Dolly Parton – To Daddy

About the song

Dolly Parton’s “To Daddy”: A Song of Love, Loss, and Unwavering Admiration

In the realm of country music, few names resonate with the same level of warmth and authenticity as Dolly Parton. Her voice, a captivating blend of sweetness and strength, has the power to transport listeners to a place of heartfelt emotion, where stories of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit unfold in vivid detail. Among Parton’s extensive repertoire of cherished songs, “To Daddy” stands out as a particularly poignant tribute, a testament to the enduring bond between a father and daughter.

Released in 1973 as part of Parton’s album My Imagination, “To Daddy” paints a vivid portrait of a father-daughter relationship, capturing the essence of a love that transcends time and circumstance. The song’s opening lines, “Daddy, you’re the reason I know I’m strong,” immediately establish the profound impact the father has had on his daughter’s life. Parton’s voice, imbued with a tenderness that belies its strength, conveys the deep well of gratitude and admiration the daughter holds for her father.

As the song progresses, Parton delves into the memories that have shaped their connection, recalling the simple joys of childhood and the unwavering support her father has provided throughout her life. She sings of his unwavering belief in her, his encouragement to pursue her dreams, and the unconditional love that has always been her anchor.

The bridge of the song takes a more somber turn, as Parton acknowledges the inevitable passage of time and the reality that one day, her father will no longer be there. Yet, even in the face of this impending loss, she finds solace in the knowledge that their bond is unbreakable, transcending the physical realm.

The final verse of “To Daddy” serves as a heartfelt declaration of love and appreciation, with Parton singing, “I’ll love you always, Daddy, that’s the truth.” These simple words encapsulate the essence of the song, a testament to the enduring power of love and the indelible mark a father can leave on his daughter’s life.

“To Daddy” is more than just a song; it’s a poignant reminder of the preciousness of family and the enduring power of love. Dolly Parton’s heartfelt vocals and evocative lyrics capture the essence of a father-daughter bond that transcends time and circumstance, making “To Daddy” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Video

Lyrics

Mama never seemed to miss the finer things in lifeIf she did, she never did say so to daddyShe never wanted to be more than mother and a wifeIf she did, she never did say so to daddy
The only thing that seemed to be important in her lifeWas to make a house a home and make us happyMama never wanted any more than what she hadIf she did, she never did say so to daddy
He often left her all alone but she didn’t mind the stayin’ homeIf she did, she never did say so to daddyAnd she never missed the flowers and the cards he never sent herIf she did, she never did say so to daddy
Being took for granted was a thing she acceptedAnd she didn’t need those things to make her happyAnd she didn’t seem to notice that he didn’t kiss and hold herIf she did, she never did say so to daddy
One morning we awoke just to find a noteThat mama carefully wrote and left to daddyAnd as he began to read it our ears could not believe itThe words she had written there to daddy
She said, “The kids are old enough, they don’t need me very muchI’ve gone in search for love I need so badlyI have needed you so long but I just can’t keep holding on”She never meant to come back homeIf she did, she never did say so to daddy
Goodbye to daddy