Daughters are said to be the biggest blessings in parents’ lives. They are a reflection of their mothers, and a reason for fathers to become more gentle. These songs reflect all stages in a daughter’s life, from growing up to getting married, from their first heartbreak to learning how to identify themselves.
Below we have compiled a list of 60 songs you can use to express your affection, concern and pride for your little girl. You are sure to find something for every situation you can think of!
Here are the 60 Best Songs About Daughters
- You Are My Sunshine — Jimmie Davis
- Right By For You (For Luna) — John Legend
- You Can Let Go — Crystal Shawanda
- Daddy’s Little Girl — Kippi Brannon
- In My Daughter’s Eyes — Martina McBride
- Coal Miner’s Daughter — Loretta Lynn
- The Most Beautiful Girl — Charlie Rich
- The Best Day — Taylor Swift
- Here For You — Neil Young
- Dance With My Daughter — Jason Blaine
- My Little Girl — Tim McGraw
- Father And Daughter — Paul Simon
- Daughters — John Mayer
- It Won’t Be Like This For Long — Darius Rucker
- Daddy’s Little Girl — Michael Bublé
- Never Grow Up — Taylor Swift
- My Father’s Daughter — Jewel (Featuring Dolly Parton)
- I’ll Be — Reba McEntire
- Prettiest Girl in the World — Logan Mize
- Daddy — Abby Anderson
- A mother’s prayer — Celine Dion
- Unforgettable — Nat King Cole And Natalie Cole
- My Wish — Rascal Flatts
- Butterfly Kisses — Bob Carlisle
- I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter) — Zac Brown Band
- Teenage Daughters — Martina McBride
- I Loved Her First — Heartland
- This Dance — Scott Thomas Laughridge
- How Do You Talk To An Angel — The Heights
- Oh, Mother of Mine — The Temptations
- I Learned From You — Miley Cyrus
- Handprints on the Wall — Kenny Rogers
- Lee Brice — The Best Part Of Me
- Mama’s Broken Heart — Miranda Lambert
- I’ll Always Be Your Mom — Aimee Zimmermann
- She’s a Butterfly — Martina McBride
- Hush Little Baby — Ashley Ryan
- Then They Do — Trace Adkins
- Mama’s Song — Carrie Underwood
- Flowers for Zoë — Lenny Kravitz
- Greatest Love Of All — Whitney Houston
- Mother Knows Best — Donna Murphy
- Slipping Through My Fingers — ABBA
- Isn’t She Lovely — Stevie Wonder
- You’ll Always Be My Baby — Alan Jackson
- Cover Me in Sunshine — Pink
- You Can’t Lose Me — Faith Hill
- When I Pray for You — Dan + Shay
- I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack
- You’re Gonna Miss This — Trace Adkins
- Remember Me (Lullaby) — Gabriella Flores and Gael García Bernal
- The Daughters — Little Big Town
- You’re Gonna Be — Reba McEntire
- If Father Time had a daughter — Walker Hayes
- Marjorie — Taylor Swift
- You’re a Big Girl Now — The Stylistics
- Dear Daughter — Halestorm
- Growing Up (Sloane’s Song) — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ed Sheeran
- Ready, Set, Don’t Go — Billy Ray Cyrus
- Mockingbird — Eminem
1. You Are My Sunshine — Jimmie Davis
This soulful lullaby had to be first on our list. Parents around the globe use this as their expression of affection (and last hope to get a cranky baby to sleep!), making the experience of hearing this before bed very universal. Unsurprisingly, the song was rewarded with a Grammy Hall of Fame award, and the Recording Industry Association of America named it one of the Songs of the Century.
2. Right By For You (For Luna) — John Legend
John Legend is a master at painting vivid and soulful pictures with his lyrics. Knowing he wrote Right By For You with the unparalleled love of a father for his baby girl? The song is expected to be nothing short of a masterpiece and it delivers!
3. You Can Let Go — Crystal Shawanda
This song can bring a grown man to tears. Following the journey of a little girl into a grown woman, she talks about all the instances in her life where she had to convince her dad to let go since she’s all grown up. It comes to full circle in a hospital room with this daughter telling the father to let go and embrace eternal peace.
