Daddy
8Ball Lyrics

Hello, you have reach the Bell South Voice Mail Service to listen to your messages press star now..... new messages.
The song starts with a voicemail message, which acts as the first indication that there is a divide between the father and his family members.

Ball I done two wayed you two or three times now you need to call me back now you know it's your sons birthday tomorrow you need to call me I'm getting pissed off.
The mother of Ball's son is angry because Ball hasn't called back after she contacted him. She is upset because their son has his birthday the following day and he hasn't reached out.

Daddy, why you gone so long? Daddy, when will you come back home? Daddy, don't get your ??? alone Daddy, when will you come back home?
The chorus of the song highlights the question the child is asking his father about when he will come home. It also emphasizes how the child is worried about his father being alone.

Running though the airport my lil' shorty birthday and I ain't there for it another show I gotta get it how it come to me even though I want to see my baby run to me smiling
Eightball shares how he is struggling to balance his career and family life. He wants to be present for his son's birthday but has to perform his gigs to earn money to support his family.

It's only so much ya momma can do for you even though she do so much for you only a man can teach you how to be a man teach you not to be a fool in this foolish land.
Eightball explains how it is necessary for him to be present for his son as only he can guide his son and teach him how to be a real man. He expresses how he wants to ensure his son doesn't make foolish decisions.

Little man be strong hold the house down and I'm goin be there to see you when I touch down, yeah.
Eightball encourages his son to be strong to support his mother and home while he is away, assuring him that he will be there soon.

Baby I think about you all the time throughout every show and every line hope you and ya momma doing fine I luv ya'll.
MJG expresses how he thinks about his family all the time while he is out performing shows. He wishes for his wife and child's well-being and shares his love.

Daddy's little gyrl learning things daily in yo own little world. I'm goin continue doing what I doing to provide for ya close ya eye's now, daddy's gotta surprise for ya I'll ride for ya till I'm old grey and tired for ya so when I'm gone, you'll understand I tried for ya. It's important for a gyrl to know her father so I can be the man you run to, when times get harder I'm coming home 'cause home is where the heart is I'm worn out but still, I'll be there regardless.
MJG reassures his daughter that he will continue doing his work to support her, and how it's vital that she learns things and knows her father. He emphasizes on being there for her during her hardship, as that's when she needs him the most.

This is for the cats who hustle all day and night in the streets doing what's wrong or what's right you see ya babies when you can don't ya know ya lil babies need to see you man if you don't teach them then they gonna learn the wrong way so sit down and listen what they got to say. And you boys in the club every weekend straight ballin' but you can't take care of ya kids. When they grow it's to late to try to make it up you never know when god plan on taking us. So much evil in the world and it's all new to a child who ain't been through what you been through a kid can't play in the streets without dodging bullets and nine times outta ten a kid probably pulled it cause they momma and daddy weren't there for ?em so it's important that we let ?em know we care for ?em, yeah.
Eightball explains how it's crucial for a father to be present in his child's life, and how he needs to teach them what's right and wrong. He also comments on how boys who only concentrate on partying while neglecting their children's needs will regret it later in life. He highlights how it's necessary to show children that someone cares for them and guides them through life, as the world is a dangerous place where they have to dodge bullets to play outside.

Daddy I love you come home soon.
The song ends on a cute note with a child expressing how much he misses his father and wants him to come home.