Poems and Songs about Fathers and Sons

These are the top 10 songs I personally selected:

Father and Son by Cat Stevens
This song just makes me cry every single time I hear it. It's so beautiful. I have four sons and two step sons, and my husband and I love them all so much that we can't possibly explain the depth. This song makes me think of what my husband might sing to them. The part where he says, "look at me, I am old, but I'm happy"...that's what we want for these beautiful children of ours - first and foremost, to be happy in this life.

Cat's in the Craddle by Harry Chapin
Well the lyrics to this song, and this song, are infamous...and scary. The idea of son following in his father's footsteps are frightening when painted by these words. The circle of life may need to be broken in this case.

Song For Dad by Keith Urban: This song makes me cry. The words are perfect blend of a sons reflection on how he is becoming more like his dad. It's moving to listen to Keith Urban describe a respect and understanding that a son learns he has for father. The lyrics describe how "everyday I see a little more of my father in me". If you appreciate descriptive story telling lyrics, you'll love this song.

Color Him Father by The Winstons
In 1969, this reached number 7 on the billboard top 100. With step-families on the rise, the lyrics to this song are even more powerful today. The message describes a stepfather working hard and raising his family with love and heart. The story line is similar to Brad Paisley's "He Didn't Have to Be".

Letter to Me by Brad Paisley
Although this song is not directly about a father and son, it still has a powerful message in the lyrics. Its about what a grown man would write to himself at 17. As we get older, our perspective changes, and yes we grow wiser; and this life story from boy to man is written in a way that we can all totally relate to. It's a goose-bump song.

He Didn't Have to Be by Brad Paisley
Oh my goodness, get out the tissue for this one! With so many step families today, this song pays tribute to all the first rate step-dads out there. Again, another set of lyrics that sketch out a life story as if you've lived it.

Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
I don't mean to keep making you cry, but good luck listening to this one without shedding a few! "....cause I'de love my Mother to dance with my Father again...." "I prayed for her even more than me"....oh my gosh, how insanely moving are these words.

A Father and Son by Loudon Wainwright
This song has terrific lyrics that describe the generational "rough roads" between fathers and sons. It then leads into the common plight of a teenager and his father. The way he strums the guitar throughout this song and the way he tells this timeless story of father and son, comes across as honest, yes truthful, and very easy to relate to.

My Father's House by Bruce Springsteen
You'll notice the video I linked to here isn't the best quality, but the banter by Bruce at the beginning, before he sings, makes it worth listening to. It's a story of a son going back home to visit what was once his father's house. It's touching, and really grasps the journey we take through this life, and how holding onto what was, or letting go of what was, no matter how wonderful or how bad, are equally painful dilemmas.

If I Could by Barbra Streisand As I understand it, Barbra Streisand dedicated this song to her son. You will really appreciate the way love is expressed in these lyrics: The words say exactly how my husband and I feel about our sons -... "if I could, I would give them courage in a world of compromise, teach them all the things I never learned, help them cross the bridges that I burned...if I could...I would". Take the time to listen to this song, it's beautiful.

Dear Father by Neil Diamond: This song features very simple words that make a powerful impact because of the epic music surrounding the words. It's so very beautiful, enjoy.

Hell Yeah by Neil Diamond: How do I start talking about this song - It's absolutely incredible! If you're looking for a song where a man is talking about and reflecting upon his life, long lived, and filled with lessons that age brings, well this is your pick. When my husband and I watched his special on CBS and this song began, we were both visibly moved by the song...to the point where my hubby said, "when I leave this earth, play this song for me".

When someone close to me lost their father, I felt very compelled to write a poem that would accurately describe and respect their relationship. Despite the imperfections in this relationship with his dad, he loved his father unconditionally, flaws and all.

Funny thing was, when I was attempting to write this piece of work, I struggled the entire day to find the best words that would paint an accurate picture. Finally, at the end of the day, I gave up, left my office and computer and headed out on my front step with a nice cold glass of white wine, and no sooner did I sit down to enjoy just one sip, when a light bulb of words swarmed over me. (..and I really only had a sip at that point...)

I headed back down to my office and wrote this entire poem in 20 minutes. I later expanded the poem into song lyrics. You can watch the video of When a Son Loses His Father, and read the words and lyrics below. 'When a Son Loses his Father' was written with love at the core.

Photo: "Remember Me" Bereavement Poem

Hey, I'm putting the "Law of Attraction to the Ultimate test": Emerson Drive, if I could choose any band to write music for these lyrics (When a Son Loses His Father), it would be you guys...ahem, so call me? send an email?

By the way, you guys are truly a fantastic group! So either by "six degrees of separation" or "dumb luck", make a dream come true *big grin*. Then maybe we can be on CMT after we win the Grammy for best Song. *saucy big grin* :)

Is it possible that someone reading this doesn't know who Emerson Drive are?!? Ok. I'm back, after falling out of my chair - here's the link to Emerson Drive's Website

Be Sure to Listen to "Moments". It's a beautiful song that could be about anyone's dad.

