Some songs just hit you right in the heart, don’t they? Things Dads Do is one of those songs that makes you stop, reflect, and maybe even fight back a tear or two. It’s a tribute to the everyday moments, the quiet sacrifices, and the steadfast love that fathers show—not with grand gestures, but in the little, almost unnoticed things.
The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t paint dads as superheroes, but as real, flawed, yet deeply loving men who teach by example—whether it’s showing you how to tie a tie, giving you a reassuring pat on the back, or simply being there when you need them most. There’s something universally touching about that theme, whether you had a dad who did all those things or you’re now seeing yourself doing them for your own children.
It’s the kind of song that brings back memories. Maybe it reminds you of the first time your dad let you steer the car in an empty parking lot, or the way he’d pretend not to see you sneaking an extra cookie. Maybe it makes you think of the way he always checked the locks before bed or how he never said “I love you” outright, but you felt it in a hundred different ways.
Things Dads Do isn’t just about one dad—it’s about all the dads who love in ways big and small, shaping us into who we are without us even realizing it. It’s a reminder that love isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just in the quiet things dads do
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Lyrics
He’ll make you mow the grass and do it for free
When you think you’re done, he’ll say, “Rake the leaves”
He’ll say it builds character, but it’s 90 degrees
You’ll cuss him under your breath
He won’t let you quit your football team
Or hang with the kid who lives down the street
‘Cause he heard he smokes dope and got holes in his jeans
Lookin’ back, he was right, I guess
Things dads do
He’ll act like he does when he don’t have a clue
And I know it seems
Like he’s flyin’ by the seat of his out of style jeans
You’ll get embarrassed when he ruins your cool
When he pulls out his camera on your first day of school
And that’s just a few things dads do
He’ll hand you the keys to a hand-me-down truck
And take ’em right back when you tear it up
On your first broken heart, he’ll say, “Son, tell you what
Let’s talk it out over a beer”
And when you get married, he’ll be your best man
And pay for the booze and a bad cover band
And he’ll give a long speech and say this was God’s plan
And try not to cry, but he will
Things dads do
Give you his old recliner for your new living room
And he’ll call too much
And out of the blue without asking to show up
He’ll give you advice about your career
Complain and ask why your fridge is full of weird beer
That’s just a few things dads do
He’ll sit in the waitin’ room, chewin’ Red Man
‘Til the doctor comes out and says, “Y’all, come on in”
He’ll say she looks perfect, then shake your hand
And say, “Now you’ll understand”
Things dads do (dads do)
You’ll think it’s crazy until you’re one too
And you’ll lose your mind (your mind)
In a couple years slipin’ just three months time
But next thing you know, one’s five and one’s three
And one’s almost one and she’s cuttin’ her teeth
And you’re in his shoes
And you’re startin’ to
Do more than a few things dads do
Yeah, things dads do
Things dads do