20 Songs About Daughters

As a parent, there’s a unique and profound joy that comes with raising a daughter. From her first steps to her first words, every moment is a cherished memory that shapes the bond we share. Music has always been a powerful way to express the emotions and experiences that come with this special relationship. 

In this playlist, I want to explore 20 songs that beautifully capture the essence of having a daughter. These songs resonate with the love, pride, and sometimes the bittersweet moments that come with watching her grow. 

1. “Lady” by Brett Young

“Lady” is a heartfelt song by Brett Young, dedicated to both his daughter, Presley, and his wife, Taylor Mills Young. Released on April 30, 2020, as the lead single from his third studio album Weekends Look a Little Different These Days, the song reflects Young’s hopes and dreams for his daughter as she grows up. The lyrics express a father’s love and the awe he feels about the responsibilities of parenthood. Young emphasizes the virtues of his wife, hoping their daughter will emulate her mother’s patience, kindness, and strength. The song is a tribute to the powerful influence mothers have on their daughters and underscores the admiration Young has for his wife, wishing his daughter to inherit her qualities.

2. “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Michael Bublé

“Daddy’s Little Girl” is a classic song that has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé. Originally written by Robert Harrison Burke and Horace Gerlach in 1949, the song is often played at weddings during the father-daughter dance. The lyrics are full of affection and praise, describing the daughter as the end of the rainbow, a precious gem, and the spirit of Christmas. Bublé’s rendition, featured on his second album Dream, captures the timeless sentiment of a father’s love and the special bond between a father and his daughter.

3. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder

“Isn’t She Lovely” is a joyful celebration of Stevie Wonder’s daughter, Aisha Morris, from his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. The song opens with the sound of a baby’s first cry, recorded during an actual childbirth, and includes a recording of Wonder bathing Aisha as a toddler. Wonder wrote and produced the song, playing most of the instruments himself. Despite not being released as a commercial single, it received extensive airplay and became a pop and jazz standard. The lyrics exude Wonder’s elation and gratitude for his daughter’s birth, making it a timeless tribute to parental love.

4. “Mockingbird” by Eminem

“Mockingbird” is one of Eminem’s most personal and emotional songs, dedicated to his daughters Hailie Jade and Alaina Marie. Featured on his 2004 album Encore, the song addresses the struggles and hardships they faced due to his fame and tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, Kim. Eminem uses a soft, comforting tone, interpolating the lullaby “Hush Little Baby” to reassure his daughters that everything will be alright. The song is a heartfelt apology and a promise to his daughters, reflecting Eminem’s deep love and the pain of not always being present in their lives. “Mockingbird” resonated with many fans and has become one of Eminem’s most streamed tracks.

5. “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift

“The Best Day” is a touching song by Taylor Swift from her second studio album, Fearless (2008). The song is a heartfelt tribute to Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift, and reflects on various stages of Swift’s childhood. The lyrics recount specific memories, such as painting in the kitchen and going on drives to escape mean friends, highlighting the strong bond between mother and daughter. The song’s understated production, featuring gentle acoustic guitar strums, complements its nostalgic and tender sentiments. Swift wrote and recorded the song in secret, later surprising her mother with a home video montage set to the track as a Christmas gift. The song was re-released as “The Best Day (Taylor’s Version)” in 2021, along with a new music video featuring home videos and personal photos.

6. “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen

“When You Need Me” is a song by Bruce Springsteen that appears on his 1998 box set Tracks. The song, recorded during the sessions for his 1987 album Tunnel of Love, is a tender ballad that expresses a father’s unwavering support for his daughter. The lyrics are a promise of comfort and protection, assuring that the father will always be there whenever his daughter needs him. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the deep emotional connection and commitment a father feels towards his daughter. Springsteen’s soulful delivery adds an extra layer of sincerity and warmth to the song.

7. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

“I Hope You Dance” is a widely acclaimed song by Lee Ann Womack, released in 2000 as the lead single from her album of the same name. The song is a message of hope and encouragement from a parent to a child, urging them to embrace life fully and take chances. The lyrics are filled with inspirational advice, such as “I hope you never lose your sense of wonder” and “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” The song’s uplifting melody and Womack’s heartfelt delivery have made it a popular choice for graduations, weddings, and other significant life events. It won numerous awards, including the Grammy for Best Country Song, and remains one of Womack’s most beloved tracks.

8. “Small Bump” by Ed Sheeran

“Small Bump” is a poignant song by Ed Sheeran from his debut album, + (2011). The song tells the story of a father-to-be’s anticipation and love for his unborn child, only to end with the tragic revelation of a miscarriage. The lyrics detail the hopes and dreams the father has for his child, capturing the joy and excitement of expecting a baby. However, the song takes a heartbreaking turn in the final verse, reflecting the pain and loss of losing a child before birth. Sheeran’s emotive vocals and the song’s simple acoustic arrangement enhance the raw emotion and vulnerability conveyed in the lyrics. “Small Bump” is a powerful and moving tribute to the fleeting nature of life and the deep love parents feel for their children, even before they are born.

9. “First Man” by Camila Cabello

“First Man” is a deeply emotional song by Camila Cabello from her 2019 album Romance. The track was written by Cabello, Jordan Reynolds, and Amy Wadge, and it reflects on Cabello’s relationship with her father. The song is a pop-rock piano ballad that narrates a daughter’s reassurance to her father about her romantic relationship with a “good guy.” The lyrics highlight the father’s protective nature and the daughter’s assurance that her new partner treats her well. The music video, released on Father’s Day 2020, features nostalgic clips from Cabello’s childhood, emphasizing the strong bond between her and her father.

10. “Dance With My Daughter” by Jason Blaine

“Dance With My Daughter” is a heartfelt song by Canadian country artist Jason Blaine, featured on his album Country Side. The song captures the precious moments between a father and his daughter, particularly focusing on the act of dancing together. The lyrics describe a father’s joy and pride in his daughter, as well as the bittersweet feeling of watching her grow up. Blaine emphasizes the importance of cherishing these moments before she moves on to new phases in her life. The song’s emotional depth is enhanced by its simple yet evocative melody, making it a popular choice for father-daughter dances at weddings and other significant events.

11. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

“I Loved Her First” is the debut single by American country band Heartland, released in 2006. The song is a poignant ballad that explores the emotions of a father as he prepares to give his daughter away in marriage. The lyrics depict the father’s struggle with letting go, as he reminisces about being the first man to love and care for his daughter. The song’s chorus emphasizes the father’s enduring love and the difficulty of seeing his daughter start a new life with someone else. “I Loved Her First” became a significant hit, reaching Number One on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and it remains a staple at wedding receptions for father-daughter dances.

12. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride

“In My Daughter’s Eyes” is a powerful ballad by country music artist Martina McBride, released in 2003 as part of her album Martina. The song is written from the perspective of a mother who finds strength and inspiration in her daughter’s eyes. The lyrics describe how the daughter sees her mother as a hero, which in turn gives the mother the courage to face life’s challenges. The song beautifully captures the reciprocal nature of the parent-child relationship, where both draw strength and love from each other. McBride’s emotive vocals and the song’s gentle melody have made it a beloved anthem for mothers and daughters alike, often used in special occasions to celebrate this unique bond.

13. “Teenage Daughters” by Martina McBride

“Teenage Daughters” is a relatable and humorous song by Martina McBride, released in 2011 as the lead single from her album Eleven. Co-written with The Warren Brothers, the song was inspired by McBride’s experiences with her own teenage daughters. The lyrics capture the tumultuous yet loving relationship between parents and their teenage children, highlighting the challenges and changes that come with this stage of life. McBride humorously reflects on the shift from being the center of her daughter’s world to feeling misunderstood and out of touch. The music video, directed by Roman White, features McBride as a mother in different eras, underscoring the timeless nature of these familial dynamics.

