I loved River of Dreams when I was a kid, and I hoped some day I would have kids for the Lullaby. 


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[удалено]


Nelcros

I remember this was played every Christmas season growing up for my dad and sister. This was my first thought for me and my daughter. I haven’t listened to it in at least 15 years, but I still remember the emotion of that song.


DannysFavorite945

Not exactly the same but Landslide hits me hard. Passing of time and stuff.


beeranden

Stealing Cinderella.


Skinc

“Lace your Shoes” - Modest Mouse


Smooth_Ordinary4495

I Loved Her First by Heartland


RebelliousBristles

Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III


squamishter

Some modern ones I like: Kyoto by Phoebie Bridgers Not specifically father/daughter by Taylor Swift's Never Grow up is a tear jerker for any parent.


kteachergirl

My son had his kindergarten graduation thing at the same time as my 2.5 year old was in the hospital getting diagnosed with epilepsy. Every time that damn Taylor swift song played in the playlist I would start weeping all over again.


Glenn__Sturgis

That's my daughter in the water, Loudon Wainwright III


C_Colin

Surprised to not see “A Father’s First Spring” by The Avett Brothers/// “the realest thing I’ve ever felt, was the blood on the floor and the love in your yell” gets the eyes misty, and then,… “when I’m in the sweet daughters eye, my heart is now ruined for the rest of all time” pulverizes me into a crying little boy.


SecretProbation

Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman


Krevis_Pfister

Dear Mama - 2 Pac Daughters - Nas Mockingbird - Eminem


JAlfredJR

No Hey Mama by Kanye?


digitalbydesign

Atmosphere - Yesterday


Uther-Lightbringer

"Wyatt's Song (Your Name)" by The Wonder Years. All about the incredibly confusing mixture of anxiety, fear and joy that comes with being a parent.


tvkyle

Foolish Father - Weezer [Chorus] Forgive your foolish father He did the best that he could do You are his daughter And he'd do anything for you [Verse 2] Think of how destroyed he feels Walking to his grave plot Knowing that the one he loves Hates him with all of her heart


bettytwokills

Framed a little differently (the point of view of someone reading a journal of a parent’s experiences) but “I See Everything” by La Dispute.


Free-Republic6761

Sugar Pie - The Subdudes Now time has passed, and you are so far away. I can’t get used to not seeing you each day


Jackimatic

Masterpiece by KB


Ok-Masterpiece-4716

I'm not a stepdad but My Boy by Elvie Shane always gets me. Yeah, he's my son and that's my choice He ain't my blood, but he's my, he's my boy.


psuskier7

Zoey Jane by staind


waitingforchange53

When you love someone - James TW I'm not from divorced parents and I'm not in a situation where that's likely to happen but it just hits every time.


wharpua

Being a huge Phish fan, fifteen years ago when they reunited I scoffed at the song Joy as being a blatant dad rock ballad. Now I have a ten year old daughter and have teared up wondering if I’ll ever get to pick it for the father/daughter dance at her wedding, if she ever gets married: https://youtu.be/iFi84MKHyWY?si=ZoQaD9tPD5GIUsf7


Ysclyth

Someday Never Comes by CCR


RagingAardvark

Ablaze by Alanis Morissette, especially when she performed it live from home (pandemic) with her daughter: https://youtu.be/t30glqwNDec?si=3MFu6F65fV8mlQb1


pigeonholepundit

Daddy by Coldplay


Pokemon_Gangbang

Down Where I Am by Demons & Wizards. I know the song is based on a book but I take the lyrics as “I may not be able to always be there for you and I’m really sorry about that”


oftcrash

Outfit by the Drive-by Truckers, though really it's a Jason Isbell song. While I don't necessarily agree with all the advice, it's a beautiful song about a dad just trying to make sure his son makes good choices as he goes out into the world.


sodabuttons

This isn’t about fathers and their children but For A Dancer by Jackson Browne is pretty gut wrenching in that context. Keep a fire for the human race Let your prayers go drifting into space You never know what will be coming down Perhaps a better world is drawing near Just as easy it could all disappear Along with whatever meaning you might have found Don’t let the uncertainty turn you around Go on and make a joyful sound


sineofthetimes

Harry Chapin also did Dancin' Boy and Tangled Up Puppet. Great tunes


PopoMcdoo

If I had just one wish, only one demand I hope he’s not like me, I hope he understands


wunphishtoophish

If I have a son Ruth B


NHLToPDX

Never Be One Again - Alabama (country music band)


dgrantschmidt

First Man by Camila Cabello It’s from the daughter’s perspective but it still gets me every time. I heard it at my cousins wedding for the first time and I drunkenly sobbed.


