Happy Father’s Day! Life Has a Soundtrack: from ZZ Top to John Denver

There are a lot of great dads celebrating out there today, but I have to say, my brother and sister and I got real lucky.  We just may have the best dad in the whole world.

In celebration of Dad, these are just a few of the songs on the soundtrack of growing up with such an awesome, inspiring father.

1. Fire and Rain – James Taylor
   James Taylor – “Fire & Rain“
    “Sing ‘Fire and Rain’, Dad!”
   Life will be full of fire and rain, and it will be beautiful.
    
2. Cheap Sunglasses – ZZ Top
   Cheap Sunglasses
   “Where are my sunglasses?”
   It’s OK to buy cheap sunglasses.  Especially if they tend to run off…
    
3. Don’t Touch My Hat – Lyle Lovett
   01 Don’t Touch My Hat
   You can make up for the cheap sunglasses with a sharp hat.
    
4. Heaven – Los Lonely Boys
   Los Lonely Boys – Heaven
   “And I just got to have some faith, and just keep on givin’.”
    
5. Country Roads – John Denver, Remix by Pretty Lights
   (HQ) Pretty Lights – Country Roads (Remix) [2011 Remixes] (John Denver)
   An example of Dad’s open mind and good, classic taste.
    
6. Rocky Mountain High – John Denver
   John Denver Rocky Mountain High
   “His sight is turned inside himself to try and understand, the serenity of a clear blue mountain lake.”
    
7. Jessica’s Theme (Breaking the Colt) – Bruce Rowland
   The Man from Snowy River 4. Jessica’s Theme (Breaking the Colt)
   Growing up has its challenges.  Respect Nature’s power and her beauty.
    
8. That’s My Story – Collin Raye
   Collin Raye – That’s My Story
   Best to tell the truth the first time.  And, good humor makes for a good life.
    
9. I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
   Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance
   Dad was dropping me off for the middle school dance.  In all of my surly, adolescent awkwardness, I wasn’t optimistic.  Just before I got out of the car, Dad said, “I hope you dance,” referring to this song.  I’d like to imagine I said, “Thanks, Dad.”  Though given the tradition of my mood in that car on those mornings, I may not have.  On behalf of my middle school self and self-hence, thanks, Dad.
    
10. I Think About You – Collin Raye
    Collin Raye – I Think About You – LIVE – CMA Awards – 1996
     I remember dancing to this song in our living room when I was eight years old.  Though I didn’t fully understand it then, I knew it was about joy.  It is also about empathy, a vital ingredient to making the world a better place.
     Thanks for all the amazing things you do, Dad!  Happy Father’s Day!  Love you!!!