The Games That Daddies Play
Conway Twitty Lyrics
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And with a voice that sounded older
He said mom I've got something on my mind
I don't want to bother you
But I sure need to talk to you
If you could only spare the time
And mom I hope you understand
How much I love and need you and
I don't want you to take this the wrong way
But don't you think I'm old enough
And big enough and strong enough to play
The games that daddies play
My friend Billy Parker's dad
Came by today to see me and
He wondered if I'd like to go
With him and Billy on a hike
And maybe camp out overnight
The way I've seen them do in picture shows
And there's one thing I'd like to do
And maybe if I asked him to
He's sit and talk to me man to man
We'd only be gone overnight
And I could find out what it's like to play
The games that daddies play
She quickly turned to hide the tears
From her son of seven years
He didn't know she'd read between the lines
He'd never really known his dad
And although he'd never ask
She knew exactly what was on his mind
She searched her mind in desperation
Six long years of separation
Dimmed the words she knew she had to say
I hope you're never big enough
Or old enough or bold enough to play
The games that daddies play
I know you need and want his love
But son, you're the victim of
Another kind of games that daddies play
Conway Twitty's song The Games That Daddies Play is a poignant and heartfelt depiction of a young boy’s longing for his father’s love and attention. In the song, the boy approaches his mother, seeking her permission to spend time with his friend’s father so he can experience the “games that daddies play.” The mother, however, is forced to confront her own fears and heartaches over her estranged relationship with the boy’s father. She understands that her son’s desire to be with his father reflects his yearning for a paternal figure in his life, but she also knows the damage that can be wrought by a father who plays games with his children’s emotions. As she holds back her tears, she tells her son that he is the victim of another kind of game that some fathers play.
The song has a universal appeal and is relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken family or a distant father figure. It conveys the longing of a child for the attention of his parents and the hurt that comes with the realization that some things may never change.
Line by Line Meaning
He put his arms around her shoulder
He embraced his mother with a hug
And with a voice that sounded older
Speaking with a more mature tone
He said mom I've got something on my mind
He confided that he had something to say
I don't want to bother you
He didn't want to be a burden
But I sure need to talk to you
He needed to express his feelings
If you could only spare the time
If she had time to listen
And mom I hope you understand
He hoped his mother would comprehend
How much I love and need you and
He expressed his love and dependence
I don't want you to take this the wrong way
He didn't want to be misinterpreted
But don't you think I'm old enough
He felt mature enough
And big enough and strong enough to play
Physically and emotionally ready for
The games that daddies play
To do things fathers do with their sons
My friend Billy Parker's dad
His friend's father
Came by today to see me and
Visited him earlier
He wondered if I'd like to go
Asked if he was interested to join
With him and Billy on a hike
To go hiking with them
And maybe camp out overnight
Stay outdoors for the night
The way I've seen them do in picture shows
Like how he had seen in movies
And there's one thing I'd like to do
He had something he wanted to try
And maybe if I asked him to
If he requested
He's sit and talk to me man to man
To have a heart-to-heart conversation
We'd only be gone overnight
For just one night
And I could find out what it's like to play
See and experience firsthand
The games that daddies play
What fathers and sons do together
She quickly turned to hide the tears
His mother tried to conceal her emotions
From her son of seven years
Her young son
He didn't know she'd read between the lines
He wasn't aware she understood his unspoken request
He'd never really known his dad
He had never really got to know his father
And although he'd never ask
He wouldn't demand it from her
She knew exactly what was on his mind
She knew what he was thinking
She searched her mind in desperation
She struggled to find the right thing to say
Six long years of separation
After six years of being apart
Dimmed the words she knew she had to say
Made it difficult to express what needed to be said
I hope you're never big enough
She wished he'd never grow up
Or old enough or bold enough to play
She didn't want him to experience
The games that daddies play
The activities she associated with fathers
I know you need and want his love
She knew he craved his father's affection
But son, you're the victim of
But unfortunately, he was suffering the consequences of
Another kind of games that daddies play
Another form of emotional gameplaying by fathers
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CONWAY TWITTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KimberlyPulliam-gk2ds
This is the kind of country music that I grew up on!I love conway!I saw Conway and Loretta Lynn in concert on October 12,1986!it was awesome!
@tonyharden7159
This song is another great example of what I love about Nashville Sound era country music. There are several of these songs that examine the rougher sides of life. This genre of country music has been mocked; but I think it's because some of its subject matter deals with things that a lot of people don't want to face.
@chrisbechtel8198
I lost my father a few years ago. I can still see him sitting at the kitchen table, beer in hand singing along. Thanks for the memory
@mevik3835
Man you are so right Pabst Blue ribbon and country music on the radio
@Roadking26
I remember being about 7 or 8 years old riding with my dad who is a real cowboy in the pickup in Yakima,WA and hearing this for the first time. I still remember the road, and intersection we were at. I am a metal guitar player, but I love real country music. Not this new shit that is more pop than country. Those old country songs will bring tears to your eyes.
@travismiles5885
I'm a metal guy too but I picked up a 2013 MIA Fender Tele a few yrs ago from a guy at work for a steal. I got into old school country after that because it just sounds so good playing it on that guitar!
@wesleynash9385
Play this stuff in the shop all the time good stuff thank God I was raised on good music
@Safeni21
Another of the great singers who is missed today
@dommidavros2211
Ladies and gentlen.....Mr Conway Twitty!!!!
@Tesiay
Still can't listen to this song without crying. Still one of my favorites.