“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Papa, What If” is a tender duet between country artist Rory Feek and his young daughter, Indiana (affectionately known as Indy). This heartwarming song beautifully captures the innocence of a child’s curiosity and the comforting wisdom of a loving parent.
The song is an adaptation of Shel Silverstein’s “Daddy What If,” originally recorded by Bobby Bare and his son in the early 1970s. Rory first heard this song as an eight-year-old boy in Kansas, riding through endless fields of corn in his father’s old Buick, singing along with the radio.
In this rendition, Indy poses a series of whimsical “what if” questions—like “Papa, what if the sun stopped shining?”—to which Rory responds with imaginative and reassuring answers. Their exchange feels like an intimate snapshot of a bedtime conversation, highlighting the special bond between father and daughter.
The simplicity of the arrangement, featuring gentle acoustic instrumentation, allows their voices and the heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. This stripped-down approach emphasizes the genuine connection they share, making the song feel like a warm embrace.
For Rory, this song holds deep personal significance. After the passing of his wife, Joey Feek, in 2016, Rory has been raising Indy on his own. “Papa, What If” serves as a continuation of the Feek family’s legacy of love, now carried forward by Rory and Indy.
This duet resonates with anyone who cherishes the simple, profound moments between parent and child. It’s a reminder of the beauty found in life’s everyday wonders and the enduring strength of familial love.
If you’re looking for a song that will warm your heart and remind you of life’s simplest joys, “Papa, What If” is it. It’s not just a song; it’s a snapshot of a family’s love, wrapped in melody and shared with the world.