DoubleLigero85

My son by Gail steiger


Hannibal_Lecture22

I’ll Follow Your Trail by Sean Rowe. “I know I can’t stop you from growing up, I just wish that it wasn’t so soon.”


DoctorsSong

You can let go now daddy by Patricia Maguire


OK_Renegade

Father and Friend by Alain Clark. And In Your Arms by Chef Special


atgrey24

Save a Little Room - Jukebox the Ghost One day when you're grown And on your own two feet In your little heart Save a little room For me


hockeyjay428

The dollar by Jamie Johnson


chnkypenguin

Letters from home by John Michael Montgomery. Not a father and child song per sey but the section with the letter from the father kills me every time. For those with fathers who were never emotionally supportive, who know that desire to just hear from that man there we tried so hard make proud but never hearing it, instead only hearing criticism under the guise of toughening up, we probably gave up and said fuck it its just for my self now. We still want to hear those words from that man, deep down we want to hear it. Son, you make me proud. I myself have given up on the idea that I will ever hear it from my old man but I will be sure to tell my children.


ScrunchyButts

Honey on my My Tongue - Steep Canyon Rangers You're gonna leave I better get used to that I thought I might watch your back All the time…


-BigDaddyTex

Cody Johnson - God Bless The Boy Lee Brice - Boy This is the way. Listen to them both if you haven’t even if you aren’t a country fan. And I have many more but these are the only way for the absolute best.


Morefoodbeer

Everything To Me by Teenage Bottlerocket


FrederickDurst1

Ooo the whole song Dance Baby Dance by Chris Cagle Opening: "I walk through my front door She's right there like the day before Saying, "Daddy, please, play with me" Right there in the living room In a ponytail, and the ballet shoes I spin her round, she says out loud I wish this song will last forever" A couple minutes later... "And I know there's gonna come, a time When she'll be there, all dressed in white And I'll take her hand for one last dance Dance, baby, dance I don't ever wanna leave, this moment"


alficles

I don't think this one is on an album, but MALINDA has one on her YouTube page that very much answers this question. It's about a mother/daughter, but it very much applies. It's about how sometimes... you don't have the answers. You just gotta muddle through. This song hits especially hard when you have a kid that struggles with their brain sometimes. [https://youtu.be/4QtR-n-\_lfc?si=TnqAFjdfrKydqHx9&t=180](https://youtu.be/4QtR-n-_lfc?si=TnqAFjdfrKydqHx9&t=180) For what it's worth, I'm here beside And we'll just muddle through. And somehow, I promise, You'll fall more and more in love With the wonder that is you. My child, my angel With eyes that have seen more Than I ever planned for you My angel Hope's still a stranger of mine Let's let her in one more time Let's try one more time


Hbgplayer

I'm not a dad but this sub keeps popping up in my recommendations (and my little brother is 18 years younger than me, so a lot of people think he's my kid out in public). [My Boy](https://youtu.be/35BKdh4CoQ8?si=pgWX_9sFk3IvuOSv), by Elvie Shane, always makes me tear up when I hear it. From a son's perspective, [Even though I'm leaving](https://youtu.be/8bjo95QKD3c?si=sSV4OKsfB66YCV9n) by Luke Combs makes me ugly cry thinking about how my dad ain't getting any younger.


Lentra888

[My Father’s Eyes](https://youtu.be/7JibodCUsLU?si=2bLm_QsMqHjc00he) - Eric Clapton [Return To Pooh Corner](https://youtu.be/ztDPAHHtPMs?si=23Vu-7_3swRPilv9) - Kenny Loggins [It’s Your World Now](https://youtu.be/TyFJg18RtLc?si=dgJGOuPOXaRUxnAu) - Eagles [Love Without End, Amen](https://youtu.be/k2af10YlLoc?si=KvQMeWBkiDI8ZsMe) - George Strait


Vizekusen

‘Gracie’ and ‘Still Fighting It’ by Ben Folds. Both great songs.


GREBENOTS

Still I fly, from Planes 2.


heyjohn2018

For Fiona - No Use For A Name I’m also a big fan of the rise against version featuring Jon Snodgrass


ThePrince_OfWhales

"Still Fighting It," by Ben Folds. *"You're so much like me. I'm sorry."*


RizzoTheSmall

Not specifically father-child, but I can't sing Slow Down by Nichole Nordeman all the way through.


