This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I want to share some musicians who have written songs for their kids. These dads created some wonderful songs to honor their kids. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out, leave their name and info in the comment section below.
Dads Writing Songs For Their Kids
Phil Collins – You Will Be In My Heart
Phil Collins was going to call this song, Lullaby. He wrote the song for his then-ten-year-old daughter, Lily Collins. This song become an iconic hit for the film Disney’s Tarzan. Not only was this song a way to showcase the relationships in the movie, but was inspired by being a dad in real life. You Will Be In My Heart won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000, as well as a Golden Globe Award. In addition, the song spent 19 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and achieved a 3x Platinum certification in the United States.
Creed – With Arms Wide Open
Creed’s With Arms Wide Open was written by frontman Scott Stapp in early 1998 after learning he was going to become a father for the first time. Stapp began writing the lyrics during the My Own Prison tour when his then-wife, Hillaree, told him she was pregnant with his son, Jagger. Just like guests on The Art of Fatherhood podcast, this song shares the mixed emotions of becoming a dad. The song captures a mix of fear, awe, and heavy responsibility. This is something any soon to be parent can relate to from this song.
Billy Ray Cyrus – Ready, Set, Don’t Go
Ready, Set, Don’t Go is a relatable song written and recorded by Billy Ray Cyrus. In addition, it was re-released as a duet with his daughter, Miley Cyrus. Billy Ray wrote the song years before its August 2007 release. It coves a lot of things parents think about. Therefore the song captures Billy Ray’s emotional moments as a father. He wrote this watching Miley pack up and move to Los Angeles to audition for Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana.
Billy Joel – Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)
Lullabye was released in February 1994 as the fourth single from his final pop studio album, River of Dreams. The song was inspired by his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. It was after they had a conversation where she asked her father what happens when a person dies. The song was originally conceived as a Latin-translated Gregorian chant. Yet, Joel shifted focus to create a reassurance of his permanent presence and love in her life. This was during his divorce from Christie Brinkley.