A lovely family song

[Thank you, as always] Western songs I want to give on Father's Day

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

A day to express gratitude to our fathers—Father’s Day.

It’s a holiday that exists overseas too, but since Japanese culture doesn’t typically encourage expressing feelings directly, many people might feel a bit shy about it.

For those people, how about using a Western song with a Father’s Day theme as one of your gifts?

So, this time, we’re introducing Western songs themed around Father’s Day!

We’ve selected tracks to suit a variety of situations.

Be sure to check them out.

[Thank You Always] Western Songs I Want to Give on Father’s Day (21–30)

Only OneKanye West ft. Paul McCartney

Kanye West – Only One ft. Paul McCartney

Only OneKanye West 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.

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Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder-Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics

Isn't She LovelyStevie Wonder

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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[Thank You Always] Western Songs to Give on Father's Day (31–40)

I’m Already ThereLonestar

Lonestar – I’m Already There (Message From Home)

I'm Already ThereLonestar

A song written by Richie McDonald, the lead singer of Lonestar, together with Gary Baker and Frank Myers.

It sings about how, even without being physically present, one’s love and spirit are always by your side.

It’s a song cherished by people who are separated from their friends and family.

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Papa Can You Hear MeBarbra Streisand

Yentl – Papa Can you Hear Me?

Papa Can You Hear MeBarbra Streisand

A poignant song that expresses feelings for a father in heaven.

How about dedicating it to your late father on Father’s Day? It’s a number from the 1983 musical film “Yentl,” sung by Barbra Streisand, a singer from New York, USA.

Beyond the theme itself, it has earned passionate support from those who relate to Barbra Streisand’s background, making it a beloved classic.

The song has also been covered by world-renowned artists such as Charlotte Church and Meredith Braun.

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Letter 2 My Unborn2Pac

2Pac – Letter 2 My Unborn

Letter 2 My Unborn2Pac

Tupac, a legendary hip-hop artist with overflowing talent who achieved brilliant success, met a tragic end in 1996 at the young age of 25.

Even after his death, he became known for the steady release of a vast trove of previously unreleased recordings.

This particular track is included on the 2001 album Until the End of Time.

Later released as a single, it’s a beloved classic whose mood captures Tupac’s melancholic, lyrical side.

Framed as a letter to a child yet to be born, the lyrics are deeply thoughtful and showcase his remarkable talent as a lyricist.

If you have a dad who loves hip-hop, it might be fun to put this song on and enjoy a drive together.

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Drive (For Daddy Gene)Alan Jackson

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

Drive (For Daddy Gene)Alan Jackson

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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SoulshineAllman Brothers Band

Allman Brothers Band – Soulshine

SoulshineAllman Brothers Band

This song is “Soulshine,” included on the album Where It All Begins, released in 1994.

It was especially popular in live performances.

The title is said to come from a nickname given to guitarist Warren Haynes’s father.

The Allman Brothers Band are legends in the blues-rock world, but 2017 brought a series of sad events: Butch Trucks died by suicide, and soon after, Gregg Allman passed away from cancer.

The deaths of these key members saddened many people.

It’s heartbreaking to think we can no longer hear this masterpiece performed by the original members.

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