10 Awesome Songs about Grandparents
Grandparents play an influential role in our lives. Even if you don’t have one or weren’t blessed to meet your grandparents, you have probably heard about them through stories. They are cherished members of our families who come with lots of wisdom and love. Grandparents’ wisdom has guided numerous people through life, and no wonder many great artists have composed songs dedicated to them. Here is our list of the top ten songs about grandparents.
10. Afire Love – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran was very close to his late grandfather and dedicated this song to him, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The song is contained in Ed Sheeran’s second studio, x, which was released in 2014. Ed Sheeran began writing this song in December 2013, two weeks after his grandfather died. The song’s lyrics talk about Ed Sheeran’s view of the disease from when he was a kid until his grandfather died.
9. He Walked On Water – Randy Travis
Randy Travis was a man who idolised his grandfather much as a child. The grandfather, a former cowboy, was brave and strong, which Randy Travis admired so much. “He Walked On Water” was originally written by Allen Shamblin, who dedicated the song to his late maternal great-grandfather, who was also a cowboy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
8. Slipped Away – Avril Lavigne
“Slipped Away” is a song that Avril Lavigne wrote to show that nothing would ever be the same after the death of his grandfather. Avril first heard the news of her grandfather’s death while on her “Try To Shut Me Up” tour. According to multiple sources close to her, she nearly cancelled the night’s concert due to the immense grief she felt knowing she had lost someone so dear to her. Although she did finish her concert for the sake of her fans, there is no doubt that her grandfather had so much influence on her life.
7. Grandma’s Hand – Bill Weathers
Bill Weathers wrote this song for her grandma, who had been born in slavery in 1971. The song is contained in his debut album, Just as I Am. “Grandma’s Hand” was produced by the legendary Booker T. Jones, and it featured Al Jackson Jr. and Donald “Duck” Dunn. The song peaked at #42 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #37 on the Canadian RPM Magazine charts.
6. Nan’s Song – Robbie Williams
Next is a song titled “Nan’s Song,” arguably one of Robbie William’s most emotional songs. Robbie Williams penned this emotional ballad which he dedicated to his late grandmother Bertha Talbot. Robbie was so close to his grandmother; he even has a tattoo of the letter “B” in her honour. In the song, Robbie Williams assures himself that his grandma is looking down upon him with pride from heaven.
5. You’re Always Here – Ashley Tisdale
This song was written by and produced by Ashley Tisdale and her then-boyfriend, Christopher French. The song was Tisdale’s first since her 2009 album, Guilty Pleasure. Although Guilty Pleasure was a rocky fun-filled album, it was surprising to see Ashley Tisdale come back with an emotional song dedicated to his late grandfather. In the song, Ashley encourages herself to find strength in the face of grief due to the loss. Although the song never made it to the American charts, Ashley Tisdale’s vocals and lyrical prowess are evident.
4. Tell You Something – Alicia Keys
After his grandmother’s death, Alicia Keys formed a new perspective on life because she watched her battle a long illness and eventually pass away. Speaking to Daily Mail on 14th December 2007, Alicia Keys talked about how influential her grandmother was to her life and watching her die away in pain was traumatising. According to her, she felt the importance of telling her how much she valued her before she died instead of bringing flowers to her funeral. The song has a valuable lesson for all of us: we should not wait until our grandparents pass away to honour them and show how important they were in our lives. Instead, we should appreciate them while they are still alive.
3. Grandpa – Justin Moore
According to Justin Moore, “Grandpa” is the greatest song that he has ever written. The song was so emotional that it made his grandpa shed a tear the first time he had it. Besides his grandmother’s funeral, it was the only time that Justin Moore had seen his grandfather crying. “Grandpa” was written by Justin Moore alongside Jamie Paulin and Jeremy Stover in 2009. The song is contained in his self-titled debut album, Justin Moore. The song’s lyrics are autobiographical, with some great lines that will have you missing your grandpa.
2. Grandma’s Feather Bed – John Denver
Many people know John Denver for being one of America’s best-selling artists in the 70s, but few people know that he recorded an amazing track dedicated to his grandparents. “Grandma’s Feather Bed” was originally written by Jim Connor, and the song was first performed in 1973 by The New Kingston Trio. The song was later released by John Denver in 1974, and it is contained in his album Back Home Again. What a great song it was.
1. Grandpa – The Judds
The final song in our countdown of awesome songs about grandparents is an emotional ballad that sees the singers talk about how overwhelmed they are about life while also wondering if things would have been easier during their grandfather’s time. “Grandpa” was originally written by Jamie O’Hara and was recorded by The Judds. The song is contained in their second studio album, Rockin’ With the Rhythm (1985). The song peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and was chosen by Western Writers of America as one of the Top 100 Western Songs of All Time.
