Do you ever hear the first note of a song and instantly know you love it? Or have you ever been taken down memory lane, gotten the chills, or even cried from the harmony or meaning of a song? Well, The Man Who Loves You the Most by The Zac Brown Band did all those things the first time I heard it, and it still does to this day.
The Man Who Loves You the Most was released back in June 2020. Brown wrote this song during the first few months of the pandemic quarantine, since he and his band's tour was postponed. While being at home and spending more quality time (than in the past) with his daughters, he began reflecting on their childhood and wrote them a father’s heartfelt, lifelong blessing.
The first time I heard this song was back in July last year; I was coming back from finding my wedding dress. My bridesmaids had fallen asleep in the car and I got tired of listening to my playlist so I turned the radio on 94.9 star country. I listened to a few songs and then I heard the harmony of the guitar intro to The Man Who Loves You the Most and instantly fell in love. The first verse starts out with “Most nights I try to pack. Got you climbing on my back saying, "Daddy, when am I gonna see you again?" Before I knew it I was taken down memory lane.
I began thinking about all the times my dad would fly me in the air when he got home from work, lay with me in the floor eating popcorn and jelly beans during family movie nights, play restaurant or store (too many times!), nightly phone calls when he was out of town, and the sound of his snoring as he laid with me at night when I was too scared to sleep.
As the second verse started playing, “Summer's gone, and school is back. It's my turn to help you pack. I'll keep your room exactly how it is. I know you gotta go out on your own; I'm so proud of you, you know. You're the best thing that this old man ever did,” I quickly fast-forwarded to the memories (& heartache) of him helping pack up my things as I moved out for college; the first time I would live away from home without my parents. I then thought to myself “wow in less than a year I’ll be moving out for good; leaving my childhood behind.” It was then that I started to cry.
This song touched my memories and emotions in so many ways. Yes it’s sad; growing up and leaving your childhood & parents behind, but it also so much more. It is the perfect heartfelt blessing & prayer from a father to his daughter.
The main chorus of The Man Who Loves You the Most says, “When you're missing me, look at the stars up there; I'll be wishing on the same ones and sing this fathers prayer:
I hope you see the seven wonders
I hope you sail the seven seas
I hope you let the whole world in your heart
But you still got room for me
I hope you find a guy that treats you right
On your wedding night, I'll raise a toast
Hope he understands
I'll always be the man that loves you the most”
As the song came to an end and I had tears of sadness, joy, and love streaming down my face, I knew this was the song I wanted to dance to with my father at my wedding; and we did!
In my past I may not have made the best decisions or been the best daughter; but no matter what I know my Dad will always love me and be there for me.
Brown’s song is a perfect heartfelt blessing that shows a lifetime of true love between a father and his daughter within about 4 minutes.
With Father’s Day being this weekend, I’d like to say THANK YOU to my Dad for all his love and support. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without him.
Take time this weekend to share your love and appreciation with a father figure of yours who means the world to you!
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandads, uncles, and big brothers. If you haven’t heard Zac Brown Band’s The Man Who Loves You the Most, give it a listen; and grab some tissues before!
Carrie