4. Daddy’s Little Girl — Kippi Brannon
This song has all the musical qualities of a good 90s hit with Brannon’s haunting vocals. Growing up and realizing you’ll one day no longer be your daddy’s little girl is a heartbreaking feeling. The song describes that with the subtle changes that enter the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship.
5. In My Daughter’s Eyes — Martina McBride
Daughters are reflections of their mothers’ grace, beauty, and wisdom. This song is the monologue of one such mother who feels this way, reflecting on all the wonderful qualities of her daughter.
The song peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, number 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 2004, and number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.
6. Coal Miner’s Daughter — Loretta Lynn
Based on the singer’s own life growing up and better known as her signature song, Coal Miner’s Daughter is Lynn’s way of expressing pride at the efforts our parents make for us growing up, whether it be physical labor or emotional effort. It was Lynn’s first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 1 on the ‘ Canada Country Songs ’ and US Hot Country Songs charts.
7. The Most Beautiful Girl — Charlie Rich
While this song is mostly interpreted as one about a couple fighting, I think it’s an excellent apology to send to your daughter if you made her mad! If she ever leaves to spend the night at her grandmother’s house after a fight, send her the link above and watch her come back with a smile on her face. This country topped many charts in the U.S. and Canada.
8. The Best Day — Taylor Swift
On the topic of country music and dutiful daughters, how could we forget our very own Nashville star-gone-big? Swift always expressed a desire for writing music with her father and this dream came true in the form of this country-pop number!
9. Here For You — Neil Young
It’s hard for aging parents to realize that their daughters have outgrown their need for them. Though once again this song can be interpreted in a romantic context, I think the image of an old father- dependable as ever, singing this to his daughter, is a much more beautiful one.
10. Dance With My Daughter — Jason Blaine
Usually, father-daughter dances are reserved for weddings, but this man wants to make the most out of his time with her before she grows up and ‘let’s go’. This country tune from 2007 will make you realize how ordinary moments can be converted into magic; all you need is music and a space to dance
11. My Little Girl — Tim McGraw
Country singer and superstar Tim McGraw poured his heart out in this poetic masterpiece representing a father’s endless love for his daughter. The chorus especially gets to me every time. Country music is not everyone’s cup of tea, but trust me, you’re going to want to play this for your little girl. The song charted at number 3 on country music charts in both the U.S. and Canada.
12. Father And Daughter — Paul Simon
Written for the animated film The Wild Thornberrys Movie, this song reminds us that there’s nothing more touching than seeing a cute father-daughter moment on screen to remind you of the bond you have with your special one. The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
13. Daughters — John Mayer
Country songs know how to do fatherly wisdom right. The singer warns parents to be good to their daughters since their social and emotional skills are based on the way they were treated in their childhood since “Daughters will love like you do”. This iconic song won numerous awards, including the 2005 Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
14. It Won’t Be Like This For Long — Darius Rucker
Parenting is a tough job but you must remember time flies by! Before you know if your daughter is on that altar. This song describes a father aware of this, sacrificing his sleep and indulging his daughter’s little whims because soon she won’t be so little anymore. Like many on the list, this song peaked at number 1 on country music charts in both the U.S. and Canada.
15. Daddy’s Little Girl — Michael Bublé
I particularly enjoy this one because this sounds more like a children’s poem compared to other items on the list, making it a perfect score to sing to your little girl before tucking her in bed. It’s sure to remind her of how precious she is, more precious than ‘gold, gems’ and even ‘Christmas’!
16. Never Grow Up — Taylor Swift
This song is quite bittersweet. It’s a mother’s plea to her daughter, hoping she stays young and naive so that her heart never gets broken and life doesn’t present to her the challenges women face growing up. I think this is Taylor also talking to her inner child that grew up too soon! Either way, this is healing and heartbreaking in equal measure.
17. My Father’s Daughter — Jewel (Featuring Dolly Parton)
We’ve got so many amazing country stars on this parent-daughter list, but how could we forget the greatest one of all? Dolly Parton! Just like Coalminer’s daughter, this song is also about being proud of your father’s efforts in raising you and a reminder that you are the product of those who came before you.
18. I’ll Be — Reba McEntire
This is the ultimate song for when your girl needs a reminder of the amazing support system she has in the form of her mother. While this song can fit in any dynamic beautifully, whether it’s platonic or romantic, I find it the kind of support one would expect from a mother at their lowest point- knowing they’ll always be there for you.
