Introduction
“Papa What If” is a deeply heartfelt father-daughter rendition of Shel Silverstein’s touching song “Daddy What If,” performed by country artist Rory Feek alongside his daughter Indiana “Indy” Feek. Originating from a Shel Silverstein poem and later set to music, the song explores a child’s innocent wonder-filled questions and a father’s gentle, loving responses .
The story behind this duet is as tender as the song itself. On Father’s Day 2022, an eight-year-old Indy woke her dad with a sweet card and joyful excitement, inspiring Rory to share a special three-minute “gift” for all the “Papas out there”. Rory had first encountered “Daddy What If” at age eight, cruising through Kansas cornfields in his father’s Buick, singing along whenever the song came on the radio
To teach the song to Indy, Rory typed out the lyrics and created colorful illustrations with crayons and markers, helping her learn her parts visually and playfully . He also changed “Daddy” to “Papa,” honoring the affectionate name Indy uses for him. By Christmas, Indy was confidently performing the song onstage, and by spring they had recorded a moving music video on their farmhouse porch, capturing the serene, loving ambiance of their home life .
The final video, shared on Father’s Day, became an emotional, uplifting sensation—a visual and auditory postcard of love, memory, and fatherhood. Far more than a performance, it’s a testament to the enduring bond between a father and his daughter, and a tribute to memory, joy, and the beauty of small moments that become forever treasures .