Macklemore had a great run in the music industry and during that time he put out some really great songs that contained some really powerful messages. If you’re unsure of who I am talking about, you should absolutely go to your favorite place to listen to music, and search his name and catalog. At the height of his career I would never say he was underrated because he was literally everywhere, but you could certainly say that about him and his music now. Ryan Lewis as well.

Growing up (Sloane’s Song) is a beautiful heartfelt tribute to his eldest daughter, from the point of view of a nervous but excited father-to-be.

I say all of that to say this. The advice he gives his daughter throughout the song is in my opinion some of the best advice a father could give their future kid.

I’ve added this advice to a list, and linked the video below. Please let me know if you agree.

I should also mention, being a dad myself, I have a very hard time not tearing up when I hear this song.

1. Get back to community that raised you up
2. Read Langston Hughes, I suggest A Raisin in the Sun
3. Listen to Sam Cooke, a change gon’ come
4. You put the work in, don’t worry about the praise, my love
5. Don’t try to change the world
6. Find something that you love, and do it every day
7. Do that for the rest of your life and eventually, the world will change
8. I recommend that you read The Alchemist
9. Listen to your teachers, but cheat in calculus
10. Tell the truth, regardless of the consequence
11. And every day, give your momma a compliment
12. Take your girl to the prom, but don’t get too drunk hanging out the limo
13. Slow dance with your woman in your arms
14. Sneak her in after but boy, you better tiptoe
15. Don’t wake your mom up
16. Do yoga
17. Learn ’bout karma
18. Find God, but leave the dogma
19. The quickest way to happiness learning to be selfless
20. Ask more questions, talk about yourself less
21. Study David Bowie, James Baldwin and 2Pac
22. Watch the sun set with best friends from a rooftop
23. Wear a helmet
24. Don’t be stupid
25. Jaywalk, but look before you do it
26. If it snows, go outside, build a jump, get some help, get a sled, thrash the hill with your friends, ’til it melts
27. Go to festivals
28. Camp
29. Fall in love and dance
30. You’re only young once, my loved one, this is your chance
31. Take risks, ’cause life moves so fast