Story Behind The Song

I wrote "Just Like My Daddy Did" for my father, just before he passed away in August 2004. I'm proud that I was able to play the song for him a week before he died.

Song Description

"Just Like My Daddy Did" is something of a cross-generational family song, which I wrote with my dad and daughter in mind.

Lyrics

I've been down for such a long damn time.
if I had one left, I think I'd lose my mind.
problems almost had me hypnotized,
until I put my eyes back on the prize.

I don't know much, but I know I can do my best
to represent my own damn interests.
lucky I had someone who showed me how.
and if you're wondering who, I'm gonna tell you now.

I'm gonna do just like my daddy did:
fall in love and then we'll have a kid.
I think it's time for me to settle down...
I'm tired of throwin' my heart around.

I'll be a man like he turned out to be.
create my own opportunities.
if you won't help, stay out of my way, please.
I got a long damn road in front of me.

I'll work my job until the day is through.
I don't have to love it, but it's what I gotta do.
to make life safe and pleasant as it can be,
for the little girl who will depend on me.

'cause I'm gonna do just like my daddy did...
fall in love and then we'll have a kid.
then someday when our little girl is grown,
she can fall in love and have a kid of her own.

and maybe she'll remember what her daddy said,
when he spoke from his heart and not just from his head.
maybe I won't unravel any dark mysteries,
but I'll play a part at the start of her history.

and then, someday, if her own well runs dry,
and she's lost and lonely and just wants to cry,
she'll look inside and know that ain't the plan,
and pick herself back up like her old man.

she might even do just like her daddy did:
fall in love and someday have a kid.
she'll get by, the best she can,
if I just do my job as her old man.

cause I'm gonna do like my daddy done.
I won't give up now for anyone.
my life ain't over, hell, it's just begun.
if walking's too slow, then I'll just have to run.

I'll be a man like he turned out to be.
create my own possibilities.
if you won't help, stay out of my way, please.
I got a long damn road in front of me.