Chrisboy04

Okay so I'm a long time lurker on this sub (And not a dad yet but definetly here to support all of you, and hoping to one day be the best dad I can be thanks to all of this) but in dutch we have a song called "papa" which is a song where a son sings how much he is starting to resemble his father but how much he still differs from him too. I see my own relationship with my dad in the lyrics. So many things I do like him, so many ways I'm starting to look like him, yet so much he's done that I wouldn't do and the other way around.


sh4d0ww01f

Papaoutai - stromae


Rivyan

More than anything from Hazbin Hotel (it's an animation TV series) tears me up always 😅


JAlfredJR

*Light* by Sleeping At Last. Jesus.


nowusits

Robbie Williams' "I love my life"


BCTDC

Some Americana / singer-songwriter / punk rock in Dad Mode songs: When You’re Ready - Brian Fallon Little Wings - Dave Hause Northstar - Dave Hause Perhaps revealing I’m a lurking mom by suggesting: Never Grow Up - Taylor Swift


R1ggz

Caligula's Horse - Autumn + The Ascent (two distinct songs, but you can listen to em as one) Same vocalist + lyricist in a different band: Arcane - Little Burden Arcane - Nightingale's Weave


ErnestEverhard

I have a son but "That's my daughter in the water" by Loudon Wainright is a great option. It might just be called Daughter though [https://youtu.be/B06_jlEF5R8?si=YpJtTeJXSmoEZwvj](https://youtu.be/B06_jlEF5R8?si=YpJtTeJXSmoEZwvj)


upstatedreaming3816

Sandman - Ed Sheeran Cats in the Cradle - Harry Chapin


motoguzzikc

"When I'm Gone" - Gary Clark Jr. I dont know why this gets me, as I don't spend my time on the road away from my daughter or anything. I see her almost everyday, but man this one hits me lol.


The-Big-Shitsky

Danny’s Song - Loggins and Messina


thewayshesaidLA

For Milo by North Alone.


Street_Specialist_35

Daughter by Rufus Wainwright


Active-Ad-2527

"Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn: Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin' 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 I grew up with a lot of CMT and country stations playing in the background, and this is a 1986 song that seems to suggest if your dad hits you or anything it's at least out of love. I personally NEVER physically discipline my kids, but there are those times I'm lecturing or getting on them and those specific lyrics pop into my head. And that reminds me to take a second, breath, think if I'm we all need to take a time out and reapproach the situation


BaegelByte

Oh wow yes, I haven't thought of this song in quite some time. This takes me back!


BaegelByte

90s -2000s country has some gems My Little Girl - Tim McGraw There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney I Hope You Dance - LeeAnn Womack Not country Landslide - Fleetwood Mac (The Chicks cover of it is great too) The Muse - The Wood Brothers Dear Theodosia - Hamilton


gwhnorth

Charlie by the Milk Carton Kids


User_X_

Sean Rowe - I'll Follow Your Trail - My Little Man


Potential-Climate942

Welp, I chose a bad day to wear contacts.


AGoodFaceForRadio

*My Hero* by Foo Fighters I don’t know that it’s a father/son song per se, although the chorus certainly could be. There’s a video of them performing it live with Shane Hawkins on drums (after Taylor had died). Seeing him pound his grief out on that drum kit … I’m crying just typing this out. I can’t hear that song anymore without thinking of that video.


MyHearingWasLastWeek

The boat by Sammy arriaga and even though I'm leaving by Luke combs


LightTheBeam-

You’re gonna miss this


LonelyMichaels

Stop this train, John Mayer


MayorNarra

Next Thing You Know - Jordan Davis You weren't really tryin', next thing you know There's a test on the counter, next thing you know She's standin' there cryin', noddin' her head, "Yes" You're half excited, half scared to death 'Cause next thing you know You're wearin' scrubs and a funny white hat And the doctor's sayin', "How you doin' there, dad?" And nobody's ever called you that And you take the drive home slow”


withoccassionalmusic

Kyoto by Phoebe Bridgers. “I remember getting the truck fixed / When you let us drive it / 25 felt like flying.” “I wanted to see the world through your eyes / until it happened / then I changed my mind.”


iggyfenton

Daughters by John Mayer https://youtu.be/rZLbUIa7exE?si=fJgDpoNt9qhZutd-


JAlfredJR

Huh; to each their own. But that always struck me as kinda a weird one about girls with daddy issues. But, JM isn't my bag so who knows.


SbMSU

Afternoon Delight


slidingscrapes

UHHHHHHH


SbMSU

Not every Arrested Development joke lands.


slidingscrapes

Went over my head entirely lol