3 Classic Rock Songs About Fathers and Sons

The relationship between a father and a son can be sacred. It is up to the older generation to help teach things like work ethic, kindness, how to talk to a prospective partner, how to love, and how to make their way in the world. Parenthood is never easy but it can be so rewarding for those involved.

Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of songs that highlight that dynamic. Three songs written by fathers about their songs. Three tunes that range from compelling to tearjerkers. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs about fathers and songs.

[RELATED: 5 Pop Songs that Reference Nursery Rhymes]

“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon from Double Fantasy (1980)

Released on the last album before John Lennon’s death, this song is an ode to Sean, the son he shares with artist Yoko Ono. The song opens with John comforting the boy over a nightmare and evolves into a loving appreciation for the boy. It’s one of the most beautiful songs written by a father to his son and it was used famously in the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus, which you can see here. Sings Lennon,

Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster’s gone
He’s on the run
And your daddy’s here

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton from Rush: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack (1991)

We go from the sublime to the supremely sad. This song co-written by guitarist Eric Clapton is about his son Conor, who tragically died at just 4 years old after falling from an 53-story window. How crushing a reality that must have been. How gut-wrenching. The lyrics of the song are about the moment father and son may reunite in heaven and what that meeting might be like. Sings Clapton,

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong
Here in heaven

“Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin from Verities & Balderdash (1974)

This is perhaps the most famous song about the relationship between a father and a son. It’s an ironic, thoughtful, and yet sad offering, too. In the beginning of the song, the father is too busy to spend time with his boy. Then at the end, the son has grown up and he has no time for his father. The song, beautiful as it is, is a warning: All work and no play is no life for a family member. On the track, Chapin sings,

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talking ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you, dad”
“You know I’m gonna be like you”

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images