5 Tearjerking Songs Inspired by Dads

Fathers have always been the image of strength and reliability. They often had to meet expectations to provide for the family, know how to work around the house, and keep mom and the kids safe from harm. Despite being stoic and strict most of the time, they are human beings like the rest of us. Here are 5 tearjerking tracks inspired by dads.

1. "Wake Me Up When September Ends" - Green Day

When Billie Joe Armstrong was ten years old, his father died because of esophageal cancer in September 1982. During the funeral of Andrew Armstong, truck driver and a jazz musician, young Billie cried hard, ran home, and locked the door to his room. When his mother tried to call him out, he answered, "Wake Me Up When September Ends."

The song has been an anthem for Hurricane Katrina, the September 11 attacks, and the novel coronavirus pandemic. Armstrong admitted that it was hard for him to sing, though he called it "therapeutic because it deals with the passing of someone that you love."

2. "Dance With My Father" - Luther Vandross

Who wouldn't get the instant feels of longing with the lines "If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him?" The entire picture of the song, childhood memories of dad being a young boy's idol and hero, was based on Vandross's life as a seven-year-old child. His dad, Luther Sr., died from diabetes complications.

Also, Luther Vandross was hospitalized due to a stroke and was unable to promote his single when it was released. What was first an illustration of childhood memories turns to a poignant and earnest prayer when Vandross admits "I know I'm praying for much too much, but could you send back the only man she loved," asking God to bring back his dad so mom can dance with him again.

3. "Leader of the Band" - Dan Fogelberg

One of the classic folk-rock songs is Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band." A curious fact is that his father Lawrence Fogelberg, who is an actual leader of a band, was still alive when released. Mr. Lawrence, however, passed away after the song became a hit in 1982.

Recounting the life of a "cabinet maker's son" meant for a life of music, Fogelberg paints a hauntingly vivid image of an old man, tired with eyes growing old. Dan also takes pride in carrying on his father's work, although he admits being "a poor attempt to imitate the man," like most sons following the footsteps of their fathers.

4. "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" - Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire's distinct country vocals gave life to this song written by Richard Leigh about his father. While Reba McEntire enjoyed a loving relationship with her father, she narrated an emotional story that connected her further to her fans.

Imagine being a child with your father, who "lived just down the hall." Every day you get to say hello but never touch at all. It was sad to listen to Reba look back at the story of a kid who never got to spend much time with his/her father. "He never said he loved me. Guess he thought I knew," the song ends.

5. "Perfect" - Simple Plan

Opening with "Hey Dad, look at me/ Think back and talk to me/ Did I grow up according to plan," Simple Plan finds a weird spot in this list. Not everyone gets to grow up in perfectly supportive homes. While parents mostly want nothing but the best for their kids, sometimes there are things they just can't agree on.

This emo-punk-pop song displays the soul-crushing feeling of kids who feel that they're not living up to their parents' expectations. Simple Plan's drummer Chuck Comeau came up with the idea since his parents didn't support his music career, and backing vocalist David Desrosiers also related. Imagine telling your dad how "it hurts when you disapproved all along" and "I just want to make you proud."

To add some hip-hop tracks for your Father's Day playlist, check out Father's Day: 7 Hip Hop Songs That Celebrate Dads.

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Green Day, Reba McEntire