10 Songs About Daughters Growing Up

Watching your daughter grow up can be a joy, but it can also bring sadness. You remember when she was just a tiny baby, and it is hard to think of her as an adult someday. How will you guide her and protect her once she graduates? The following songs about daughters growing up are about a range of different ages. They speak to the parent in all of us who is both joyful and sad to watch their little girl finally start walking, go to school and leave home.

1. I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

Personally, this is my favorite one of the songs about daughters growing up. It offers a message from mother to daughter about always having a sense of wonder and making sure to live life to the fullest. It is a reminder to never give up and to keep your perspective on everything. The melody is catchy, but has a haunting tone to it.

Best Lyrics:

“Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance….I hope you dance.”

2. My Wish by Rascal Flatts

This song was written by Steve Robson and Jeffrey Steele. It was originally about Steele’s daughter, Justine, who was 13 years old at the time. It talks about his wish that all of her dreams grow while her worries stay small. Steele wanted his daughter to know that no matter what she did in life, he would always be thinking about her. If your daughter is graduating and leaving home, this is one of the best songs to dedicate to her.

Best Lyrics:

“My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small.”

3. Ready, Set, Don’t Go by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus

This is one of the best songs about daughters growing up. Miley and her father Billy Ray sang this song together. At the time, Miley was moving to Los Angeles to work on her acting career. The song ended up hitting the Billboard charts and was re-released as a duet together.

Best Lyrics:

“I’m at the startin’ line of the rest of my life
As ready as I’ve ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in my eyes
The prize is mine to win.

She’s waitin’ on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby, get ready
Get set
Don’t go.”

4. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

When you have a daughter, it feels like she was sent down from heaven. This song is all about Bob watching his daughter grow up and have her first pony ride, then turning 16 and becoming a woman. If your little girl seems to be growing up just a little too fast, this sweet song is for you.

Best Lyrics:

“Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong,
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning,
And butterfly kisses at night.”

5. My Little Girl by Tim McGraw

You may remember this song from the soundtrack to Flicka. It is a country tune that talks about how much a father loves his little girl. While he wants her to have the best life possible, he also feel like she has him wrapped around her little finger. The dad sings about how he wants her to take on the world, even though he will always think of her as his little girl.

Best Lyrics:

“Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you’ll always be, my little girl.”

6. In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride

Released in 2003, this is one of the songs about daughters growing up that is perfect for moms out there. It talks about a mom rediscovering the world and life through the eyes of her daughter. While parents always pass on life lessons, a child can also show you the wonder, strength and peace of the world as well. Through your child, you can start to really learn what life is all about.

Best Lyrics:

“And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about.”

7. Red Robin by Clark Richard

When you have a daughter, there are many tender moments. You build a trust that starts from their birth and extends past college. Even when you are no longer able to have her at home and watch over her, you are still there to support and love her from afar.

Best Lyrics:

“Though I won’t always be here
This you surely know
That I’ll quietly spot you
Anywhere you go.”

8. Gracie by Ben Folds

Originally, Ben Folds wrote song about his son. It didn’t take long that he needed to write a song for his daughter as well. The song has a very simple melody that is easy to follow. While Ben Folds wrote the song for just his daughter, the lyrics make it quite relatable for any parent and their daughter.

Best Lyrics:

“One day you’re gonna want to go
I hope we taught you everything you need to know
Gracie girl
And there will always be a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
My little girl.”

9. Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

This is one of the oldest songs on this list. It was originally released in the album, “Songs in the Key of Life” in 1976. This classic song has lyrics that every parent can instantly relate to. When your daughter is born, it is like she immediately catches your entire attention. She is just so precious, lovely and wonderful that she feels like an amazing gift of God. Interestingly, this song actually includes tracks from Stevie’s own family. He wrote it after the birth of his daughter, so he used an outro that has recordings of him playing with his daughter. This is one of the best songs about daughters growing up if you are just watching your newborn or toddler grow.

Best Lyrics:

“Isn’t she lovely
Isn’t she wonderful
Isn’t she precious
I can’t believe what God has done
Through us he’s given life to one
But isn’t she lovely made from love.”

10. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel

Billy Joel wrote this song about his daughter, Alexa Rey. This song is often covered because of its classic melody and the timeless lyrics in the song. While it might be near the end of the list, this is one of the best songs about daughters growing up. It is all about the unconditional love of a parent and how much you wish for your child to have a fulfilling life. If your daughter is still young, check out the children’s book that Billy Joel made to accompany the song.

Best Lyrics:

“Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away
You’ll always be a part of me.”