"A Good Man," Emerson Drive
The first few times I heard the song, it made me think about my dad, especially the chorus and bridge. The song basically says all he needs in life to be happy is family, friends and love. And when it comes time to go to heaven, he wants to know he made a difference and left a legacy. That describes my dad to a "T." -- Lindsey Roznovsky, CMT Radio
"Daddy Come and Get Me," Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's penchant for gothic tales was never more evident than in her song "Daddy Come and Get Me." The narrator has been confined by her husband/lover in a mental institution and pleads for her father to rescue her. "Oh, Daddy come and get me," she sings plaintively, "and take me home with you/I'm depending on you Daddy 'cause there's nothing else I can do." -- Chet Flippo, CMT.com
"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)," Merle Haggard
"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" was one of Merle Haggard's off-kilter little dramas. In this case, the narrator recalls his childhood when he played in the family band. The difference here is that his mother was deaf and his father was blind. "Daddy Frank" was a No. 1 radio hit for Haggard in 1971 and kicked off a string of five straight No. 1 songs for the him. -- Chet Flippo
"Daddy's Hands," the Whites
It spoke of the strength in Daddy's hands as well as the love in Daddy's hands and the gentleness. My dad died at the young age of 59, and at the time, I felt cheated. Now I realize he'd worked enough in his short life. "Daddy's Hands" made me think of my dad. I recall how it made Sharon and Cheryl White think of their dad, Buck White, who was a plumber and musician. He'd work in the cold until his fingers bled. My dad's fingers bled, too, but from farming. I think this song fits most good dads. -- Hazel Smith, CMT.com
"Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind," Confederate Railroad
A heartfelt tip of the hat to a father's wisdom and long view. -- Edward Morris, CMT.com
"Drive," Alan Jackson
Each time I hear this song, I think of my father. This choice may seem somewhat ironic, because I'm not a great driver, but this song is about so much more than simply driving. To me, the words remind me of how much my father has molded me into the person I have become today. From the time I first tied my shoes, rode my bike, had my heart broken, etc., he's always been that driving force telling me I would be just fine. Thanks, Dad. -- Whitney Self, CMT.com
"He Didn't Have to Be," Brad Paisley
Fathers aren't always the take-you-fishing, have-a-tea-party kind of guys. Sometimes they aren't walking Hallmark cards. Sometimes they're stepfathers. And sometimes those are the best kind. How Brad Paisley captured that kind of role model, with a sweet hook, amazes me. Even now, 32 years after my stepdad took us from "something's missing to a family," Paisley's song reminds me of how my stepdad was more of a father than my real dad ever was. If this song inspires more men to fall in love with single moms, that's a true test of country music. -- Alison Bonaguro, CMT.com
"Love Without End, Amen," George Strait
A kid comes home from a fight, expecting the worst reaction from his dad. However, the child learns a secret that serves him well throughout his life -- and beyond. It's an important lesson to remember when your kids turn out to be exactly like you. -- Craig Shelburne, CMT.com
"Mom and Dad's Waltz," Lefty Frizzell
Some of the most famous lines in country music history are these: "I'd walk for miles, cry or smile/For my mama and daddy/I want them to know I love them so." Those are from Lefty Frizzell's 1951 hit, "Mom and Dad's Waltz." That same year, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was later arrested backstage at the Opry and charged with contributory delinquency. The charge stemmed from an incident in Arkansas during a tour with Hank Williams. He was never prosecuted for the alleged crime. -- Chet Flippo
"Sugar Daddy," the Bellamy Brothers
A side of Daddy that Mommy's not meant to know about. -- Edward Morris
"That's My Job," Conway Twitty
Perhaps the best song ever about a father's doggedly unconditional love and a son's dawning appreciation of it. -- Edward Morris
"Things I Wish I'd Said," Rodney Crowell
A son's extended sigh of relief at having healed old wounds before his father died. -- Edward Morris
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