"He Didn't Have to Be" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Brad Paisley.

In December 1999, it became his first number one single, holding the top spot for one week.

The single mother begins dating a new man who almost immediately includes the child in things like going to the movies.

This song is set in the key of A major in common time, and has a vocal range from A3 to D5.

[4] The music video was directed by Deaton Flanigen and premiered on August 17, 1999 on CMT.