19. Prettiest Girl in the World — Logan Mize
This song has one of the most wonderful and soul-touching videos of all time! When I initially heard this song I thought the singer was referring to his partner, but the music video completely changed my perspective.
If every father tells her daughter she’s the prettiest girl, growing up, no man on earth could take away from her sense of self-worth.
20. Daddy — Abby Anderson
One of the hardest parts in the journey of being a father is finding someone worthy enough and giving them your daughter’s hand. It signifies a fundamental change in the relationship dynamic. This song, from the perspective of the daughter, acknowledges this effort while asking for approval for the guy she plans on marrying.
21. A Mother’s Prayer — Celine Dion
The most powerful well-wishes a mother can give her daughter is sincere prayer and guidance. With Celine Dion’s powerful vocals and the soulful nature of these lyrics, the song is the epitome of a mother’s unconditional love for her daughter.
The duet version of the song “The Prayer” with Andrea Bocelli won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and topped the US Classical Digital Songs (Billboard) chart.
22. Unforgettable — Nat King Cole And Natalie Cole
Alas! Finally a father-daughter duet for this list. Oldtimer and legend, Nathanial King Cole with his daughter evokes the deepest of emotions with this grainy number. An expression of devotion and appreciation, this duet version reached number three on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, number one on the Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary chart, and number two on the Australian Singles Chart.
23. My Wish — Rascal Flatts
Another wholehearted prayer from a devoted parent, this song takes a slight turn in the tone of the lyrics, with the father being surprisingly okay with the idea of his girl growing up and leaving. Imparting her with wisdom, he wishes for her to always remember her roots and hopes she finds someone compatible. The song reached number 1 on both the Canadian Country (Billboard) and US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) charts.
24. Butterfly Kisses — Bob Carlisle
A song from Bob Carlisle’s album of the same name, the lyrics, and overall message are simply adorable. With verses like “I must have done something right, To deserve her love every morning, And butterfly kisses” this song makes you melt. It received a Dove Award for Song of the Year, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
25. I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter) — Zac Brown Band
One of the most remarkable things about this song is that the singer acknowledges the need for a romantic partner and marriage in his daughter’s life, deeming it important. He values her independence, asking her to take risks, all while reminding her that until she finds the love of her life to settle with, he’ll be her man.
26. Teenage Daughters — Martina McBride
Oooh boy is raising a teenager an effort, especially a teenage girl? The constant bickering, the insistent need to always be right, negotiating for freedom, first love – it can be hard. Fortunately for this singer’s daughter, the mother empathizes and even relates her experience to her teenage days!
27. I Loved Her First — Heartland
I think we should rename this list “50 Best Country Songs About Daughters” (Just kidding). This list, along with country numbers, includes a lot of country songs about daughters on their wedding days. As I mentioned, giving away their daughter is hard for fathers. Heartland expresses the pain in their debut single, which reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
28. This Dance — Scott Thomas Laughridge
Another moment of a father-daughter dance before the girl is wed off. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of the sentimentality of this moment. With lyrics like “This dance is more than just dance, It gives me one more chance to show the world how proud I am of you”, the song fills you with the gooiest of emotions.
29. How Do You Talk To An Angel — The Heights
This song has such a heartbreaking context, considering how many people interpret this as being sung about the death of a child. Music helps you through all situations, even such devastating ones, with the feeling that you’re not alone. It was originally written for the canceled TV series, “The Heights”
30. Oh, Mother of Mine — The Temptations
This is one of those songs that can also work perfectly for our list of 50 Best Songs About Sons. It’s from the perspective of a child realizing the wisdom behind their mother’s warnings and how they regret not listening to her.
31. I Learned From You — Miley Cyrus
Who doesn’t remember this from Hannah Montana? I for one spent my entire childhood with this stuck in my hair. Raised by a single dad, Miley, and her father constantly bicker and disagree but both realize there’s nothing on earth that could replace their bond.
32. Handprints on the Wall — Kenny Rogers
Sometimes all parents have left are the memories and handprints of their little girl on the wall. In this melancholically sweet single, full of references to childhood poems like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” we find an endless expression of love from a devoted father.
33. Lee Brice – The Best Part Of Me
Life is full of mistakes and regrets, especially after a mid-life crisis. But for fathers, they know there is always that one thing they did right – raising their child. This song is an example of such a father, expressing pride in his daughter who contains the best parts of him.