When a Son Loses His Father

Now that he's without him
what is he working for
He had never truly realized
His dad drove him to want more
With working came acceptance
replaced emotions he concedes
with his father unavailable,
he kept his schedule filled with deeds,
When his father passed away
it broke him to the core
just learning he and his dad
had things in common they stood for
His dad had loved unconditionally,
despite his character flaws
and perhaps was thinking he'd call his son
when the winter thaws
but winters came and went
and neither reached to call
yet they truly loved each other
despite their voices being awol
His imperfect life with his Dad,
is now the oddest gift he treasures
He's vowed to be a father
for his sons to proudly measure
He says "I love you" to his kids,
and has being saying so for many years
then thinks of what he missed
with his Dad,
and it reduces him to tears
Nothing can make that emptiness go
he carries the lesson learned
Knowing now to speak his love out loud
not said to be returned
When a son loses his father
a part of himself fades into that light
as do the words he rarely stated,
like, "Dad, nice to hear from you tonight"
or picking up the phone to say,
"hi dad, did you just hear",
are calls he wished he'd made
while he wipes away a tear,
Now in a prayer he says, "I love you Dad",
to the heavens he kneels and pleads
and wonders if his fathers knows
that his love's so strong, it bleeds
"Dad, in case you didn't know it,
I love you more than I can say
I always tell my kids I love them
I learned that the hard way,
and in my heart,
my father,
you shall always stay".

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak, Copyrighted

Photo: Art Print is called "Devastated" and it measures 36"wide by 27"high

(VERSE ONE)
Now that he's without him
what is he workin' for
He had never truly realized
His dad drove him to want more
With workin' came acceptance
replaced emotions he concedes
and his father unavailable,
he kept his schedule filled with deeds,
When his father passed away
it really broke him to the core
just learning he and his dad
had things in common they stood for

(CHORUS)
His dad had loved unconditionally,
despite his character flaws
and perhaps was thinking he'd call his son
when the winter thaws
but winters came and went
and neither reached to call
yet they truly loved each other
despite their voices being awol
His imperfect life with his Dad,
is now the oddest gift he treasures
He's vowed to be a father
for his sons to proudly measure
He says "I love you" to his kids,
and has being saying so for many years
then thinks of what he missed
with his Dad,
and it reduces him to tears
Nothing can make that emptiness go
he carries the lesson learned
Knowing now to speak his love out loud
not said to be returned

(VERSE TWO)
When a son loses his father
a part of himself fades into the light
as do the words he rarely stated,
like, "Dad, nice to hear from you tonight"
or picking up the phone to say,
"hi dad, did you just hear",
are calls he wished he'd made
while he wipes away a tear,
Now in a prayer he says, "I love you Dad",
to the heavens he kneels and pleads
and wonders if his fathers knows
that his love's so strong, it bleeds
"Dad, in case you didn't know it,
I love you more than I can say
I always tell my kids I love them
I learned that the hard way,
and in my heart,
my father, you shall always stay".

(BRIDGE to Chorus)
Winters passed into the night
like this father and this son
too late to change the way it went
too late to change a wrong, he says
"Goodbye my father,
I miss you more than I thought I might
and Despite my life's hard journey
in my heart there's only light
and to have this love in me,
you must have done a few things right"

Although winters came and went
and neither reached to call
they truly loved each other
despite their voices being awol
Nothing can make that emptiness go
he carries the lesson learned
Knowing now to speak his love out loud
not said to be returned
"Dad, I'm sure you truly know it,
I love you more than I can say
because I always tell my kids I love them
I learned from our mistakes,
and in my heart, my father,
you shall always stay"

When A Son Loses His Father

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FOR JIM

A poem remembering Jim the Dad, Friend and Husband. For his son and wife who miss him very much.

His little boy lost his father at the age of 11 years. I can't possibly imagine. My cousins, I love you.

The night Jim passed, I had a dream about Jim - or maybe "Jim came to me in a dream" who knows? Jim clearly said "what's your contribution". He wasn't referring to me personally - it felt as though, in this dream was a message for all of us. From that day forward, I have focused on my family, and also my writing as "my contribution". As a result of that dream, my main website is now governed by the theme "What's Your Contribution" - www.drageda.com

Thank you Jim. By the way Jim, John, your best friend and my hubby, had a surprise birthday party the other day, and we were thinking about you.

FOR JIM
By Barbara Tremblay Cipak, Copyrighted

It's not these words that bring you peace,
Nor the memories that help you sleep,
For you turn a page to another day
knowing love sustained you
when he passed away

He too knew love through his
family and friends,
His time, though short, often lends,
a smile to a face, held up to the wind

He gave his heart the best he knew,
He shared his gifts, his laughter too,
You know he's home now peering through,
as you begin your life anew,

I trust he'll be there when you're blue,
Watching over, Loving you.



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Times Gift

Time heals
Promising closure
Shrinking scars like popping bubbles
As it prepares our gift
Times benefaction is objectivity to our past
Building an awareness of yesteryears
Defogging our vision for truth
Generously donating our package of clarity

Time lies only to those
who misuse its precious moments,
Lines entrenched on our face
can devour redeemable blemishes
By gracefully accepting our package
healing eyes can widen to witness dissipating mist

Time promises blessed tomorrows
Let us put away our spinning wheels
plunge forward with our lesson
accept our bequest from Time, and yes!
We will have morning smiles