15 Father's Day Songs for the Cool, Classic Dad
Dads don’t always get enough credit, but luckily, we've rounded up the best songs to play while you celebrate the OG man in your life this Father’s Day. From The Temptations to Cat Stevens, here are our favorite picks to play while you show your dad some love this year.
“Superfly” by Curtis Mayfield
“The man of the hour has an air of great power / the dudes have envied him for so long” is exactly the kind of energy all dads should be feeling on their special day. And who’s better to deliver this message to them than the king of all things cool, Curtis Mayfield?
“Just The Two Of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. ft. Bill Withers
The ultimate track for any unstoppable duo, “Just The Two Of Us” celebrates the power of a pair, which is appropriately proven in the song itself, as Bill Wither's vocals dance across Grover Washington Jr.’s perfect compositions.
“Your Daddy Loves You” by Gil Scott-Heron
Known largely for his spoken-word performances, “Your Daddy Loves You” is an equally poignant testimonial from Gil Scott-Heron. While this one is from dad’s perspective, it’s still a sweet celebration of a father’s unwavering love.
“Father and Son” by Yusuf / Cat Stevens
“Look at me I’m old, but I’m happy” is a lyric that strikes that incredibly thin line between painfully honest and wildly comforting. “Father and Son” is a beautiful testament to the joys and discomforts in growing old and passing on wisdom to a son, who is very ready to grow up.
“On The Beat” by The B.B. & Q. Band
Named the B. B. & Q. Band in honor of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, “On The Beat” isn’t a heartfelt track; but it’s just the ultimate wholesome nearly seven-minute-long dance track to boogie to with your dad.
“Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” by James Brown
The ultimate funk soundtrack for the coolest guy in your life.
“Father Of Mine” by Everclear
Father’s Day isn’t a straightforward holiday for everyone. On the classic '90s track “Father Of Mine,” Everclear catchily laments on his upbringing with an absent father.
“A Song For You” by Donny Hathaway
“A Song For You” is a slow and steady, heart-wrenching ballad and testimonial of ultimate love. It’s a serious one, but sometimes you really have to let dad know.
“The Philosopher” by Ezra Collective
With no lyrics, there’s seemingly no good explanation for this track's inclusion aside from the fact that dads seem to really love jazz.
“This Charming Man” by The Smiths
While “This Charming Man” is really centered on a poor boy struggling with the plights of classism, it could also-in its simplest form-be interpreted as an ode to a cool, young man, who appreciates life’s simple pleasure and a good outfit.
“Cat's In The Cradle” by Harry Chapin
“Cat's In The Cradle” is arguably the most famous song about a father and child's relationship, and with good reason. With storybook allusions and a gentle tone in his voice, Harry Chapin crafts a simple and timeless track.
“Daddy Lessons” by Beyoncé feat. The Dixie Chicks
Fully leaning into her southern roots, Beyoncé calls on The Dixie Chicks for this country-infused jangle-y track about all of the wisdom and habits she inherited from her father.
“Love Train” by The O’Jays
“Love Train” is nothing more than a flawlessly executed early R&B song by Ohio’s The O’Jays about showing and spreading love. There's no better time to join in on that sentiment than on Father’s Day.
“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
There’s really no one better to take up this emotional father-daughter duet than the venerable Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie Cole.
“Papa Was A Rolling Stone” by The Temptations
It would be a mistake to not give props to “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” the ultimate instrumentally-based funk track.
Listen to all of our picks in the playlist below and follow Harper's BAZAAR on Spotify. Follow
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