Introduction
“Papa What If” by Rory & Indy Feek:
“Papa What If” is a touching father-daughter rendition of the song originally known as “Daddy What If,” written by the late Shel Silverstein. Rory Feek, known for his work as one-half of the country duo Joey + Rory, recorded this version with his young daughter, Indy (Indiana Boone Feek), modifying the lyrics to substitute “Papa” for “Daddy” — the name Indy uses for her father.
The song holds deep sentimental value for Rory. He first encountered it as a child in Kansas, riding with his father in their old Buick, singing along when the radio played. That memory inspired him to teach the song to his daughters, particularly Heidi when she was about the same age that Indy was in 2022.
The collaboration began in earnest when Indy expressed a desire to sing together. Rory remembered how meaningful the song had been in his own childhood and decided it was the right piece to share with her. To help Indy learn it, Rory created teaching aids — typing out the lyrics and drawing pictures with crayons and markers to represent the verses she would sing.
They debuted their version on Father’s Day of 2022, as a “three-minute gift” from Rory and Indy to fathers everywhere. The performance was first shared via social media and then became more broadly known through a video filmed on their farm, capturing the simplicity and warmth of their relationship and the song’s message.
“Papa What If” resonates not just because of its lyrical content — which reflects on love, wonder, and the fear of what might be lost if love faded — but also because of the real-life story behind the performance. The song is part of Rory’s continuing journey as a father, especially following the passing of his wife, Joey Feek, in 2016. Through music, he preserves memory, connection, and gratitude.