Introduction
Alan Jackson’s heartfelt ballad “You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings)” was released as a single on April 16, 2021, ahead of his 21-track album Where Have You Gone, which debuted on May 14 2021 . A pure expression of paternal love, the song was penned by Jackson himself for his eldest daughter, Mattie, to walk down the aisle at her wedding in summer 2017. As Jackson recounted, “I wrote the song for Mattie’s wedding … but it was so hard to do. I told ’em, ‘I wrote this for all of you,’” extending the sentiment to include his youngest daughters, Alexandra (Ali) and Dani .
Crafted with tender lyrics chronicling a father’s bittersweet journey through “first steps, first words” and every milestone in between, the song resonates with any parent letting go while holding on in their heart . Jackson intended it as a universal message—he hoped his other girls might use the same song during their weddings, rather than writing separate ones for each.
The track was produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall and featured on Where Have You Gone, Jackson’s first full-length album in six years. Of the 21-carefully curated songs, Jackson wrote 15 himself, making the album a deeply personal return to themes of family, gratitude, and reflection . The song received a poignant live debut in an emotional mashup performance during the 56th ACM Awards, paired with his classic hit “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” .
The official lyric video, released alongside the single, weaves home-video style footage of Jackson’s family, offering an intimate glimpse behind the music and visually reinforcing the song’s message of enduring love .
In essence, “You’ll Always Be My Baby” is more than a song—it is a father’s love letter to his daughters, a timeless piece meant to bridge moments and generations at life’s most meaningful celebrations.
Video
Lyrics
First steps, first words
Seems like yesterday you were just a girl
Skinned knees, climbing trees
All those memories so close to me
Now you’re a woman on your own
All in love and nearly gone
But you’ll always be my baby
No matter where you are
You’ll always be my baby
Forever in my heart
16, first car
21 and there’s a broken heart
High heels, strong will
In my eyes I see a young child still
But you’re a woman on your own
All in love and nearly gone
But you’ll always be my baby
No matter where you are
You’ll always be my baby
Forever in my heart
So I say a prayer every day
That God will guide you as you find your way
You know that I’m near
Anytime my love is always here
‘Cause you’ll always be my baby
No matter where you are
You’ll always be my baby
Forever in my heart
Forever in my heart
Forever in my heart