Oh Father
Anthony Starble Lyrics
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I am not a disease, I am not a disease
Oh Father, what will you make of me?
I am not a disease, I am not a disease
I cannot live the same ways as you
I am faithful and honest and true
Dad I know that I wish this was easy to do
Oh Father, what will you make me?
I am not a disease, I am not a disease
Oh Father, what will you make me?
I am not a disease, I am not a disease
Oh Father
Oh Father
Oh Father (no)
Oh Father
Dad I promise I'll still be your son
The same person you've cared for as my life's began
Now thing's changed, don't get angry
And try to, learn
Oh Father, I hope you understand
I'm not less of a man, I'm not less of a man
Oh Father, you've given me my life
Don't make me need to cry
Don't make me have to lie
Oh Father
Oh Father
Oh Father (no)
Oh Father
The lyrics to Anthony Starble's song Oh Father convey a deep sense of struggle and turmoil, as the singer grapples with the fears and uncertainties of coming out to their father. The repeated refrain of "I am not a disease" speaks to the societal stigma that often surrounds non-heteronormative identities, and the sense of shame and guilt that can come with realizing that one's own desires don't conform to what is expected. The use of the word "make" throughout the song also adds to this sense of unease, suggesting that the father has power over the singer's identity and worth as a person.
However, amidst this ongoing inner conflict, the singer still holds onto a sense of hope and determination. They retain their faithfulness, honesty and truth, even as they acknowledge that living authentically will not be easy. They also promise to still be their father's son, and ask for understanding and acceptance in return. The final verse in particular is especially poignant, as the singer implores their father not to make them cry or lie - a plea that speaks to the deep emotional toll of being forced to hide one's true identity.
Overall, Oh Father is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the struggles faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community when coming out to loved ones. The lyrics are imbued with a deep sense of emotion and vulnerability, while the melody enhances the sense of longing and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Father, what will you make of me?
Asking about what the father has planned for the singer's life.
I am not a disease, I am not a disease
Trying to convince the father that the singer is not abnormal.
I cannot live the same ways as you
Pointing out that the singer has different lifestyle choices than the father.
I am faithful and honest and true
Reassuring the father that the artist's values are still strong.
Dad I know that I wish this was easy to do
Acknowledging that it's difficult for the father to accept the artist's choices.
Dad I promise I'll still be your son
Reassuring the father that the singer's relationship with him is still intact.
The same person you've cared for as my life's began
Pointing out that the singer's personality hasn't changed.
Now thing's changed, don't get angry
Asking the father to understand the changed circumstances.
And try to, learn
Encouraging the father to learn about the artist's new situation.
Oh Father, I hope you understand
Expressing the hope that the father can empathize with the artist's perspective.
I'm not less of a man, I'm not less of a man
Affirming the singer's identity and self-worth.
Oh Father, you've given me my life
Grateful for the father's role in the artist's life.
Don't make me need to cry
Asking the father to be understanding to avoid hurting the singer's feelings.
Don't make me have to lie
Asking the father to avoid putting the singer in a position where they have to deceive him.
Oh Father
Calling out to the father in a plea for understanding.
Oh Father
Calling out to the father in a plea for understanding.
Oh Father (no)
Reiterating the previous plea while expressing sadness.
Oh Father
Calling out to the father in a plea for understanding.
Contributed by Zachary L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
6ETDOFC7
What an amazing song ! What a terrific voice ! I really can relate to it ! I'm delighted to have come across this artist thanks to the blog " Soundtrack to my day " which also praises and recommends singers like Matt Fishel and Ryan Dolan, among others. Keep up the good work, Anthony ! By the way, the EP is available on Itunes.
Steve Knill
better than the studio version!!!!!