In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Oh
Oh
Oh oh
Can I talk to you baby?
When I was a little girl
I didn't have a father
And that's why
I'm leaning on you
When I was a baby
I didn't get a hug
From daddy that's
Why I need a hug from you
Oh it's not easy
And I thank you for putting up with me
When u don't have a daddy's love
(To say that you) to say that I'm you're little girl
(Are his little girl)
Oh why didn't you love me?
(And give you the love) I need love yeh yeh yeh
(You really deserve)
And I believe I deserve and that's why oh
That's why I need the father in you
(I need the father in you baby)
That's why I need a father in you
(Please don't hurt me please)
That's why I need a father in you
(Oh that's why I really need you)
That's why I need a father in you
(Please be true)
Whoa things got bad to the point where mummy couldn't hold us down
And that's when it hurt me so much to see her (To see her cry)
Oh don't cry mum don't cry mum
(Each and every night)
We're gonna be alright
That's what I used to say
(I said that's okay)
That I would try to take his place
(But it was too hard) it was so hard
Trying to be a man not a woman
(And that's why I need the father in you)
Id put my trust in you babe
(That's why I need a father in you)
Please don't let me down
(That's why I need a father in you)
Whoa I-I-I I need the father in you babe hold my hand
(That's why I need the father in you)
Because we never had one at home
No no no no
As a little girl
So I understand why daddy couldn't be there
Cause it's so obvious no body taught him how to be a father either
I'm not saying this to reminisce on the past
I'm just saying this to make you understand that I need a father.
And this is my problem this is why I couldn't keep no one this is why I couldn't stay alone I was so scared alone everyone needs daddy and
I don't think she understands cause she really need a father the father in you my friend
She really needed a father, the father in you
When your wife is speaking fellas pay attention yeh
Don't ignore her
Oh I really need the father in you
Oh
Oh oh
Can I talk to you baby?
When I was a little girl
I didn't have a father
And that's why
I'm leaning on you
When I was a baby
I didn't get a hug
From daddy that's
Why I need a hug from you
Oh it's not easy
And I thank you for putting up with me
When u don't have a daddy's love
(To say that you) to say that I'm you're little girl
(Are his little girl)
Oh why didn't you love me?
(And give you the love) I need love yeh yeh yeh
(You really deserve)
And I believe I deserve and that's why oh
That's why I need the father in you
(I need the father in you baby)
That's why I need a father in you
(Please don't hurt me please)
That's why I need a father in you
(Oh that's why I really need you)
That's why I need a father in you
(Please be true)
Whoa things got bad to the point where mummy couldn't hold us down
And that's when it hurt me so much to see her (To see her cry)
Oh don't cry mum don't cry mum
(Each and every night)
We're gonna be alright
That's what I used to say
(I said that's okay)
That I would try to take his place
(But it was too hard) it was so hard
Trying to be a man not a woman
(And that's why I need the father in you)
Id put my trust in you babe
(That's why I need a father in you)
Please don't let me down
(That's why I need a father in you)
Whoa I-I-I I need the father in you babe hold my hand
(That's why I need the father in you)
Because we never had one at home
No no no no
As a little girl
So I understand why daddy couldn't be there
Cause it's so obvious no body taught him how to be a father either
I'm not saying this to reminisce on the past
I'm just saying this to make you understand that I need a father.
And this is my problem this is why I couldn't keep no one this is why I couldn't stay alone I was so scared alone everyone needs daddy and
I don't think she understands cause she really need a father the father in you my friend
She really needed a father, the father in you
When your wife is speaking fellas pay attention yeh
Don't ignore her
Oh I really need the father in you
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Father in You Lyrics as written by Mary J Blige Ryan Toby
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.