Introduction
“Papa What If” is a heartwarming father‑daughter duet performed by country singer Rory Feek and his young daughter, Indiana (“Indy”) Feek. Originating from a touching moment on Father’s Day in June 2022, the rendition breathes new life into Shel Silverstein’s classic tune “Daddy What If,” popularized by Bobby Bare and his son in the early 1970s .
The story begins in the fall of 2021, when eight‑year‑old Indy expressed a desire to sing a song with her dad on stage . Recalling how he and his daughter Heidi used to perform “Daddy What If” during his concerts in the 1990s, Rory introduced it to Indy—modifying the lyrics by using “Papa” instead of “Daddy,” the affectionate name she calls him . Together they practiced in everyday moments, developing a comforting routine of crib‑style lyric sheets and crayon illustrations, until by Christmas, Indy was confidently singing alongside him during live shows .
Encouraged by their performances and the emotional resonance it carried, Rory collaborated with producers Ben Isaacs and Matt Johnson to record the song. In spring 2022, they captured the intimate father‑daughter bond in a music video filmed on their Tennessee farmhouse porch, featuring nothing but their voices, the golden hour light, and subtle instrumentation .
Rory shared the Father’s Day video with the world, honoring all “Papas” out there and celebrating his journey as a single father raising Indy after the passing of his wife Joey in 2016 . The video went viral, praised by fans for the “sweet, memorable moment” it created and its timeless depiction of familial love .
“Papa What If” stands as an ode to curiosity, reassurance, and the generational wisdom that binds a father and daughter. Through its tender lyrics and acoustic simplicity, it offers a universal message: even in uncertainty, love is the guiding force that keeps our world—and our hearts—turning.