Time to fire up the grill, pop open a cold one and let Dear Old Dad have his day. But the celebration wouldn’t be complete without a little music, of course. In honor of the guy that brings home the bacon, takes the kids to Little League and still manages to find time to channel-surf, here are a few tunes in honor of Dad—and some that will have you questioning just who Daddy is?:

“Papa Don’t Preach” (Madonna)

If you were considered a reckless teen back in the day, this might have been your go-to song on your Walkman. (For me, I remember thinking I’d be grounded forever if this song applied to me.)

“Father Figure” (George Michael)

This one haunted me at school dances (would anyone ever ask me to dance?), and yet it’s still a mesmerizing song and even more tastefully filmed. Hey, I’d take a cab ride from that George Michael any day…

“I’m Your Daddy” (Weezer)

If you’re a fan of “Buddy Holly,” you may want to download this one next. Rumor has it Rivers Cuomo was inspired by the birth of his daughter when he wrote this song…even though he’s singing about romantic love.

“Father to Son” (Queen)

The quintessential tear-jerker, this song will hit home with anyone who failed to see Dad’s wisdom as a kid, but can appreciate it now as parent themselves.

Wishing my own dad, and dads everywhere, a Happy Father’s Day!

Want to rock out at your baby shower? Here are more of our top picks to make a killer party playlist. Or if you just need a thoughtful baby shower gift (besides Rockabye Baby! lullaby CDs, of course!) a personalized mix CD is always in fashion.

Want to see more of our playlist picks? Don’t miss Part I in our series on music to liven up your shower.

Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag Part 1 – James Brown
There is no kind of party James Brown can’t start. Now get up off that thing.

Baby – Os Mutantes
Because psychedelic Brazilian pop belongs on every list.

Baby, Let’s Play House - Elvis Presley
We don’t need to explain this one, right? Just look at him with little Lisa Marie. Awww…

Love Child – Diana Ross & The Supremes
We could play it safe and pick “Baby Love.” That’s a great song, for sure, and everybody knows it. But the bittersweet grandeur of this saga of a girl born out-of-wedlock (to our younger readers–that was scandalous in the 60s) can’t be topped. Or why not play both?

You Don’t Have to be a Baby to Cry – Claudine Longet
The only reason we’re not advocating the classic Ernest Tubb version is because he doesn’t have a breathy French accent.

Little Sister – Elvis Presley

More Elvis, more often.

Rock Your Baby – Wanda Jackson

Wanda is the coolest rockabilly chick of all time and in the rock & roll hall of fame to boot. Rock your baby, and don’t be slow!

Tell Mama – Etta James

Don’t let Etta anywhere near your man, ladies. Baby shower material? Why not? Tell ‘em Rockabye Baby! said so.

Beat on the Brat – The Ramones
Warning: this might horrify your mother-in-law, unless she used to hang out at CBGBs. If you don’t think your friends and family will know you are only KIDDING, try their awesome version of Phil Spector’s “Baby, I Love You.”

Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna

Madonna and child. A classic.