Behind the fame, behind the 90s anthem, behind the stage lights—Chesney Hawkes is a dad. And like many dads, he’s spent a lot of time thinking about how to guide his kids through the messy, beautiful, and often confusing reality of life.
In the latest episode of The Dadsnet Podcast, Chesney reveals how his new album Living Arrows became a deeply personal gift to his children. It’s not just a record—it’s a roadmap to life.
“The whole album is really for my kids,” Chesney says. “I wanted to be honest. Really honest. About the things we don’t always talk about.”
And he doesn’t hold back. From grief to mental health, from love to letting go, Chesney uses his lyrics to create space for conversations that many parents struggle to start. Songs like Surprise Yourself were written for his son, who—like many twenty-somethings—is still finding his path in the world.
“I just wanted him to know, he’s going to be OK,” Chesney explains. “He’ll surprise himself. That’s what that song is about.”
It’s a sentiment that hits home for any parent who’s ever watched their child struggle with self-doubt. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, words flow more easily through music than they do through conversation.
What’s particularly moving is how Chesney views vulnerability—not as a weakness, but as a legacy. His music invites his children to see the full emotional spectrum of their father. Not just the protector, not just the provider, but the human being.
“If they come to me and ask what a song is about, I’ll tell them,” he says. “Even if it’s hard. That’s the point.”
As dads, we often find ourselves stuck between trying to protect our children and wanting to prepare them. Chesney strikes a powerful balance—by showing his kids the real emotional terrain of adulthood, he’s equipping them for their own journeys.
So, whether you’re a father who struggles to find the words or one who journals everything down, this episode is a gentle reminder: the way we express our love doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest.
