The band members include lead singer and lyricist J. Jackson, guitarist/keyboardist Bill Hubauer, bassist Keith Haynie, and drummer Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner. The band played its first concert as ApologetiX in 1992, and its 1000th in 2007. All of the band members grew up in and around Pittsburgh PA, and that is where they make their homes and attend church.
ApologetiX rewrites secular songs with (often comical) Christian lyrics. Some of their parodies include "Corinthians" (parody of "In the End" by Linkin Park), "Look Yourself" ("Lose Yourself" by Eminem), "Smooth Grandmama" ("Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm), "Smells Like Thirtysomething Spirit" ("Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana), and "Bethlehemian Rhapsody" ("Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen). Smooth Grandmama is considered to be their most well-known parody. While maintaining the integrity of fundamentalist "grannies," the song pokes fun at certain aspects.
ApologetiX gets their unusual name from the word apologetics, which means "the defense of the Christian faith." It is based on the Greek word for defense, apologia. The word is used in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (defense or "apologia") to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (NIV). Their logo, a triquetra, is an ancient symbol of the Holy Trinity.
Visit their website for booking, concerts and contact them through email at www.apologetix.com.
Bad Dad
ApologetiX Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(2 Kings 16:1-4, 18:1-6, 21:19-24, 22:1-2, 23:25, 2
Chronicles 28:1-4, 29:1-2, 31:20-21, 33:21-25, 34:1-2, 33;
Ezekiel 18:14-23; Psalms 27:10; Deuteronomy 24:16; Numbers 26:9-11, 1 Chronicles 9:19)
Where was your father when you need him most?
He picks up and leaves and there's bad things he does
You tell me your bloodline's made that way
And you don't feel like carryin' on
You're stranded in life 'cause of him and you know
You figure that now there's a curse on your soul
You tell me you'd like me to change your mind
Read all of Ezekiel 18 and find
The child don't need to bear the brunt
'Cause you had a bad dad -- so, baby, what now?
Who said your dad's son just can't turn it around?
In case you don't know -- I'll show you a couple guys
The worst in the Bible -- but the kids were alright
You had a bad break -- your family's gone awry
But calm it back down, baby, really, don't cry
You have a better fate -- You gotta have faith
Well, you need to cruise by Psalms today
The 27th chapter -- what's it say
When dad don't seem to care at all?
'Cause you had a bad dad -- so, baby, what now?
Who said your dad's son just can't turn it around?
In ages long ago -- King Ahaz was a guy
Who's worthless and vile -- but he had Hezekiah
And after that day, King Amon arrived
He brought a black cloud but his kid was Josiah
Who brought a better day (oh, follow me)
Second Kings 16 through 23 shows you how things can turn around
King Ahaz and Amon were bad to the bone
But they had the most righteous sons to be on the throne
Yeah
So where was your daddy when you needed him most?
Oh, you know what?
You need to believe in a Dad you can trust
'Cause you had a bad dad -- so, baby, what now?
Who said your dad's son can't just turn it around?
In Second Chronicles 28 through 35
Ahaz was reviled but they loved Hezekiah
And how about Amon -- he was despised
But, how they revered his son Josiah
He had a better fate -- you gotta have faith
You gotta have faith
Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
The song "Bad Dad" by ApologetiX parodies Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" by addressing the subject of a parent's abandonment and the subsequent impact it has on a child. The first verse starts by asking where the father was when the child needed him the most. It acknowledges the bad things the father may have done and the feeling of being stranded in life as a result. The chorus then brings hope by explaining that just because one has a bad dad, it doesn't mean that they can't turn it around. The song gives examples from the bible, specifically 2 Kings and Chronicles, where fathers were bad to the bone, but their sons turned out to be righteous and went on to become great kings. The song ends with a reference to Psalms 27:10, which talks about how even if a father and mother forsake their child, the Lord will receive them.
The lyrics of "Bad Dad" resonate with many people who have gone through similar situations with their own fathers. The song reminds them that even if their fathers have gone astray, it doesn't have to be the end of their own story. The message of hope can be applied to any situation where one feels stuck due to circumstances beyond their control. The use of biblical stories to illustrate this point adds an extra layer of strength to the message and shows the power of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Where was your father when you need him most?
You feel abandoned by your father in times of need.
He picks up and leaves and there's bad things he does
Your father has a history of bad behavior and abandoning you.
You tell me your bloodline's made that way
You believe your family has a generational curse.
