Here’s one for the dads out there…
It’s Father’s Day today, unless you are from somewhere apart from the UK, when Father’s Day is probably in March or something. Sorry if I got your hopes up…
It’s a day when a Dad can actually shuffle about the house playing records without feeling vaguely guilty that they aren’t doing something more constructive, like DIY, gardening, fixing stuff or asking the kids challenging questions, such as “Do you think I’m made of money?”
Having been a father myself for ten years, I have found myself easing into the role, and approaching mid-season form. For example, I have found myself recently embracing phrases that only dads use, including:
(When the heating is on and a window or door is open) “Oh, I’m paying to heat the street now am I?”
(When lights are left on) “It’s like Blackpool Illuminations in here... ”
…and the all time classic “Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know...”
It’s all good fun, annoying your children with simple truths. I feel I am simply handing down centuries of tradition.
However, if you are a dad and at a loose end as to what to put on your stereo today, I’d like to recommend a tune. And no, it’s not that Cat Stevens one.
There are a few classic songs with a paternal theme. Here’s one or two that instantly spring to mind:
- Mike and the Mechanics: The Living Years
- Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge over Troubled Water
- Madonna: Papa Don’t Preach
- Stevie Wonder: Isn’t She Lovely
But the song that stands out for me isn’t by any of these artists.
It’s by Ben Folds, and it’s called “Still Fighting It”, from his Rockin’ The Suburbs LP.
It never fails to connect with me – it’s such a lovely song that sums up all the fears and vulnerabilities you might have about being a dad, and the worries you have for your children whilst also celebrating “how I picked you up and everything changed”.
“You’re so much like me / I’m sorry” is such a killer line.
Give it a listen, especially today on Father’s Day.
Oh, and if you want a few more tunes to play today whilst you open the bottle of Brut 33 aftershave you’ve been bought (or if you’re very lucky, Hai Karate), here’s a Father’s Day Spotify playlist of a bunch of tunes I love, and which will be ideal to irritate your children with. Or if you are very fortunate, to give them a sufficient excuse to dance around the room with you.
Do you know another Father’s Day song (that doesn’t involve Cat Stevens or Westlife?) if so, let me know in the comments section…
Have a good Father’s Day…
Every record tells a story 
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