Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Jeff Carson Showcased The Power of a Father’s Love In The Song “The Car”

by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

In 1995, country music artist Jeff Carson released “The Car” as the third single from his debut album Jeff Carson. The song not only reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, but it has touched so many hearts.

It quickly resonated with many fans as it speaks to the power of a father’s love

This Father and Son Song Will Surely Touch Your Heart

Written by C. Michael Spriggs and Gary Heyde, “The Car” tells the tale of a young man whose mother had just passed away and was sadly left with his workaholic father. 

One day, when he and his father were driving, the boy spotted an old, beat-up Ford Mustang. He wanted to fix the car up with his father and make it new again even though he doesn’t need it – the truth is, he just wanted to spend some time with the old man. Unfortunately, they don’t have the money to do it. 

Years went by, and eventually, his father died. He received an extremely basic will, and at the bottom of the envelope, he found much to his surprise: the keys to the Mustang.

“It’s not the car you’re needin’, but it’s my chance to be with you. I hope you understand I always did the best that I could do. So little time, and we spent way too much apart. Now there will always be a part of us together in that car. Yes, there will always be a part of us,” his father wrote in a note.

Billboard positively reviewed the song, praising Jeff Carson‘s “warm, affecting voice” at the same time calling it “one of the most powerfully moving songs released this year.” 

Indeed, “The Car” is one of the best dedications to fathers and sons‘ complicated and beautiful relationships. After all, having a father, or being a father or a stepfather, the familiar bonds of fatherhood can be joyous.

“The Car” was Carson’s one of his fourteen singles that charted the Billboard country charts since he retired in 2009 and became a police officer. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Gravette, Arkansas, Carson spent his childhood playing harmonica and guitar and singing in church. 

In high school, Carson and some of his friends formed a band and managed to win second place at a local talent show. After graduating, the aspiring singer moved on to another talent competition held at a park in Rogers, Arkansas. The winner of that competition asked Carson to play in his band, which he did for four years until the band split up.

RELATED: Country Music Singer Jeff Carson Has Passed Away Following a Heart Attack

Finally, in late 1994, Carson made his debut and managed to release three albums in a career that spans fifteen years.

In 1996, Carson won the Academy of Country Music Video of the Year for “The Car.” You can watch it below.

Latest Stories

Martina McBride did not call Beyoncé a 'clown in a cowboy hat'; the viral claim is false and has no evidence to support it.

Martina McBride Never Called Beyoncé a “Clown in a Cowboy Hat”

Social media has a way of turning fiction into fact overnight, and the latest victim of misinformation is country legend Martina McBride. A viral claim has been circulating that McBride ...

Chris Stapleton did not object to Beyoncé’s country Grammy win, dismissing rumors of controversy over her Cowboy Carter victory.

No, Chris Stapleton Did Not Object to Beyoncé’s Grammy Win

Rumor has spread that Chris Stapleton filed an “official objection” after Beyoncé won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter. A supposed quote attributed to him suggests ...

Blake Shelton to host the Grand Ole Opry's 100th celebration, honoring a century of country music with star-studded performances.

Blake Shelton Set to Host Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration

Country music’s most legendary stage is set for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Blake Shelton is taking the reins. The Grand Ole Opry will mark its 100th anniversary with a star-studded NBC ...

Dolly Parton fights to save her Imagination Library in Indiana after budget cuts threaten its vital funding for children's literacy.

Dolly Parton Fights to Save Imagination Library in Indiana

Dolly Parton has always stood up for what she believes in—lifting people’s spirits with her music, funding major charitable efforts, and ensuring children have access to books, no matter their ...

Billy Currington maintains a private personal life, sparking speculation about his sexuality, though no public statement or evidence confirms the rumors.

Is Billy Currington Gay? What We Know About the Country Star

Billy Currington has spent decades serenading country music fans with hits like “People Are Cr𝐚zy” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” His smooth vocals, laid-back charm, and undeniable talent have ...

Post Malone and Alan Jackson pose together, bridging generations of country music with their iconic styles and shared respect for the genre.

Post Malone’s Road to Country Music Started Long Ago

Post Malone didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to go country—he’s been headed down this dirt road for a long time. From his Texas roots to his early ...

Drake sparks speculation about a country music crossover, potentially releasing a country album and exploring a new genre.

Is Drake the Next Artist to Take Over Country Music?

Country music has been through a wave of change lately, and not everyone is convinced it’s for the better. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shook the industry, bringing country into the mainstream ...

Riley Green's 'Worst Way' music video sparks a frenzy with steamy scenes and a touch of humor, making waves in the country music world.

Riley Green Turns Up the Heat in Worst Way Music Video

Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...

Meet Lainey Wilson's fiancé, Devlin 'Duck' Hodges—former NFL quarterback and avid duck hunter—who captured the country star's heart.

Who Is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Meet Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé

Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...

Lainey Wilson announces her engagement to Devlin 'Duck' Hodges, sharing romantic proposal photos that celebrate their new chapter together.

Lainey Wilson Is Engaged to Former NFL Star Duck Hodges

Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...