Zac Brown Band’s Father-Daughter Dance: The Emotional Power of ‘My Old Man’

In February 2017, Zac Brown Band released "My Old Man." While it was not one of the band's biggest chart successes, it became one of the most loved songs in their catalog thanks to its popularity for father-daughter dances. While Brown had a different purpose in mind, the song's heartfelt lyrics and emotional depth have resonated with families worldwide. Here, we will take a closer look at the Zac Brown Band's father tribute song and its impact.

Zac Brown felt inspired to write “My Old Man” after reflecting on his relationships with two key role models: his biological “old man” Jim Brown and his late mentor, Rodney Shelton, whom he called “old man.” He channeled his affection for these men into songwriting sessions with Niko Moon and Ben Simonetti. The trio worked on it in various locations, including a tour bus, Key West, Florida, and around a campfire on an Alaskan mountaintop, refining the words to ensure they'd resonate.

While Moon and Simonetti are part of a pop-dance act called Sir Rosevelt, there was no question that “My Old Man” was a Zac Brown Band song. The band released it as their lead single for the 2017 album, Welcome Home.

“My Old Man” acts as a time capsule, providing snapshots of the ups and downs of the relationship between a father and his child.

In the first verse, the child idolizes their dad and tries to mimic their hero. It begins with the lines “He was a giant, and I was just a kid,” emphasizing the larger-than-life role the father played.

The second verse begins with the relationship being strained. The child is now a teenager and starting to rebel against the man they once worshipped. Despite the tension, the father continues to care for his child, who notes, “When he made me walk the line, he knew how to lift me up, and when to let me fall.” They understand and respect that Dad “always had a plan,” even when there was conflict.

After two verses, the song moves into the first chorus. It paints a vivid picture of the old man with “the callous on his hands and dusty overalls.” It reinforces the idea that the man has much to teach the child, no matter how old they get.

The final verse opens with the revelation that the father has passed away. The lyrics “Now I'm a giant, got a son of my own” echo the opening lines, showing that the story has come full circle. The child, now an adult, hopes their father, looking down from Heaven, would be proud of the person they've become.

“My Old Man” has an unusual structure, repeating the melody of the chorus but changing the lyrics. In the second variation, the grown child states his belief that they'll meet his father in Heaven. While looking forward to the future, they return to the present with the lyrics “I hope he's proud of who I am, I'm trying to fill the boots of my old man.”

Each verse ends on the hook “My old man.” The phrase also bookends the chorus and is repeated in the song's outro. The recurrence of this phrase is a poignant reminder of the father's presence throughout the song, even when he's gone.

“My Old Man” captures the evolution of a father-child relationship. Each verse presents the characters in different parts of their lives. The song demonstrates the circle of life, beginning with the father and a small child and ending with the grown child, a parent with their own kid, ready to start the cycle again. The lyrics explore themes of growing up, understanding the people who raise us, and realizing the impact of father figures long after they're gone. Lyrics such as “I hope he's proud of who I am” are bound to resonate with anyone who's lost a father figure.

Producer Dave Cobb held back the instrumentals to highlight Zac Brown's lyrics and expressive vocals. His vocal performance isn't perfect, but that's part of its charm. You can hear the breaks in his voice, capturing the raw emotion and embracing the authentic recording process as Brown sings along with the band.

Unlike many Zac Brown Band songs, “My Old Man” has no percussion instruments, although the acoustic guitar plays a percussive role. Jimmy De Martini's fiddle combines with a Mellotron to create a classical-sounding solo ahead of the final chorus. Zac Brown Band's signature harmonies intensify the passionate choruses. The bass guitar and piano, hallmarks of the Zac Brown Band sound, are still there, but they're more subtle than in other recordings.

“My Old Man” was a minor hit for Zac Brown Band, peaking at No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 on the Hot Country Songs chart. However, success is about more than the charts. The song was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, marking their first nomination in four years. Although they lost to Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band were thrilled to be acknowledged for such a personal song.

“My Old Man” has also taken on a life of its own since its release. Today it's one of the most popular songs for father-daughter dances at weddings around the world. How families have embraced this song will likely matter more to Zac Brown Band than any chart success.

Inspired by Brown's relationships with key men in his life, “My Old Man” has become an important song for many children and their fathers. From father-daughter dances to quiet moments of reflection, the song's deep lyrics and stripped-back music provide the perfect soundtrack. While it wasn't a huge commercial success, “My Old Man” is more than just a song. It's a touchstone that beautifully sums up the enduring bonds between fathers and their children.