Introduction
“Papa What If” is a tender, heartwarming duet performed by country artist Rory Feek and his daughter Indiana (“Indy”), released publicly as a special Father’s Day gift on June 19, 2022 . The song originally comes from Shel Silverstein, who wrote it under the title “Daddy What If”; Bobby Bare first recorded it alongside his son in 1973 .
Rory Feek, widely known as half of the Grammy-nominated country duo Joey + Rory, grew up singing this song with his older daughter, Heidi, which first captivated him as an eight-year‑old riding with his dad across Kansas . Years later, after the passing of his wife Joey Feek in 2016, Rory continued raising his youngest daughter, Indy (who was two at the time of Joey’s death) on their Tennessee farm .
In spring 2022, Indy approached her dad, expressing a desire to perform with him — and Rory immediately thought of “Daddy What If” . He adapted it to “Papa What If” — a nod to her affectionate name for him — teaching Indy the lyrics with crayons and drawings before bringing the song to life on stage that Christmas . Their heartfelt rendition, filmed on their farmhouse porch, features simple acoustic guitar and their emotive father‑daughter voices in natural, golden‑hour light .
Released on Father’s Day, fans responded with overwhelming emotion, often commenting things like “Joey is smiling from the heavens for sure”. The performance showcases a multigenerational bond: Silverstein’s reflective lyrics, Bobby Bare’s legacy, Rory’s childhood memories, and Indy’s pure wonder, all weaving into a moment of familial love and continuity.
In just three minutes, “Papa What If” becomes more than a song — it’s an intimate snapshot of memory, loss, hope, and the timeless questions of a child, answered by a loving parent. This duet stands as a testament to the soothing, evocative power of simple melodies and heartfelt storytelling.