Father

Album: Confident (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The last song that Demi Lovato recorded for her Confident album, this was written by the singer solo. The track is dedicated to her late father Patrick. She told Billboard magazine: "I get very, very honest about the passing of my dad. My fans expect me to be honest, [but] what I think that people in general aren't going to expect is the way that I sing the song. I took it more to a soulful, gospel kind of sound, and it's the song that I think I might be most proud of on the album."
  • Demi was estranged from her natural father for a long time after he divorced her mother. She previously sung about Patrick Lovato on the 2011 Unbroken track "For the Love of a Daughter" where she takes issue with her long-distant dad. However, after Patrick died of cancer on June 22, 2013, Demi stated that he had been mentally ill, and in his honor she created the Lovato Treatment Scholarship Program.
  • Demi Lovato explained her reasons for penning this song in a video posted to her YouTube channel. "I was very conflicted when he passed because he was abusive," the singer shared. "He was mean, but he wanted to be a good person. And he wanted to have his family, and when my mom married my stepdad, he still had this huge heart where he said, 'I'm so glad that he's taking care of you and doing the job that I wish I could do.'"

    Lovato added that recording the song was therapeutic in a way, and helped her work through her many emotions concerning her father's mental issues. "To know that it wasn't really his fault really was saddening to me," she said. "I wanted to write about it. I wanted to process it, and 'Father' really helped me do that."

Comments: 2

  • Melissa Jonas. from Carop.This is a sad song becuse i like this song it remin me of my father .
  • Chryssie Rose Panteli from Jamestown New York Hi Demi Lovato. I am your huge fan. That song for your dad is so touching And I feel I want to sing with you someday. Love Chryssie
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.

Mark Arm of Mudhoney

Mark Arm of MudhoneySongwriter Interviews

When he was asked to write a song for the Singles soundtrack, Mark thought the Seattle grunge scene was already overblown, so that's what he wrote about.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."