34. Mama’s Broken Heart — Miranda Lambert
“Mother knows best” and ignoring her warning usually leads to disaster, like getting your heart broken and ‘cutting bangs with some rusty kitchen scissors’. It peaked at number 2 on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts respectively and the song was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
35. I’ll Always Be Your Mom — Aimee Zimmermann
There is nothing more sure and unconditional in this world than a mother’s love and Zimmerman’s song is proof of that. With lyrics like “I’m the one who loved you from the start, You are the one forever in my heart” this song proves how relentlessly mothers love us.
36. She’s a Butterfly — Martina McBride
From reading nursery rhymes about butterflies to birthing a precious little one of their own, mothers have always had a true appreciation for the delicate nature of their daughters. As Martina implies, They bring color into your life and teach you how to fly too!
37. Hush Little Baby — Ashley Ryan
I love a good country song plotting murder. A fresh twist on a classic nursery rhyme, boys beware! If you break her daughter’s heart, this mother won’t chase you out with a frying pan or egg your house. This mama’s “ got a twelve gauge held up high” and she won’t hesitate to use it!
38. Then They Do — Trace Adkins
Dealing with little kids is exhausting. It’s a constant job that doesn’t end at 5. However, once they grow up and you realize you no longer need to yell up the stairs and ask them to do their hair quicker, it gets lonely pretty fast.
Yet another beautiful country ballad about dealing with daughters who are all grown up, the song peaked at number 9 on the US Hot Country Songs chart and even entered the Billboard Hot 100.
39. Mama’s Song — Carrie Underwood
The shifting dynamic in a mother-daughter relationship grows even more tumultuous once mamas realize you don’t need them the same way you once did. However, this song is the reassurance you can give, explaining that even if you’re grown, your mama will always have a special place in your life. Mama’s song earned a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards as well.
40. Flowers for Zoë — Lenny Kravitz
A walking definition of rock and roll and the most hardcore rockstar I can think of, it’s so sweet seeing Lenny Kravitz become so soft and sentimental in this beautiful tribute to his superstar daughter Zoë Kravitz. It proves that no matter how unapproachable a man seems, he will always soften up for his little girl.
41. Greatest Love Of All — Whitney Houston
written as the main theme of the 1977 film The Greatest, a biopic of the boxer Muhammad Ali, this song imparts some of the wisdom the great man carries, soulfully complimented by Houston’s stunning vocals with a message – children are our legacy and thus must be taught to believe in themselves.
I think it’s the perfect song for when your daughter needs a little boost.
42. Mother Knows Best — Donna Murphy
Come on. Did you think I could compile a list without a single Disney classic? Despite the rather – unpleasant – nature of Mother Gothel and Rupunzel’s relationship, the song itself is a banger and can be seen as a mother’s anxiety when she thinks of her little girl in a big bad world.
43. Slipping Through My Fingers — ABBA
Every time the introductory notes play, my heart fills and I feel like crying. A poetic masterpiece, there are so many songs on the list that describe the pain of losing a child as they grow up, but none are done as heart-wrenchingly as this ABBA hit.
If you feel like crying even more, listen to the Meryl Streep version from Mama Mia!
44. Isn’t She Lovely — Stevie Wonder
I’ve always associated this song with Valentine’s Day and romance, so imagine my delight when I found out this was written for Stevie Wonder’s baby girl! This gives the classic such a beautiful twist and makes it even more heartfelt.
45. You’ll Always Be My Baby — Alan Jackson
“Written for a daughter’s wedding,” says it all! “Now you’re a woman on your own All in love and nearly gone, But you’ll always be my baby”. These lyrics sum up the song and the theme of it – the strength of a mother-daughter bond.
46. Cover Me in Sunshine — Pink
This adorable song is dedicated to Pink’s daughter Willow Sage Hart, who she wrote it for during the COVID-19 lockdown. It is an anthem of joy, celebration, and a true celebration of a mother-daughter bond. Critics and audiences all over the world loved the song, accounting for its global success.
