Father’s Day Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]

Cat Stevens – Father & SonYusuf15rank/position

Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Father & Son

Yusuf Islam is a British singer-songwriter who once performed under the name Cat Stevens.

Father & Son, included on Tea for the Tillerman, is known as a classic that portrays the generational conflict between a father and his son.

The lyrics, which plainly express a father’s love and a son’s desire to follow his own path, convey the depth of the parent–child bond.

Although it wasn’t a major hit at the time of its release, Boyzone’s later cover became a success.

In recent years, it has also been used as background music in Marvel films and TV series, and it continues to be loved across generations.

If you give it as a Father’s Day gift, it’s sure to convey a heartfelt “thank you.”

Like My FatherJ-AX16rank/position

Jax – Like My Father (Official Video)

The song Jax released in 2021 is a heartwarming track that explores true love, inspired by the loving relationship between her parents.

The ideal love she seeks is patient, gentle, and grows stronger with time—like the love her father showed her mother.

From small gestures of affection to building a relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding, and finding joy and humor in everyday life, it thoughtfully portrays a sustainable form of love.

Filled with deep gratitude and admiration, it’s a perfect listen when you want to express your love to someone special.

Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder17rank/position

Stevie Wonder-Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics

This is a classic song by the legendary soul musician Stevie Wonder, also widely known in Japan by its localized title “Kawaii Aisha” (Cute Aisha).

With its outstanding melody, light and breezy arrangement, and heartwarming lyrics expressing a father’s boundless love for his daughter, it enjoys particularly high popularity in Japan—helped in part by its use in commercials.

It’s a gem that almost everyone has heard at least once, so if you were to spring a Father’s Day surprise while this song is playing, you’d surely have a wonderful time.

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KOH-1

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Papa Was a Rolling StoneThe Temptations18rank/position

The Temptations Papa Was A Rolling Stone 1972 Single Version

Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone is included on The Temptations’ 1972 album All Directions.

Crafted by Norman Whitfield, a pioneer of psychedelic soul, together with Motown heavyweight Barrett Strong, the song was a major achievement, hitting No.

1 on the Billboard chart and winning three Grammy Awards.

It’s a classic that also ranked on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

It’s the perfect track to jam on with your dad for Father’s Day!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Piece by PieceKelly Clarkson19rank/position

Kelly Clarkson – Piece by Piece (Official Video)

The title track from Kelly Clarkson’s seventh studio album.

Written by Kelly and California producer Greg Kurstin, the song was inspired by her personal experiences from childhood.

Drive (For Daddy Gene)Alan Jackson20rank/position

Alan Jackson – Drive (For Daddy Gene) (Official Music Video)

Alan Jackson is an American country musician known for singing traditional country music.

While he isn’t very well-known in Japan, he’s extremely popular in the United States, having won two Grammy Awards, 16 CMA Awards, and 17 ACM Awards.

His song “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” is regarded as one of his signature tracks, featuring heartfelt lyrics that depict him going for a drive with his son.

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Ryo

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Only OneKanye West ft. Paul McCartney21rank/position

Kanye West – Only One ft. Paul McCartney

It’s both a tribute to Kanye’s daughter, North West, and a message to Kanye sung from the perspective of his late mother, Donda West.

It’s an emotional track featuring Paul McCartney on keyboards.