Who is the song for?
Mike
Who are they to you?
My dad
Approximate age
62
Anything that makes the song personal: personality, hobbies, occupation, favourite sayings, places, pets, achievements, funny stories and things they love
Dad is steady, practical, patient and quietly caring. He worked as a builder for more than 35 years and can fix almost anything. He loves fishing, rugby, family barbecues and spending time in his garage. He drives an old blue ute that he refuses to replace.
His favourite sayings are “Measure twice, cut once” and “She’ll be right.” He tells terrible dad jokes and usually burns at least some of the sausages whenever he runs the barbecue.
Dad isn’t someone who gives long emotional speeches. He shows people he loves them by turning up, helping and making time for them.
Tell me the story behind why you wanted this song. What do you want the listener to feel?
I want Dad to understand how much the ordinary time we spent together shaped my life. He probably thinks the fishing trips, driving lessons, Sunday calls and family barbecues were just everyday things, but they became some of my most important memories.
He has always been the person who made me feel safe. When I went through a painful breakup, he sat beside me without trying to fix everything. I want him to feel appreciated, proud and deeply loved. I also want him to understand that the way he raised me now influences how I raise my own daughter.
What is the occasion?
Father’s Day
Key memories
When I was young, Dad would take me fishing from the wharf before sunrise. He packed two fishing rods and a thermos into his old blue ute. We didn’t always catch anything, but he never treated the time as wasted.
He taught me to drive in that same ute. I stalled it on a hill and panicked, but he laughed gently, said, “She’ll be right, Soph,” and calmly encouraged me to try again.
Years later, when I was heartbroken after a relationship ended, Dad came over and sat quietly beside me. He didn’t try to dismiss it or give me a lecture. He simply made sure I wasn’t alone.
We still speak most Sundays. Our family barbecues are a running joke because Dad nearly always burns some of the sausages.
Names to include
Sophie — daughter and person giving the song , Karen — Mike’s wife and Sophie’s mum, Josh — Sophie’s brother, Mia — Sophie’s young daughter and Mike’s granddaughter
Musical genre
Country
Male or female vocalist
Female
Overall mood
Heartfelt
Tempo
Mid-tempo
Should the person’s name be sung?
Yes
Any specific words or phrases?
“She’ll be right, Soph.” “You made the ordinary matter.”
“Everyone else may call you Mike, but to me, you’ll always be Dad.”
Anything you DON’T want included?
Nothing overly sad, childish or sentimental. Please don’t describe Dad as perfect or use clichés about superheroes, kings or angels.
What is the email you’d like the file sent to?
sample@yourtune.co.nz
Is there anything else you’d like me to know?
I don’t tell Dad often enough how much the ordinary things he did meant to me. The fishing trips, driving lessons, Sunday calls and the times he simply sat beside me made me feel safe and loved. I want him to know that I noticed all of it, I still remember it, and much of the person and mother I am today came from watching him.