47. You Can’t Lose Me — Faith Hill
Life is full of challenges and there are moments when you ‘lose the race’. Being broken down and having nowhere to go is the hardest feeling, but knowing you always have your mom at your back can help you get through the darkest of days. The song peaked at number 1 on the Canada Country Tracks (RPM)
48. When I Pray for You — Dan + Shay
Written for the 2017 drama film, The Shack, this gospel-inspired track just radiates desperation and love. Being a new father is a daunting experience, especially for a delicate baby girl, but no need to fret. This song is the perfect preparation and a prayer.
49. I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack
This country-pop song is the perfect hype anthem to send your daughter. A mother always wants her girls to strive for the best and never settle for less. This iconic song also won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song and is ranked 352 in the list of Songs of the Century compiled by RIAA.
50. You’re Gonna Miss This — Trace Adkins
This intricately composed ballad is nothing short of masterful storytelling. Describing his daughter through various stages of growing up, the singer realizes, right in those moments, how much he’s gonna miss them when they’re gone.
I’m not the only one impressed by this song, considering how well it performed on both Country and mainstream charts.
51. Remember Me (Lullaby) — Gabriella Flores and Gael García Bernal
This lullaby from the climax of the Disney movie “Coco” is a tear-jerker. Even if you can’t relate to the entire debacle of getting your daughter to remember you from the afterlife, this song is still the sweetest goodbye if you’re going away from your little girl for a while.
52. The Daughters — Little Big Town
Another badass anthem of empowerment on this list, Little Big Town is teaching daughters never to waver or back down and the true meaning of strength. Personally, this was right up my alley, especially with the music video filled with contemporary dancers.
53. You’re Gonna Be — Reba McEntire
Motherhood is a novel experience and it’s natural to feel scared and apprehensive. Knowing you can’t always help her, can’t protect her from danger in every situation and that there are times when you’ll not know what to do, is a daunting concept. But as McEntire says in this song, knowing she’s gonna be loved by you is all that counts.
54. If Father Time had a daughter — Walker Hayes
This has to be my favorite feel-good song on the list. Coupled with the delightful music video and upbeat tune, this is a father-daughter version of Bruno Mars’s The Lazy Song.
55. Marjorie — Taylor Swift
Hands down my favorite song from Evermore (the bridge always gets me in my feels), this is more than just a tribute to Swift’s grandmother. It is a reminder for daughters, granddaughters and all those that come after, that your mothers are still there rooting for you, even after they’ve passed. Their legacy will always continue with you.
56. You’re a Big Girl Now — The Stylistics
At one point or another, Daddy’s got to teach his little girl that she’s all grown up and ready to take on the world. What better way to do that than this old-timey R&B soul number? I personally find myself vibing to this all day.
57. Dear Daughter — Halestorm
A heartfelt letter penned down to your dearest, this song is full of priceless advice with a beautiful acoustic melody to go with it. Preparing your daughter for the world outside the shelter you’ve provided is tough but songs like this help plan the strategy.
58. Growing Up (Sloane’s Song) — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ed Sheeran
Awe, who knew the infamous ‘Thrift Shop’ rapper was such a softie? A rare emotional number from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, the song describes the emotions of a father-to-be. The best part? Macklemore appreciates the strength of his partner and momma-to-be (and of course, Ed Sheeran’s vocals!)
59. Ready, Set, Don’t Go — Billy Ray Cyrus
The second number on this list by the beloved father-daughter duo, this song is a testament to fathers who have accepted the ambition of their little girls and are strong enough to let them venture out on their own.
60. Mockingbird — Eminem
One of my favorite rap songs of all time and dare I say, one of the best items on this list, Mockingbird is the story of a single father raising his daughters after the mother left them. The way the narrator comforts his girl and vows to protect her makes this more than just a commercial rap number. Written about his daughters, this Eminem song received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance
FAQs
Are all these songs written about daughters?
Not really. Songs like “The Most Beautiful Girl” by Charlie Rich are interpreted in the context of couples, but all songs in this list are selected to convey some sort of message to fit parent-daughter dynamics.
What songs did singers name their daughters in?
For “Right By For You (For Luna)”, John Legend named the song after his first-born daughter Luna Simone Stephens. The song “Flowers for Zoë” is named after Lenny Kravitz’s daughter, actress and model Zoë Kravitz.
What genre are most of these songs?
Most songs on this list are either part of the country music genre or some subgenre in them. However, you have songs from all genres here – “Mockingbird” by Eminem is a rap song while “Cover Me in Sunshine” by Pink is a pop hit.