Gracie
Ben Folds Lyrics
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You got your momma's taste but you got my mouth
And you will always have a part of me
Nobody else is ever going to see
Gracie girl
With your cards to your chest walking on your toes
What you got in the box only Gracie knows
Anything you didn't really want to be
Gracie girl
Life flies by in seconds
You're not a baby Gracie, you're my friend
You'll be a lady soon but until then
You gotta do what I say
You nodded off in my arms watching TV
I won't move you an inch even thought my arm's asleep
One day you're gonna want to go
I hope we taught you everything you need to know
Gracie girl
And there will always be a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
My little girl
My Gracie girl
In Ben Folds's song Gracie, he sings about his daughter Gracie, reflecting on the memories and the love he shares with her. He remarks that he saw her when she was born and that she has inherited her mother's taste with his mouth. He goes on to say that she will always have a part of him, a side that no one else will ever see.
He praises Gracie's independence, acknowledging that she keeps secrets, and he would never try to impose his will upon her. Yet, he reminds her that she is growing up quickly and that she will become a lady soon, but until then, she must follow his guidance. Folds then recounts a touching memory of Gracie nodding off in his arms while they were watching television, and he made sure not to disturb her, even though his arm was asleep.
The song's overall theme is that time flies, and children grow up too fast, but the bond between a father and a daughter is unbreakable. Folds wants his daughter to be prepared for the future and the challenges that come while cherishing the moments they share.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't fool me, I saw you when you came out
I was there when you were born, Gracie, so you can't trick me.
You got your momma's taste but you got my mouth
You inherited some traits from your mother, Gracie, but you have my mouth.
And you will always have a part of me
You will always be a part of me, Gracie.
Nobody else is ever going to see
No one else will ever be able to see the special bond we have, Gracie.
Gracie girl
Addressing Gracie affectionately.
With your cards to your chest walking on your toes
You're keeping your thoughts to yourself, Gracie, and being careful with your actions.
What you got in the box only Gracie knows
Only you know your true intentions, Gracie.
And I would never try to make you be
I won't force you to be anything, Gracie.
Anything you didn't really want to be
I won't push you to be something you don't desire, Gracie.
Gracie girl
Addressing Gracie affectionately again.
Life flies by in seconds
Life goes by too quickly, Gracie.
You're not a baby Gracie, you're my friend
You're growing up, Gracie, and I see you as a friend.
You'll be a lady soon but until then
You'll become a young lady soon, Gracie, but for now,
You gotta do what I say
You have to listen to me and obey, Gracie.
You nodded off in my arms watching TV
You fell asleep in my arms while we were watching TV, Gracie.
I won't move you an inch even thought my arm's asleep
Even though my arm is asleep, I won't move you, Gracie.
One day you're gonna want to go
One day you'll want to leave and be independent, Gracie.
I hope we taught you everything you need to know
I hope we've given you all the knowledge and skills you need, Gracie.
Gracie girl
Addressing Gracie affectionately yet again.
And there will always be a part of me
I'll always be a part of you, Gracie.
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
Our bond is unique, Gracie, and no one else can understand it.
My little girl
Showing affection towards Gracie and highlighting their close relationship.
My Gracie girl
Repeating the earlier endearment, emphasizing their strong connection.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BEN FOLDS, BENJAMIN SCOTT FOLDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind