Father

Album: Confident (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The last song that Demi Lovato recorded for her Confident album, this was written by the singer solo. The track is dedicated to her late father Patrick. She told Billboard magazine: "I get very, very honest about the passing of my dad. My fans expect me to be honest, [but] what I think that people in general aren't going to expect is the way that I sing the song. I took it more to a soulful, gospel kind of sound, and it's the song that I think I might be most proud of on the album."
  • Demi was estranged from her natural father for a long time after he divorced her mother. She previously sung about Patrick Lovato on the 2011 Unbroken track "For the Love of a Daughter" where she takes issue with her long-distant dad. However, after Patrick died of cancer on June 22, 2013, Demi stated that he had been mentally ill, and in his honor she created the Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program.
  • Demi Lovato explained her reasons for penning this song in a video posted to her YouTube channel. "I was very conflicted when he passed because he was abusive," the singer shared. "He was mean, but he wanted to be a good person. And he wanted to have his family, and when my mom married my stepdad, he still had this huge heart where he said, 'I'm so glad that he's taking care of you and doing the job that I wish I could do.'"

    Lovato added that recording the song was therapeutic in a way, and helped her work through her many emotions concerning her father's mental issues. "To know that it wasn't really his fault really was saddening to me," she said. "I wanted to write about it. I wanted to process it, and 'Father' really helped me do that."

Comments: 2

  • Melissa Jonas. from Carop.This is a sad song becuse i like this song it remin me of my father .
  • Chryssie Rose Panteli from Jamestown New York Hi Demi Lovato. I am your huge fan. That song for your dad is so touching And I feel I want to sing with you someday. Love Chryssie
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.