Recently, my step-nephew – who is really more like a younger brother to me – and his wife added to our ever-growing family. Kyle and Hannah welcomed Addison Michelle to their family and we couldn’t be more happy to have another baby to “oooh” and “ahhh” over. I’ve basically used music as a soundtrack my entire life and Addi got me thinking, “what are my favorite songs about kids that I can share with Kyle and Hannah?” So here’s what I put together. Some about daughters, some about sons, some neutral. You get the picture. So Kyle, here’s to at least 18 years of trying to run off every boy that comes to your front door. I love you brother.
Father’s Day - Stephen Kellogg
“If you’re looking for advice my dear, I have nothing to say. I am always at a loss for words when you look at me that way.”
One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. Stephen Kellogg’s entire musical catalog is based on the strength and importance of family. Plus, it’s a great way to start off this little mixtape experiment.
Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III
“Everything she sees, she says she wants. Everything she wants, I see she gets.”
Loudon Wainwright has led an amazing life. He’s a Grammy nominated musician, he’s released over twenty albums, been in Judd Apatow movies and was the singing surgeon in a few episodes of M*A*S*H. But it’s his songs about his kids, namely Rufus and Martha that really shine.
Baby Girl – Will Hoge
“I hope your hands are steady and never need to make a fist.”
Seriously. Will Hoge is ridiculous. I will never, ever trust anyone in the music industry until Will Hoge is an absolute megastar. Ask any musician in the circles that we all (presumably) love and every single one of them will mention how phenomenal Will is. Anyway, I digress. Just listen to the song.
Still Fighting It – Ben Folds
“Twenty years from now, maybe we’ll both sit down and have a few beers. And I can tell you ’bout today and how I picked you up and everything changed.”
Yes, this song is about Folds’ son Louis but he’s also got an amazing song called “Gracie” about his daughter. Folds has made a career writing quirky, autobiographical songs, and this song fits right into everything the NC native has ever done.
Outfit – Drive-By Truckers
“Don’t worry ’bout losing your accent, a Southern man tells better jokes.”
If you don’t have Decoration Day by Drive-By Truckers, please, PLEASE give it a listen. They’re an amazing band and though some may argue, it’s their signature album for me. This song is amazing, and it’s literally about my 5th favorite on the album.
Hank – Ben Rector
“If it is you do not end up with a brother, just call this older uncle and I will always lend an ear – could you remember that for me?”
Written for his nephew, this Ben Rector ballad is absolutely beautiful. Rector’s voice always seems to perfectly fit and in this case, the toned down piano is spot on.
*You know you’re getting older when you start recognizing that A LOT of songs are about kids. There are tons of great ones out there but these are six of my favorites. What are some of yours?
Quinn Erwin had an ambitious goal after enduring enduring some personal heartache – he set out to write a song about death that was triumphant and celebratory. What started as a verse blossomed into the creation of a band and Afterlife Parade was born. Produced by Jeremy McCoy (the Fray), Death is the end result of Erwin’s journey to help comfort the mourning. The first of a two-part EP, Death is a beautiful beginning of what promises to be a fantastic concept album. Concept albums are very difficult to pull off ( Schaeffer – Something Worth Fighting For is by far my favorite) but Erwin’s strong song writing turns Death into the first chapter of a story you can’t wait to finish. Rebirth is due out in April and I’ll be waiting to see how this album ends. “Death” and “Nothing But Love Can Stay” are two immediate favorites. Enjoy.