You tell me your dad has gone astray
Your father has deviated from the moral standards of your family and society.
And you don't feel like carryin' on
You feel overwhelmed and lacking the strength to continue.
You're stranded in life 'cause of him and you know
Your father's actions have left you stranded and lost in life.
You figure that now there's a curse on your soul
You believe that you are cursed because of your father's actions.
You tell me you'd like me to change your mind
You want the singer to change your perspective on your situation.
Read all of Ezekiel 18 and find
The singer advises you to read Ezekiel 18 for guidance.
The child don't need to bear the brunt
You do not have to bear the consequences of your father's actions.
'Cause you had a bad dad -- so, baby, what now?
The singer acknowledges your negative experiences with your dad and asks what you will do next.
Who said your dad's son just can't turn it around?
The singer suggests that you can change your situation despite your father's past.
In case you don't know -- I'll show you a couple guys
The singer cites examples of men who overcame their fathers' negative legacies.
The worst in the Bible -- but the kids were alright
The Bible shows examples of men who were bad fathers but their sons became righteous leaders.
You had a bad break -- your family's gone awry
Your family situation is challenging and a source of distress.
But calm it back down, baby, really, don't cry
The singer encourages you to remain calm and not be overwhelmed by emotions.
You have a better fate -- You gotta have faith
You can have a better future and need to trust in something greater.
Well, you need to cruise by Psalms today
The singer advises you to read Psalm 27.
When dad don't seem to care at all?
What do you do when your father seems to have no concern for you?
'Cause you had a bad dad -- so, baby, what now?
The singer repeats the line acknowledging your difficult father relationship and asking what you plan to do next.
In ages long ago -- King Ahaz was a guy
The singer cites King Ahaz as an example from history.
Who's worthless and vile -- but he had Hezekiah
King Ahaz was a bad king but his son Hezekiah became a righteous leader.
And after that day, King Amon arrived
King Amon was King Hezekiah's son.
He brought a black cloud but his kid was Josiah
King Amon was a bad king but his son Josiah became a righteous king.
Who brought a better day (oh, follow me)
Josiah improved the kingdom and was a restore of righteousness.
Second Kings 16 through 23 shows you how things can turn around
The book of 2 Kings 16 through 23 can guide you to turn your situation around.
King Ahaz and Amon were bad to the bone
King Ahaz and Amon were terrible kings.
But they had the most righteous sons to be on the throne
Their sons became righteous leaders despite their fathers' failings.
So where was your daddy when you needed him most?
The singer repeats the question about your father in times of need.
You need to believe in a Dad you can trust
The singer encourages you to believe in a trustworthy father figure.
In Second Chronicles 28 through 35
The singer advises you to read Second Chronicles 28 through 35.
Ahaz was reviled but they loved Hezekiah
King Ahaz was hated but his son Hezekiah was loved.
And how about Amon -- he was despised
King Amon was disliked by many.
But, how they revered his son Josiah
Josiah was honored and revered despite his father's bad reputation.
He had a better fate -- you gotta have faith
Josiah had a better future because of his righteousness and you need to have faith in your future.
Psalm 27:10
The singer cites Psalm 27:10, which says 'Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.'
Contributed by Brody M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
lionhearte1
This song made me tingle - because it relates to me so much - I had an abusive father, and I cursed God for it, but even so, my life improved immensely and I had faith. Now I need to learn forgiveness for my father. Thank you, Lord, for saving me.
pointedgrace
Thank the Lord for ApologetiX! This song really spoke to my heart and has helped to restore my brother's confidence as the son in a broken marriage - he is realizing that he is more than just a "Bad Dad's" son!
Twitty
i LOVE these guys! they have such an awesome message and they tell it in a fun way so that everyone will want to hear it. im such a fan of these guys! JJ and Karl are really nice! ^.^
Lovada Hawkins
Amen, with God we can overcome anything!
DanaeMariSkywalker
This is really good! The clips really fit with the words. I love Apologetix and this song!
lovingmomma
I love how Arnold was used as one of the bad dads and this song was posted long before the whole Arnold scandal!!! I just found this group and I'm loving their work!!
R S
This is great! You mean this is home made? It looks so professional!
TheGoofyKidBand
I loved "The saga begins" clips (Thats an awesome music video too! Apologetix and Weird Al are my two favorite bands!)
Jesse Walden
The song is not about the bad dad, it is about how you can make your own reputation and not be cursed by your father's desisions.
eighthalls8halls
I love that song, and it's even better with the apologetix version.