Chuck Berry – Dear Dad

About the song

Background

“Dear Dad” is a song by Chuck Berry, released in 1964 on Chess Records. It appeared as a B-side to the single “Lonely School Days”. The song is a humorous look at a teenager’s request for a new car from his father.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “Dear Dad” are simple and direct. The narrator, a teenager, opens the song by addressing his father directly:

Dear Dad, don’t get mad, what I’m asking for Is by the next semester can I get another car?

The rest of the song details the problems with the narrator’s current car, which is slow and unreliable. He pleads with his father to understand his need for a new vehicle, using playful rhymes and a lighthearted tone.

Themes

“Dear Dad” explores the classic theme of generational differences. The teenager wants independence and a symbol of status (a new car), while the father might be hesitant about the cost and responsibility.

Despite the lightheartedness, the song also touches on themes of working-class life. The narrator might rely on the car for transportation to work or school, making it more than just a want.

Overall, “Dear Dad” is a fun and relatable song that captures the teenage desire for freedom and a bit of parental indulgence.

While there’s no definitive information on Chuck Berry’s inspiration for the song, it likely reflects a common teenage experience of wanting more freedom and material possessions.

Video

Lyrics

Dear Dad, don’t get madWhat I’m asking forIs by the next semesterCan I get another car?This one here is sickeningOn a wide dual roadI might as well be walkingAs to drive this old Ford
Almost everytime I tryTo go and pass a truckIf I ain’t goin’ downhillDad, I’m out of luckAnd even if I get byIt’s still a rugged riskThe way this old FordKeep a-hitting and a-miss
Last week, when I was drivingOn my way to schoolI almost got a ticket‘Bout a freeway traffic ruleIt’s now a violationDriving under 45And if I push to 50This here Ford will nosedive
Dad, I’m in great dangerOut here trying to driveThe way this Ford wigglesWhen I’m approaching 45I have to nurse it alongLike a little stubborn pupAnd cars whizzing by meDad, look like I’m backing up
She just don’t have the appetiteFor gas somehowAnd Dad, I got four carburetorsHooked up on it nowI tried to hook anotherTo see if I’d do a little goodBut ain’t no place to put it‘Less I perforate the hood
Well Dad, send the moneySee what I can seeTry to find a CadillacA ’62 or ‘3Just something that won’t worry usTo keep it on the roadSincerely, your beloved sonHenry Junior Ford