“Papa What If” — Rory Feek and Daughter Indy’s Heartfelt Duet
In 2023, country musician Rory Feek released a tender duet with his daughter, Indiana (affectionately called Indy), titled Papa What If. The song is a reimagining of Shel Silverstein’s 1974 classic Daddy What If, which was originally recorded by Bobby Bare and his young son. In Rory and Indy’s version, the word “Daddy” is lovingly replaced with “Papa,” reflecting the way Indy addresses her father.
The track unfolds as a touching dialogue between father and daughter. Indy poses innocent, imaginative “what if” questions, while Rory responds with warmth and reassurance. This back-and-forth exchange beautifully captures the curiosity of childhood alongside the steady, comforting love of a parent. Backed by soft acoustic guitar, the arrangement is simple yet powerful, creating an intimate atmosphere that allows their voices and emotions to shine.
A Song Rooted in Family Tradition
The inspiration for Papa What If traces back to Rory’s own childhood memories of singing the original Daddy What If with his father. Years later, Rory performed the song with his eldest daughter, Heidi. When introducing it to Indy, he illustrated the lyrics with hand-drawn sketches to help her learn her parts. Their collaboration eventually blossomed into a heartfelt music video, filmed on the family farm, which showcases their close bond and love for music.
A Tribute to Love and Resilience
Since the passing of Rory’s wife, Joey Feek, in 2016, Rory has embraced single fatherhood with devotion and faith. Papa What If stands not only as a sweet father-daughter performance but also as a testament to resilience, healing, and the enduring strength of family love. For audiences, the song resonates as more than just music—it is a reminder of the irreplaceable bond between parent and child, and the way music can carry memories forward.
The duet has deeply moved listeners across the world, offering a message of hope and tenderness. Each lyric, each note, and each smile shared between Rory and Indy reflects the healing power of song and the beauty of cherishing simple, heartfelt moments together.