14. “All-American Girl” by Carrie Underwood

“All-American Girl” is an uplifting country song by Carrie Underwood from her 2007 album Carnival Ride. Written by Underwood, Ashley Gorley, and Kelley Lovelace, the song tells the story of a father who initially dreams of having a son to share traditional male activities with, only to be completely enchanted by his newborn daughter. The narrative continues as the daughter grows up, capturing the father’s pride and love as she becomes an “All-American Girl.” The song emphasizes the unexpected joys and profound love that come with having a daughter, and it resonates with many listeners for its heartfelt and universal message.

15. “The Man Who Loves You the Most” by Zac Brown Band

“The Man Who Loves You the Most” is a touching song by the Zac Brown Band, released in 2020. The song is a father’s heartfelt message to his daughter, expressing his unwavering love and support as she grows up and ventures out into the world. The lyrics encourage the daughter to explore life, find love, and chase her dreams, while reminding her that her father will always be there for her. The song beautifully captures the protective and enduring love a father feels for his daughter, making it a poignant addition to any playlist celebrating daughters.

16. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle

“Butterfly Kisses” is a deeply emotional song by Bob Carlisle, released in 1997 from his album Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace). Co-written with Randy Thomas, the song was written for Carlisle’s daughter Brooke on her 16th birthday. The lyrics detail the precious moments shared between a father and his daughter, from bedtime prayers to her wedding day. The song’s title refers to the gentle fluttering of eyelashes against the cheek, a tender gesture shared between the father and daughter. “Butterfly Kisses” became a major hit, reaching the top of the Adult Contemporary charts and earning Carlisle a Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Its heartfelt lyrics and emotional depth have made it a timeless favorite for father-daughter dances and other special occasions.

17. “Mother’s Daughter” by Miley Cyrus

“Mother’s Daughter” is a powerful pop anthem by Miley Cyrus, released as the lead single from her 2019 EP She Is Coming. Written by Cyrus, Alma Miettinen, and producer Andrew Wyatt, the song serves as a fierce declaration of independence and empowerment. The lyrics highlight the strong bond between Cyrus and her mother, Tish Cyrus, and emphasize themes of freedom and self-expression. The chorus, with lines like “Don’t mess with my freedom” and “I’m nasty, I’m evil,” underscores Cyrus’s determination to live life on her own terms. The music video, which won two MTV Video Music Awards in 2020, features a diverse array of individuals, celebrating various aspects of identity and empowerment. The song also gained cultural significance in Poland, where it became an anthem for women’s rights protests in 2020.

18. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw

“My Little Girl” is a heartfelt country ballad by Tim McGraw, co-written with Tom Douglas and released in 2006. The song was featured on McGraw’s compilation album Tim McGraw Reflected: Greatest Hits Vol. 2 and the soundtrack for the film Flicka. The lyrics express a father’s deep love and pride for his daughter, capturing the bittersweet emotions of watching her grow up while always seeing her as his “little girl.” The song’s tender melody and McGraw’s emotive delivery make it a popular choice for father-daughter dances at weddings. Despite mixed critical reception, the song resonated with many listeners and reached the top three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

19. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus Ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

“Butterfly Fly Away” is a touching duet by Miley Cyrus and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, from the 2009 film Hannah Montana: The Movie. Written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, the song is a soft country ballad that uses the metaphor of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly to describe a child’s transition to adulthood. The lyrics reflect the tender moments between a parent and child, emphasizing themes of growth, change, and letting go. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a poignant addition to any playlist celebrating the bond between parents and their children. The Cyruses’ performance in the film adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the song.

20. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift

“Never Grow Up” is a reflective and emotional song by Taylor Swift from her 2010 album Speak Now. Written solely by Swift, the song captures her mixed feelings about growing up and the passage of time. The lyrics offer advice and express a longing to preserve the innocence and simplicity of childhood. Swift sings about the fleeting nature of youth and the desire to hold onto those precious moments forever. The song’s gentle acoustic arrangement and Swift’s heartfelt delivery make it a touching ode to the innocence of childhood and the inevitable process of growing up. “Never Grow Up” resonates with many listeners for its universal themes and emotional honesty.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.