My Daddy Never Was
A Father's Redemption: Yearning to be the Dad He Never Had
Lyrics
My boss will tell you that I've been to work all week on time
Work ethic is emphasized; the speaker is punctual and reliable at work.
That I ain't had no liquor on my breathe
The speaker asserts that there is no evidence of alcohol consumption on his breath.
Ain't no kinda' secret, I've been known to take a drink
Open admission of a history of drinking; not a secret.
And it's made me do some things that I regret
Acknowledgment of regrettable actions due to alcohol.
Loretta said this ain't no kind of way to raise a family
Loretta expresses concern about the impact of the speaker's lifestyle on the family.
And one night she called it quits and called a cab
Loretta decides to leave, calling a cab, suggesting a significant decision.
She left her clothes out on the clothes line
Symbolic act of leaving personal items; a sign of a permanent departure.
And the dishes in the sink
Everyday chores left undone, indicating an abrupt departure.
So I guess she knows that she ain't coming back
Implying Loretta's decision is final and she won't return.
Well I just want to see my kids
The speaker expresses a deep desire to see and be with his children.
I just want to hold my girls
Specifically, the speaker wants to embrace his daughters emotionally.
Heaven knows I ain't got much of nothing else in this ole world
Highlighting the speaker's lack of material possessions and worldly success.
I just want to be around enough to know that they've been loved
The speaker wishes to be present enough to ensure his children feel loved.
I just want to be their daddy, my daddy never was
Expressing a longing to be a better father than the speaker's own dad.
Now lately she's been knowin' this old boy she met in church
Loretta has found a new acquaintance in church, suggesting a potential romantic interest.
And I can't say she's wrong for wanting more
Recognizing Loretta's desire for more in her life.
I gave him the right to tell my wife that I can't come around
The speaker gave permission for another man to limit his access to Loretta.
The night I knocked a hole in her front door
Violent act described; a moment of anger with consequences.
And Loretta took my keys and she made me wait outside
Loretta takes action, temporarily excluding the speaker from the home.
But she didn't call the law she called a cab
Choosing not to involve the authorities; opting for a less severe response.
And as I pulled away I saw something in her eyes
Observing something in Loretta's eyes as the speaker leaves, hinting at emotional complexity.
So I reckon that she knows I ain't so bad
The speaker believes Loretta recognizes some redeeming qualities in him.
I just want to see my kids
Reiteration of the strong desire to be with and see the speaker's kids.
I just want to hold my girls
Specifically emphasizing the wish to hold his daughters, suggesting emotional connection.
Heaven knows I ain't got much of nothing else in this ole world
Reaffirming the speaker's lack of material wealth or success.
I just want to be around enough to know that they've been loved
Repeating the desire to be present enough to ensure his children feel loved.
I just want to be their daddy, my daddy never was
Restating the aspiration to be a better father than the speaker's own dad.
Well my boss will tell you that I've been to work all week on time
Reiteration of the speaker's work ethic and abstinence from alcohol.
And I ain't had no liquor on my breathe
Ending on the same note as the first line, emphasizing work ethic and sobriety.
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