Walker Hayes's song "If Father Time Had a Daughter" explores the bittersweet sentiments of a father watching his daughter grow up and eventually leave the nest. The lyrics depict the everyday moments and milestones that the father cherishes with his daughter. The song begins with the father and daughter enjoying a lazy Saturday morning together, going grocery shopping and sharing special moments. The father acknowledges that time passes quickly and imagines the day when his daughter will no longer be a little girl but a grown woman getting married. The mention of the Cinderella shirt turning into a wedding dress symbolizes the passage of time and the daughter's transition into adulthood. The chorus emphasizes the emotional struggle the father experiences as he anticipates the future. When the song plays, he reminiscences about how his daughter used to dance on his boots and how he would let her paint his nails. These memories evoke nostalgia and make him realize that his little girl is growing up. The father expresses his anticipation of meeting the woman his daughter will become and simultaneously acknowledges that she cannot stay young forever. He prays for her future partner and admits that he will even miss the simple moments of bonding, like painting nails. In the second verse, the father reflects on the inevitable reality that his daughter will eventually leave his care. He hopes that she finds happiness but also experiences a sorrowful longing for the time to slow down, wishing that father time had a daughter of his own. The song ends with the father realizing that time will fly by, and when the day comes for his daughter to leave, it will be painful. He acknowledges that he will be filled with mixed emotions but appreciates the good years he had with his daughter. The bridge emphasizes the father's plea for time to slow down and highlights the unconditional love he has for his daughter. Overall, "If Father Time Had a Daughter" is a heartfelt song that captures the emotions and love of a father for his daughter as she grows up and transitions into adulthood. It explores the beauty and challenges of watching a child grow while reminiscing on the precious moments shared between a father and his little girl.
