3 Classic Rock Songs that Honor Daughters

To be a parent is a beautiful thing. It’s also fraught with worry, responsibility, wonder, and surprise. And when you’re the parent of a daughter, the job offers its own particular joys and fears. But that aside, to look into their eyes, to see their smiles in the morning with the new day, to see the beauty and strength in their faces grow week by week—there might not be anything better.

Here below, we wanted to explore three classic rock songs that dive into that reality. A trio of tracks that honor what it’s like to be a parent to a daughter. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs that honor daughters.

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“Here for You” by Neil Young from Prairie Wind (2005)

This song was written by Neil Young for his daughter Amber. It’s a song about growth as Young watched her finish college and grow into her adulthood. The song is about a father always being there for his child but also knowing she has to find her own way in the world. Delivered with signature harmonica and heavy rhythmic acoustic guitar chords, Young sings about lives separating but also remaining connected. It’s a tricky balance that every parent must learn to find. He called it a song about “kind of letting go without letting go.” And on it, he sings,

When your summer days come tumbling down
And you find yourself alone
Then you can come back and be with me
Just close your eyes and I’ll be there
Listen to the sound
Of this old heart beating for you
Yes I’d miss you
But I never want to hold you down
You might say I’m here for you

“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon from The Wild Thornberrys Movie Soundtrack (2002)

From the soundtrack to the animated film The Wild Thornberrys Movie, this song by Paul Simon is about his love and appreciation of his daughter Lulu. In the offering, Simon warns there will be some difficulties ahead but he says he is confident Lulu shall shine in the world and her intuition should be trusted as she moves ahead. As children or young adults when we worry about our future, to have a parent tell to simply trust our gut, that we can do it—well, there is maybe no more important thought. And here, Simon does just that. He sings,

Trust your intuition
It’s just like goin’ fishin’
You cast your line and hope you get a bite
But you don’t need to waste your time
Worryin’ about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father loved his daughter
More than I love you

“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder from Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

From Stevie Wonder’s iconic 1976 LP Songs in the Key of Life, this track is about the birth of a little girl—or more specifically his daughter, Aisha Morris. Wonder sings about how bright and beautiful Aisha is and how he couldn’t even imagine it ahead of time. He sings so glowingly of her that the song has stood the test of time for almost 50 years and continues to be played at celebrations, birthday parties, and weddings all over the world. Sings Wonder,

Isn’t she pretty
Truly the angel’s best
Boy, I’m so happy
We have been heaven blessed

I can’t believe what God has done
Through us he’s given life to one
But isn’t she lovely, made from love

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