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How to Find Parenting Songs and Poems

Isn't it wonderful when you hear a song on the radio that seems to refer to a son or daughter? With most of the radio offerings revolving around pop love or romantic affairs, to find a maternal or paternal "love" song is a bit of a stunner. Here is a brief guide to classic and recent poems and songs to enjoy that celebrate parental love. They are pieces you can appreciate for both the music and rare subject matter, so admire the lyrics.

Things You'll Need

  • Internet access
  • Music CDs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Starting way back, read William Butler Yeats' "A Prayer for my Daughter." This classic takes place on a blustery evening, with the poet pacing back and forth in his study, offering up a prayer for what he wishes to see in his daughter's future. He visualizes her as a grown woman and hopes the world is good to her.

    • 2

      Play John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy," perhaps the most famous parenting song of the past forty years. This ode to John's son does not fail to evoke goosebumps. The surge of love and care depicted in the song's gentle melody and lyrics is extremely touching, particularly in view of the tragedy of Lennon's premature death.

    • 3

      For a father's somehow familiar mixture of love, pride and exasperation, check out a more recent radio hit, Loudon Wainwright's "Daughter." Smile at the wacky yet wonderful lyrics. This catchy song has done well.

    • 4

      Listen to Paul Simon's recent "Father and Daughter" in which he watches his daughter shine. This is a lovely tune, whimsical, mystical and hopeful all at once. It captures some of the wishes for the child as she goes to sleep. "Mother and Child Reunion" may also count, in a more abstract sense.

    • 5

      Indulge yourself with the oldie but goodie, "Teach Your Children Well" by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. If you heard this before you became a parent, give it another try. It may really resound and be more meaningful to you this time around, especially in today's world.

Songs & Lyrics

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