Father’s Day Playlist: 10 Songs That Offer Dad-Like Advice

John Hamilton | June 10, 2013 6:02 am

It’s that time of year again, Idolofans: time to celebrate fathers! Well, not just fathers, but grandfathers, male guardians, or any man who played a part in raising us. And when one thinks of Father’s Day (it’s June 16th this year — you’ve still got time to buy a card), don’t a good number of pop songs pop into your head? Of course they do. But if they don’t, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. You didn’t think we’d let a holiday go by without commemorating it in song, did you?

As is our usual wont, we’ve spent hours combing through various research materials (YouTube) for pop hits that reflect fatherhood and the unique brand of wisdom that can only come from a man who finds interesting things to do in a garage for an entire weekend. Or maybe yours likes crosswords? Fathers are a species all their own, aren’t they?

So in the spirit of celebrating the paternal bond, we present 10 classic songs in which male vocalists (father figures, if you will) dole out helpful advice, words of encouragement or just plain old common sense to the young people in their lives. Play it for your dad and see what kind of witty gems he comes up with. If it’s something along the lines of “turn up that fabulous playlist, child!” then our work here is done.

1. Michael Jackson, “Man In The Mirror” When Michael Jackson sang about poverty, injustice and trying his best not to be a callous jerk who ignores kids in the street, the world listened! And they bought, too: this #1 hit was one of the best-selling singles from the Bad era. Thanks to MJ’s passionate performance and “look at yourself and make a change” refrain, this reflective, gospel-tinged jam still resonates.