Riding in the car with your dad is one of the most cherished childhood memories. From family road trips to quick drives to soccer practice, those moments felt timeless. Except for when he would play that one song – you know, the one that made you roll your eyes so hard you were worried they’d get stuck. But now, looking back, even those songs hold a sentimental place in our hearts.
For many of us growing up, Dad’s playlist was a mix of rock anthems. Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Led Zepplin, Bon Jovi, Bob Seger, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and all the above. While you didn’t always appreciate his taste back then, those songs have a funny way of shaping how we remember growing up and how we relate to music now.
There’s something about those classic road trip anthems that stick with you, even years later. You can almost hear your dad singing along to “Born to Run” or humming the iconic guitar riff of “Hotel California” during a long drive. On livelier days, it was all about belting out “Livin’ on a Prayer” or the nostalgic vibes of “Summer of ’69” with windows down. Who could forget the heartfelt vibe of “Against the Wind” or the catchy beat of “American Girl” that got everyone singing along?
Looking back, these songs were more than just background noise – they were the soundtrack to growing up. The songs your dad insisted on playing in the car shaped your taste, your memories and maybe even your personality. As 20-somethings navigating life now, we’ve started to understand the charm of these “dad classics.” They remind us of simpler times and of family moments that felt endless.
Even on the days when you were mad at Dad, he knew exactly how to get you to crack a smile by playing “Jessie’s Girl” or “Brown Eyed Girl.” These songs had a way of shifting the vibe, no matter what was going on.
Don’t forget to thank Dad when you find yourself at the bar and effortlessly singing along to “Piano Man.” Those car rides might have felt endless back then, but now they’ve made you the one who knows every word when it counts.
No matter how old we get, we’ll always be Dad’s Brown Eyed Girl.
Let us know your favorite dad playlist songs by tagging @VALLEYMag on Instagram!
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