I’m a sucker for songs from a parent’s POV, giving life advice to their child.
How many are there?
“Simple Man”, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“Outfit”, Drive-By Truckers / Jason Isbell.
“Madeline”, BJ Barham.
“Keep It Between The Lines”, Sturgill Simpson.
“Coward of the County”, Kenny Rogers.
“Father and Son,” Cat Stevens (or, half of it is).
Not a song, but my favorite quote on the subject:
“One of these days in your travels, a guy is going to show you a brand-new deck of cards on which the seal is not yet broken. Then this guy is going to offer to bet you that he can make the jack of spades jump out of this brand-new deck of cards and squirt cider in your ear. But, son, do not accept this bet, because as sure as you stand there, you’re going to wind up with an ear full of cider.” – Guys & Dolls
Shop Around-The Miracles
Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow - Frank Zappa
Mama Told Me Not To Come – Three Dog Night
Still Fighting It by Ben Folds
Also, Gracieby Ben Folds about the other twin, but it’s not as advice-y as “Still Fighting It” it’s more of an admiration.
You Can’t Hurry Love - Supremes
I like John Lee Hooker’s parents. From “Boogie Chillen’”:
Momma Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J
Mama Said There’d be Days Like This
Magic Man
Yakety Yak
Think - “Once You Understand”. One of the most unintentionally funny songs ever (especially the part when the policeman visits the father).
Father to Son - Queen
Distant Early Warning - Rush
“Mama Says”, The Beach Boys
I’m surprised no one mentioned Que Sera, Sera yet.
Get a Job by the Silhouettes.
and Summer Time Blues - Well, my mom and pop told me, “son, you gotta make some money”
“Morning Girl” by the Neon Philharmonic
“Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” by Johnny Cash
I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack