Aaron Watson’s Songs Inspired by His Daughters

Aaron Watson’s songs inspired by his daughters prove that some of the sweetest country ballads are by a father who wears his heart on his sleeve. Watson has often turned to his daughters for inspiration, penning songs that celebrate their personalities, milestones, and the love only a talented songwriter-slash-dad can put into lyrics.  

“Diamonds and Daughters” was born out of a classic case of sibling rivalry. Watson’s daughter, Jolee Kate, wasn’t exactly thrilled when she discovered her brothers had their own tribute track, “The Underdog.” Of course, she did whatever any daughter who got their father dancing at the palm of her hands did: she asked for one.   

Watson admitted, “When [my daughter] found out that her brothers got a song and she didn’t, she was not happy with me.” Released in February 2017 as the 16th track on his Vaquero album, “Diamonds and Daughters” became more than just a peace offering; it was a song any father and daughter can relate to. With lyrics like, “I found fortune like diamonds / In the love of a daughter / Worth more than all the gold in the world" and "And they say that a son / Is the pride of a father / But my heart belongs to my little girl,” Watson cleared that even if he wrote it for Jolee Kate, he “wanted all daughters … to hear that song and just know that they’re special.”  

The song was a commercial success: it debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Country chart.  

When it came time to record his covers album Cover Girl, Watson didn’t expect Jolee Kate to pitch an idea: a Taylor Swift song. Watson joked he can’t sing “Shake It Off” until Jolee suggested “Never Grow Up.” Originally written from Swift’s “big sister” perspective, Watson reimagined it through the POV of a dad watching his little girl grow up too fast.

The result was so personal that Watson admitted he got “choked up” during the recording.  

Adding to the full-circle moment, the father-daughter duo later attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour together in Arlington, Texas.  “Never Grow Up” is not the only time Jolee got involved in her father’s career; she’s also the one who selected his single “Kiss That Girl Goodbye,” declaring it had “girl power,” and she continues to serve as one of his trusted musical advisors. As Watson explained, “I think kids have the best taste in music. I don’t think they’re jaded by the world or experiences.”  

Jolee Kate also seems to be following in the footsteps of her father, as she's already started writing her own songs and poems.  

One of Watson’s most heartbreaking yet beautiful inspirations came from his daughter, Julia Grace. Grace was born in 2011 with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, a rare and severe chromosomal condition that often results in life-threatening complications. Grace might have only lived for six months, but her impact has been immeasurable.   

Watson shared that Grace made him “a better husband,” “a better daddy,” and ultimately “a better man.” He immortalized her memory in the song “Bluebonnets (Julia’s Song),” released as the fourth single from The Underdog album. The chorus starts with “Life is like bluebonnets in the spring…” using Texas’s state flower as a metaphor for beauty that blooms and fades yet leaves behind a promise of resurrection and eternal hope.