In “Daddy,” Jewel sings from the perspective of a child who was verbally and emotionally abused by their father, Daddy. Throughout the song, Jewel describes Daddy as a controlling, mean-spirited, racist.
[Verse 1]
My bones are tired, Daddy
I don't get enough sleep
I don't eat as good as I should, Daddy
What's that say about me?
[Verse 2]
You know, sometimes I sleep past noon, Daddy
I drink lots of black coffee and I smoke like a chimney
Yes, I left the refrigerator door half open, Daddy
What's that say about me?
[Verse 3]
You know, sometimes I wanna to rip out your throat, Daddy
For all those things you said that were mean
I'm gonna make you just as vulnerable as I was, Daddy
What's that say about me?
[Verse 4]
You know sometimes I want to bash in your teeth, Daddy
I'm gonna use your tongue as a stamp
I'm gonna rip your heart out the way that you did mine, Daddy
Go ahead and psychoanalyze that
[Verse 5]
'Cause I'm your creation, I'm your love, Daddy
Grown up to be and do all those sick things you said I'd do
Well, last night I saw you sneak out your window with your white hood, Daddy
What's that say about you?
[Outro]
I'm sloppy, what's that say about you?
I'm messy, what's that say about you?
My bones are tired, Daddy