"Papa Don't Preach" Makes Everyone Think of Their Dad
Music has a way of taking us back to a time and place, and reminding us of the people in our lives. Some songs, however, specifically remind us of our parents and how important they are to us. These songs transport us to our childhood when our parents were our whole world. Here are 20 songs that will make you miss your parents.
1. "The Living Years"
This hit song by Mike + The Mechanics is an emotionally-charged anthem that explores the regret of not telling our parents how we feel while they're alive. It's about the generational differences that sometimes divide us, and creates a sweet yet heartbreaking dialogue between a father and son.
2. "Mama"
This Spice Girls' song offers sentiment while still being upbeat. It's a pop ballad that celebrates the love between mothers and their children. It's a fun song about conflict and the love and wisdom that only mothers can provide.
3. "Dance With My Father"
Luther Vandross' moving tribute to parents is based on his memories of dancing with his father as a child. This song resonates with anyone who has lost a parent, evoking the minor memories of our parents that still bring us to tears.
4. "Mother"
John Lennon's raw and heartfelt "Mother" is a testament to the unconditional love of a parent and the unbreakable bond between a mother and child. He was inspired by his own abandonment, and was able to capture the longing we all feel for a parental presence. This song is a reminder of how our parents are the cornerstone of our lives.
Joost Evers / Anefo on Wikimedia
5. "Papa Don't Preach"
This song was somewhat controversial upon release. It's about a child reaching out to her father in a vulnerable moment, and the support a father can provide to their daughter. Ultimately, it explores parental approval and forgiveness. Hearing only the chorus will still make you think of times in your life when your parents helped guide you.
6. "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own"
This U2 song was written by Bono and inspired by his father and the challenge of expressing love because of our pride. It speaks to realizing the unspoken bond between parent and child only when it's too late. Listen to this song if you're looking for emotional catharsis about your love for your parents.
7. "Teach Your Children"
This beautiful song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young captures the wisdom that parents impart to their children, and how foundational that is to their growth. The lyrics stress how we must teach our children, but also how we can learn from them, and the gentle melody will make you tap your toe.
8. "Mama Said"
This classic Shirelles song was a Motown hit and celebrates all the things that our mothers warn us about. It's upbeat, catchy, and reminds us of the role our mothers play in trying to steer us in the right direction.
9. "A Song for Mama"
Most Boyz II Men songs can make anyone cry, but this one will have you crying about your parents. It's a heartfelt ode to the sacrifices mothers make and their unconditional love for their children.
Xavier Mouton Photographie on Unsplash
10. "Mother and Child Reunion"
This hit Paul Simon song has a fun reggae-like rhythm yet is laced with sadness. Simon wrote it after the sudden death of his pet, but it resonates universally as a song about loss. It reminds us how fragile life is and to not take our parents for granted.
Matthew Straubmuller (imatty35) on Wikimedia
11. "That's How Strong My Love Is"
Some think this is a romantic song, but it echoes the love and sacrifice that parents give their children. Otis Redding's voice is beyond soulful, and his exploration of the depth of parental devotion will make you want to call your mom and dad.
12. "Leader of the Band"
Dan Fogelberg's folk-rock ballad is a tribute to his father, who was a musician and teacher. Fogelberg's song rekindles memories of the lessons his father passed down, and it's impossible not to think of your own dad while listening to it.
PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
13. "Thank Your Mom"
This Good Charlotte song is a simple, serene, and earnest dedication to mothers. It's not the most polished ballad, but it will have you thinking of the sacrifices your mother made for you throughout your life.
14. "Wind Beneath My Wings"
This song is closely associated with friendship, but it resonates just as deeply when applied to parents. It's about the quiet support that helps us shine, and perfectly captures the role our parents have in our lives.
Library of Congress Life on Wikimedia
15. "Simple Man"
Lynyrd Skynyrd might not be the first band that comes to mind when you think of songs that will make you nostalgic for your parents. However, this Southern rock anthem is about a mother's advice to her son about simply living his life, and it hits every time.
16. "In The Ghetto"
This classic Elvis tune is as much about a parent's yearning for a better life for their child as it is about societal struggles. The haunting delivery conveys the quiet desperation many parents hold in wanting more for their family.
17. "My Wish"
Rascal Flatts' country ballad is about the hopes a parent has for their child. It makes us think of all the happiness our parents wish upon us, and the love they give that we hold well into adulthood.
Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
18. "Hey Jude"
This is one of the greatest Beatles songs ever, and Lennon wrote it as a love letter to his son, Julian. It's as comforting as a hug from our dads and contains a reassuring message.
United Press International, photographer unknown on Wikimedia
19. "You'll Be in My Heart"
Phil Collins contributed this song to the Tarzan soundtrack, and its catchiness made it a universally beloved anthem about our parents' love for us.
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20. "Slipping Through My Fingers"
It's easy to suggest the ABBA knows a thing or two about parents. This ballad delves into the bittersweet experience that every parent has when watching their child grow up too fast.
