He Didn't Have to Be

Brad Paisley

About He Didn't Have to Be

"He Didn't Have to Be" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Brad Paisley. It was released in August 1999 as the second single from his debut album, Who Needs Pictures. In December 1999, it became his first number one single, holding the top spot for one week.


Year:
2009
4:44
113 
#2

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When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new
It always winds up feeling more like a job interview
My mama used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone
Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run

I met the man I call my dad when I was five years old
He took my mom out to a movie and for once I got to go
A few months later I remember lying there in bed
I overheard him pop the question and I prayed that she'd say yes

And then all of a sudden ah it seemed so strange to me
How we went from something's missing to a family
Lookin' back all I can say about all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be

I met the girl who's now my wife about three years ago
We had the perfect marriage but we wanted somethin' more
Now here I stand surrounded by our family and friends
Crowded 'round the nursery window as they bring the baby in

And then all of a sudden ah it seemed so strange to me
How we had gone from something's missing to a family
Lookin' through the glass I think about the man that's standing next to me
And I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be

Lookin' back all I can say about all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be

I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be
'Cause he didn't have to be 
You know he didn't have to be

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Brad Paisley

Brad Douglas Paisley (born October 28, 1972) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. His style crosses between traditional country music and Southern rock, and his songs are frequently laced with humor and pop culture references. more »

8 fans

Written by: KELLEY LOVELACE, BRAD PAISLEY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song's Genre
'He Didn't Have to Be' is a country music song performed by American country music artist Brad Paisley.
Song's Album
The song comes from Brad Paisley's debut album called 'Who Needs Pictures' which was released in 1999.
Chart Achievement
'He Didn't Have to Be' is noteworthy as it was Brad Paisley's first number one single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and held the top spot for two weeks.
Song's Authors
'He Didn't Have to Be' is co-written by Brad Paisley and songwriter Kelley Lovelace.
Song's Inspiration
The song was inspired by Lovelace's stepson and Paisley's own experience of becoming an instant family unit.
Noteworthy Performance
Brad Paisley and Lovelace performed the song at the White House for the National Songwriters Association in 2003.
Video Appearance
The song's music video features Paisley and includes a cameo from his future wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Topic of the Song
The song is about how a man steps up to take care of a child that isn't his biological one, showcasing the importance of stepfathers.
Awards
'He Didn't Have to Be' won the Country Music Television Award for Male Video of the Year, and earned a nomination for Country Music Association Awards Song of the Year in 2000.
Cultural Impact
'He Didn't Have to Be' was critically acclaimed for its heartfelt depiction of step-parenting and became a significant song for many blended families.

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    "He Didn't Have to Be Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/16473671/Brad+Paisley/He+Didn%27t+Have+to+Be>.

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    He Didn't Have to Be

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    109.7K     2,620

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1999

    Billboard #30


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