Story Behind The Song

I had a complex relationship with my father and it wasn't until just before his death, that I came to accept the complexity as something positive - not just negative. I embellished our relationship in this song and one of my brothers called me out on it. Our father never tucked us into bed or encouraged us to fulfill our destinies but the part about not wanting to disappoint him yet knowing I did is absolutely true. The same brother confessed that the song made him cry - not so much for missing our dad's presence but for missing having a dad who could freely show his love and acceptance for us. He was a product of his upbringing as are we so, ironically, we thank him for helping us become the kind of parents and living the kind of lives he was unable to freely embrace.

Song Description

Reflecting on a father's influence

Lyrics

Daddy

V1: I remember you telling us life is so tenuous
We didn't understand it then
Now with all we've been through since and the loss of our innocence
Wish we could go back again
To a time when life was simple and consequences clear
Day-by-day, little-by-little, the straight lines disappear

V2: I remember you telling me I had a destiny
Each night as you tucked me in my bed
Maybe I was just too young - maybe too high-strung
Your words went right over my head
I didn't want to disappoint you though I know I did
It's not as if I ever meant to
I was just being a kid

Bridge: There was time and a place
For getting in line - for standing up straight
Going to church and going to school
We lived by the rules
There was a right and a wrong
You knew where you belonged
At the center of it all was Daddy

V3: It must have been so hard to watch us stumble and fall
Wondering if what you'd taught us mattered at all

Tag: I remember you telling us life is so tenuous
We didn't understand it then
Daddy, oh daddy
Daddy, oh daddy