Things Dads Do

Album: Not released on an album (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Thomas Rhett wrote this song with his singer/songwriter father Rhett Akins. The pair detail all the amazing "Things Dads Do" for their children. Matt Dragstrem and Chase McGill also contributed to the writing of the track.
  • Thomas recalls how his father has always been there for him.

    He'll hand you the keys to a hand-me-down truck
    Take 'em right back when you tear it up
    On your first broken heart, he'll say, 'Son, tell ya what
    Let's talk it out over a beer


    The younger Rhett brings home the track by recounting how things have turned full circle, now he is a father himself.

    The next thing you know, one's five and one's three
    And one's almost one and she's cutting her teeth
    And you're in his shoes and you're starting to do more than a few things dads do
  • Thomas debuted the song on his Instagram page on June 26, 2020. Before he played the tune, the singer confessed that he originally meant to share the song the previous Sunday, on Father's Day, but never got around to posting it. "I wrote this song with my dad, for my dad, and for all the dads out there," he reflected. "Better late than never."
  • Thomas Rhett released the studio version of the reflective ballad on June 16, 2021, ahead of Father's Day four days later.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?