FATHER’SDAY: Sanyoyo, the Dad-in-Chief, played host to Distinguished Fathers in the neighbourhood…with lots of fun and iconic old music including Ray Parker Jr’s “I don’t think that Men should sleep alone,” which made Men father children in the first place because they refused to sleep alone; and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean is not my lover”which speaks to Men’s numerous dalliances and abundant out-of-wedlock children; and Cool & The Gang’s “She’s Fresh, so Fresh,” which is every man’s opening toasting manifesto when initiating a relationship.
Father’s Day is a time when we pause to honor the men who shaped our lives—those who taught us how to ride a bike, tie a tie, or maybe just how to laugh at ourselves. It’s a day for grilling, storytelling, and perhaps, for a little nostalgia.
The Soundtrack of Fatherhood
Music has always been the backdrop of our lives, and on Father’s Day, it felt especially fitting, when the men did a karaoke and mimed the music. The right song can capture the essence of fatherhood: the joys, the missteps, and the moments that make us laugh years later. This year, three classic tracks set the tone for a celebration that was as much about fun as it was about family.
Ray Parker Jr.’s “I Don’t Think That Men Should Sleep Alone”
Let’s start with a wink and a smile. Ray Parker Jr.’s “I Don’t Think That Men Should Sleep Alone” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a sly nod to the very reason many men became fathers in the first place. The song’s playful lyrics remind us that behind every family gathering, there’s a love story (or at least a late-night rendezvous) that started it all.
The song, with its smooth groove and cheeky message, became an unofficial anthem for dads everywhere. After all, isn’t the refusal to sleep alone the origin story of so many families? On Father’s Day, as the song played in the background, dads grinned knowingly, remembering their own youthful adventures and the winding paths that led them to fatherhood.
Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”
No Father’s Day playlist would be complete without a nod to the King of Pop. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” is a song about love, denial, and the complications that sometimes come with being a man. The iconic bassline and unforgettable chorus—“Billie Jean is not my lover”—speak to a universal truth: sometimes, life (and love) is messy.
For some, the song is a reminder of the wild days of youth, when relationships were complicated and responsibilities seemed far away. For others, it’s a humorous take on the rumors and realities that sometimes follow men as they navigate the journey of fatherhood. The song’s narrative about “numerous dalliances and abundant out-of-wedlock children” is, for many, more fiction than fact—but it’s a reminder that every dad has a story, and some are more colorful than others.
Kool & The Gang’s “She’s Fresh, So Fresh”
Finally, there’s Kool & The Gang’s “She’s Fresh, So Fresh”—a song that could be the soundtrack to every dad’s origin story. With its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, the song captures the excitement of new love and the thrill of the chase. It’s the opening manifesto, the moment when a man first sets out to win the heart of the woman who would become the mother of his children.
On Father’s Day, as the song played, dads exchanged glances and laughter, remembering the days when they were young and bold, ready to impress and eager to start something new. It’s a song about beginnings, about the spark that starts a family and the memories that last a lifetime.
Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father” stands as one of the most heartfelt tributes in modern music, capturing the deep longing and cherished memories of a son who lost his father at a young age. Co-written with Richard Marx, the song draws directly from Vandross’s own life—his father died when he was just seven, and his most treasured recollection was of his dad dancing with him and his mother in their home. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of innocence and love, recalling moments of laughter, comfort, and the simple joys of childhood, while expressing a poignant wish for just one more dance, one more moment together.
The Many Faces of Fatherhood
Father’s Day is more than just a celebration of biology—it’s a recognition of the men who show up, day after day, to guide, protect, and inspire. Some are biological fathers, others are stepdads, grandfathers, uncles, or mentors. What unites them is their willingness to love and lead, even when the path isn’t easy.
The Joys and Challenges
Fatherhood is a journey filled with highs and lows. There are the big moments—graduations, weddings, first jobs—and the small ones, like bedtime stories and backyard games of catch. There are also the challenges: sleepless nights, tough conversations, and the constant worry that you’re getting it all wrong.
But through it all, music is there to remind us that we’re not alone. The songs we play on Father’s Day are more than just background noise—they’re the soundtrack to our lives, the melodies that help us remember who we are and where we came from.
The Legacy of Laughter
One of the greatest gifts fathers give their children is the ability to laugh—at themselves, at life, and at the inevitable mishaps that come with growing up. The songs we listened to this Father’s Day were a testament to that legacy. They remind us that, no matter how serious life gets, there’s always room for a little fun.
Whether it’s Ray Parker Jr.’s playful ode to companionship, Michael Jackson’s cautionary tale, or Kool & The Gang’s celebration of new love, the music of Father’s Day is a reminder that dads are, above all, human. They make mistakes, they learn, and they keep moving forward—with a smile and a song.
A Toast to All the Good Men who celebrated Fathers’ Day
As the sun set on Father’s Day, families everywhere raised a glass to the men who made it all possible. Some are still with us, others live on in our memories, but all are celebrated for the love, laughter, and music they brought into our lives.
So here’s to the dads who danced to Ray Parker Jr., moonwalked to Michael Jackson, and toasted to Kool & The Gang. Here’s to the men who refused to sleep alone, who faced life’s complications with humor, and who never forgot how to celebrate the ones they love.