Diddley Daddy
Bo Diddley Lyrics


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Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy

I got a baby that's oh-so pretty
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
I found her right here in the windy city
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Somebody kissed my baby last night
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
My pretty baby cried, you know it wasn't right
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy

My baby started to cry in vain
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Say Bo Diddley, you know you're a natural born man
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
I say I love you baby with all my heart
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Please don't never say we'll part
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy

Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley here's our scene




Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
I want to know if you do love me
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bo Diddley's song "Diddley Daddy" are repetitive and simple, consisting mostly of the phrase "diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy" repeated over and over. However, interspersed with this nonsensical refrain is a story about the singer's baby, who is pretty but has been kissed by someone else. The singer reassures the baby that he loves her and begs her not to leave him.


There are a number of possible interpretations of these lyrics. One is that the repetitive "diddley" refrain is a reference to the guitar riff that Bo Diddley was famous for. The simple lyrics could be seen as a way of highlighting the music and the groove. Another interpretation is that the lyrics are deliberately nonsensical, meant to be enjoyed for their sound rather than their meaning. However, the story about the singer's baby hints at a deeper emotional undercurrent. The repetition of the phrase "daddy" suggests a relationship of protectiveness and care.


Overall, "Diddley Daddy" is a catchy, stripped-down song that showcases Bo Diddley's unique style. The lyrics may not be particularly profound, but they serve as a vehicle for the infectious rhythm and groove that is at the heart of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Repetitive, rhythmic sounds of the guitar, emphasizing the importance and presence of the song's main character, 'Daddy.'


I got a baby that's oh-so pretty Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The singer has a beautiful and attractive partner, highlighted by the guitar's accompanying rhythm.


I found her right here in the windy city Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The singer found their partner in Chicago, known as the 'Windy City.'


Somebody kissed my baby last night Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Someone else kissed the artist's partner, which upsets them and is reflected by the guitar's sound.


My pretty baby cried, you know it wasn't right Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The artist's partner cried because of the kiss, indicating that it was wrong and not acceptable.


My baby started to cry in vain Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The singer's partner cried in vain, futilely trying to fix things and make it right.


Say Bo Diddley, you know you're a natural born man Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The singer affirms Bo Diddley's masculinity, potentially as a way of seeking advice or validation from him.


I say I love you baby with all my heart Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley Please don't never say we'll part Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The artist expresses their love for their partner and begs them not to leave, as shown by the guitar's sentimental tone and beat.


Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley here's our scene Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley I want to know if you do love me Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
The artist addresses Bo Diddley, potentially to get advice or affirmation on their relationship, highlighted by the guitar's increasing intensity.


Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
The guitar's persistent and consistent rhythm, reflecting the recurring and central presence of 'Daddy' in the song.


Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
The guitar's persistent and consistent rhythm, reflecting the recurring and central presence of 'Daddy' in the song.


Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
The guitar's persistent and consistent rhythm, reflecting the recurring and central presence of 'Daddy' in the song.


Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
The guitar's persistent and consistent rhythm, reflecting the recurring and central presence of 'Daddy' in the song.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, SONGBOOK MUSIC LLC D/B/A QUAZICAL MUSIC
Written by: ELLAS MCDANIEL, HARVEY FUQUA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@estremonias1112

Mangnificent song of the inventor of rock and roll and everything that it came after.

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy

I got a baby that's oh-so pretty
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
I found her right here in the windy city
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Somebody kissed my baby last night
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
My pretty baby cried, you know it wasn't right
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy

My baby started to cry in vain
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Say Bo Diddley, you know you're a natural born man
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
I say I love you baby with all my heart
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
Please don't never say we'll part
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy

Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley here's our scene
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley
I want to know if you do love me
Diddley-diddley-dum, dum, dum-diddley

Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy
Diddley-diddley-diddley-diddley, daddy...



All comments from YouTube:

@gleidsonsousa2928

love Little Walter’s harp on this one ☝🏻

@vinny4411

Brian Jones inspiration for 19th nervous breakdown

@fishbike9103

This is my favorite Bo Diddley piece. I tend to like the old fashioned raw stuff the best, but I used to have copy of his version as a trio with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ wolf, with ladies backing up, and that’s fun too.

@SAMUEL-b3v2o

Memory from when I was a kid. Loved it then love it now!

@rhembo

19TH Nervous Breakdown..glad the Stones gave credit to their influences

@willpn100

Bo Diddley´s dimension is not comparable in scale. He was beyond any dimension. This song demonstrates the wide extent and influence of Bo Diddley.

@colinmccauley3301

two of the greatest: Bo Diddley and James Brown. never, ever will be forgotten by real people.

@marievilla9782

I love bo diddley bc my dad liked playing all his songs plus he took me to one of his concerts when he he was performing at Disneyland when I was 4 years old.💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

@Bridg2Peace

My first ever rock hero!
Still love the man....

@chrisnewman299

There is also an amazing “Live” version of Bo online almost jamming this on stage during a show that until more recent times had not been seen or heard. It’s a brilliant extended clearly off the cuff moment &piece of Bo Diddley magic of around ten minutes. Pity Little Walter was no longer around to join him harp wise on this as well.

Continue to RIP Bo Diddley the man that put the Rock in Rock & Roll & the Rhythm into the Blues. Absolutely always loved your work & always will.
Chris 🎼

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