Song List
Sunday is Father’s Day, and there’s no better gift than giving your old man a killer mix tape…er, playlist. Prove to him that your taste in music isn’t as treacherous as he thinks by downloading the following ten killer dad tracks:
“Silver Haired Daddy of Mine”
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard & Ray Price
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This classic track has also been recorded by Johnny Cash and Gene Autry, but my favorite version is by the incomparable country supergroup featuring Willie, Merle and Ray. For all of you kids who terrorized your pops with bad behavior, this song is perfect for clearing the air: “If I could recall all the heartaches/Dear old Daddy, I’ve caused you to bear/If I could erase those lines from your face/And bring back the gold to your hair.”
“Daddy’s Home”
Toots and the Maytals
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Ooh, how smooth it is! Toots and the Maytals deliver the goods with ultra soul on “Daddy’s Home” from the reggae legend’s 1973 album. I suggest you tell your father to play this one when he’s alone with mom. Who knows, it might lead to you getting another sibling.
“Father and Daughter”
Paul Simon
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Okay, this song borders on saccharine, but all you daddy’s girls must include “Father and Daughter” on your mix tapes. If your dad doesn’t get at least a little teary eyed, you might want to make sure he’s still breathing. I don’t even have kids and I get choked up listening to this song from The Wild Thornberrys Movie
“This Time Dad, You’re Wrong”
Arthur Russell
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For those of you familiar with Arthur Russell’s forays into avant-garde, jazz-inflected disco, you’ll be quite (pleasantly) surprised to hear this fairly straightforward singer-songrwiter track from the Love is Overtaking Me compilation. It’s message is perfect for those kids who still have something to prove to their dads. Hey, sometimes even father doesn’t know best.
“Daddy’s Song”
Harry Nilsson
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While the end of the song gets kind of sad when the parents get divorced, the first three quarters are quite charming. The playful music and accompaniment will distract him from the dark turn. Besides, when this dad was around he was quite loving, and Lord knows that many of you can relate to this infectious song about a broken family unit.
“My Father’s Waltz”
Hem
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So simple, yet so moving. Put this track on the hi-fi and ask for your dad’s hand. This dance is for him.
“A Better Son-Daughter”
Rilo Kiley
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I’m not sure what Jenny Lewis is going on about in this song, but I know I like it. And I really dig some of the lyrics. It’s like a Daily Affirmation by Stuart Smalley set to music: “You’ll be better/And You’ll be smarter/And More grown up and a better daughter or son…You’ll be honest/You’ll be brave/You’ll be handsome and you’ll be beautiful/You’ll be happy.”
“One for Daddy-O”
Cannonball Adderley
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You’re sure to impress your dad with your sophisticated taste in music when you wow him with this ace cut from Cannonball Adderley’s 1958 masterpiece, Somethin’ Else. While there aren’t any words, there’s plenty being said, thanks to the brilliant playing of Cannonball, Miles Davis, Hank Jones and Art Blakey.
“Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line”
Waylon Jennings
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Dads of the world unite against your spoiled kids! This is your anthem: “‘Cause ever since you were a little bitty teeny girl/You said I was the only man in this whole world/Now you better do some thinkin’ then you’ll find/You got the only daddy that’ll walk the line.”
“Dear Dad”
Chuck Berry
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There’s no better way to end the Father’s Day mix tape than with this blistering track by the incomparable Chuck Berry. It’s sure to get your dad moving…and laughing when he hears how much these lyrics ring true: “Dear Dad, don’t get mad/What I’m asking for/Is by the next semester/Can I get another car?”
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
