10. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
This song is the epitome of what it's like to raise a daughter for a father. It starts from childhood all the way to the wedding day. It's one of my favorite country songs. (Although I'll admit this is the first time I'm seeing the video and it's kind of creepy when he's in the dark room and they keep closing up on him).
9. Coward of the County by Kenny Rogers
That's two country songs in a row, bet you didn't see that coming! This song is about a boy who's father dies in prison when he was 10, so he has to grow up without a father figure to show him "how to be a man". The chorus of the song is the last words his father told him as advice for the rest of his life. The song is told through the point of view of his uncle (Kenny Rogers himself). The song is really rhythmic and I've liked ever since I heard it on the 1st day I left Brooklyn for NJ.
8. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) by John Lennon
John Lennon wrote this song for his first child with Yoko Ono, and while there is a ton of controversy surrounding Yoko Ono and her effect on the Beatles, this song was at least one good thing to come out of it. A very upbeat and optimistic song for his son and the future. The song is of course interpreted differently as we know that Lennon passes and doesn't get to see his son come of age.
7. Papa Was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations
This song is a bit more negative than the others on this list but it's still a great song. It kind of deals with the aspect of the absentee parent. Catchy beat, great lyrics and smooth harmonizing make this song a classic.
6. I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
I debated putting this song here just because it's not really a specific song. Womack has said before that the inspiration for the song was her children and frankly, it's my list so I can do what I want. Either way, this song embodies that hope and wonder of the world we develop as kids and implores us to not lose it. Not only is it a great song for kids, but also for anytime you are contemplating a major life change.
5. Dear Mama by Tupac
This is one of Pac's classics. Here he raps about how he knows he didn't make life easy for his mother but he wants her to know that he "understands" all the sacrifices she has made to help make him the man he was. And unlike the entry after this, she was still around to be able to hear it. The video improves on the song by actually having interview clips of Afeni Shakur as well.
4. Dance by Nas
What, did you think I wasn't gonna put a Nas song on my best (insert noun) of all time list did you? Then you clearly haven't been paying attention. Nas' mother had recently passed from breast cancer and he was very close to his mother. This is Nas at his most introspective and the lyrics are chilling at times "I'd give my life up, just to see you one more day".
3. Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
My Mom's favorite musician has always been Luther Vandross so he had a very strong prescence in my childhood. When he made dance with my father, I think my Mom connected with it even more because she lost her father at an early age as well. This might be my favorite Luther song ever.
2. Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
No song has ever captured the joy of childbirth and the wonder of new parenthood the way Stevie did with this ballad. Not only is the opening unique with the sounds of Aisha (his daughter) being born, but it ends with sounds of him playing with his daughter. This song is just beautiful.
1. A Song for Mama by Boyz 2 Men
This had to be number 1. It's the go to staple for the Mother/Son dance at weddings. Just as fathers and daughters have a special bond, so do mothers and sons. I know I plan on using this song at my wedding.
