New Jersey native, Baker Grace, has released a heartfelt ode to her father with new single “Pops.” A celebration of the special relationship between fathers and daughters, Grace looks back at the bond she has with her Pop.
To celebrate the release of her new song, which comes just in time for Father’s Day this Sunday, we asked Baker Grace to share some of her favorite songs with her dad.
“Music holds so many special memories. My father and I put together a group of songs that we listened to throughout my life. I included everything from road trip classics to anthems about our shared hope for a more equal and peaceful world.”
Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time
I used to sing this song with my father all the time. It is a nice reminder that we will always be there for each other no matter what.
The Five Stairsteps – Ooh Child
This song always made me think of ways I could help others. I would imagine singing it to people struggling and I always felt this song had great potential to lift up people’s spirits.
Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror
This was one of my absolute favorite songs growing up. It always made me feel so powerful, like I could do anything, and that it’s what my father always wanted me to believe about myself.
Bob Marley – Three Little Birds
My Dad used to sing this to me to put me to sleep at night because I was scared of the dark. Now, it is a song that comes to mind and eases my anxiety every time I feel overwhelmed or face a challenge.
The Rolling Stones – You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Whenever I would complain, throw a tantrum, or talk back to my parents, this song would be sung to me over and over again. Eventually, it taught me the very beautiful lesson that “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.”
John Mayer – Daughters
I love the message of this song. Family and the way that we are raised has such a huge effect on who we become and therefore it is so important to give your family the love and support that they need to grow.
Ottis Redding – (Sittin On’) The Dock of the Bay
I always had trouble being still and calm. I always wanted to be running around or doing something productive, I still do, to be honest. When I listen to this song, it brings me a sense of calm and helps me to just enjoy life. It reminds me of going to my lake house with my family, sitting on the dock, and just thinking about life.
TLC – Waterfalls
This is a song my Dad and I would jam to when we wanted to let loose and have fun. Especially on car rides, I remember singing this at the top of my lungs. It also is a song that reminded me to slow down and relax.
Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely
My Dad always expressed emotion through music. The music he sang and played always reminded me of how special I was to him. This song specifically just makes me feel warm and loved.
The Beatles – Blackbird
This was the first song I ever performed live at my elementary school talent show. My Dad played the guitar for me and I remember being so nervous but it is one of my best memories. This song is about becoming free and it makes me feel empowered to soar high, just like my Dad taught me to.