"He Didn't Have to Be" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Brad Paisley. It was released in August 1999 as the second single from his debut album, Who Needs Pictures. In December 1999, it became his first number one single, holding the top spot for one week. Background The song was based on Paisley's frequent co-writer and best friend, Kelley Lovelace's stepson McCain Merren, who attended the 2000 ACM Awards as Paisley's guest. According to Lovelace, Paisley said to him, "Let's make a song about you two that will make your wife cry." Content This song is written from the perspective of a son of a single mother. The single mother begins dating a new man who almost immediately includes the child in things like going to the movies. In the final verse, the son now is about ready to become a father himself, standing in the hospital next to his stepfather and hoping that he can be "at least half the dad" that his stepfather "didn't have to be." This song is set in the key of A major in common time, and has a vocal range from A3 to D5. Music video The music video was directed by Deaton Flanigen and premiered on August 17, 1999 on CMT. Chart performance "He Didn't Have to Be" debuted at number 72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs for the week of September 4, 1999. "He Didn't Have to Be" spent 30 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, peaking at number one in December 1999 and holding that position for one week. Year-end charts References 1999 singles Country ballads 1990s ballads Brad Paisley songs Songs written by Brad Paisley Songs written by Kelley Lovelace Music videos directed by Deaton-Flanigen Productions Song recordings produced by Frank Rogers (record producer) Arista Nashville singles 1999 songs Songs about fathers