An actress, singer, talk show host, and author, the multi-talented Reese first started singing in church in her hometown of Detroit when she was six years old. By the age of 13, she was touring with gospel great Mahalia Jackson; then, at 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to bring gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. Reese expanded her musical repertoire as a vocalist with the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and began recording albums, with such hits as "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me" in the 1950s. She appeared extensively as a guest on the top television variety series, logging more than 20 appearances in one year on The Ed Sullivan Show on the CBS Television Network. Reese was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Female Soloist in Gospel Music in 1987.
Tapping into her other skills, she was host of a television talk show in 1969-1970, then began guest-starring in such series as Sanford and Son, The A-Team, Crazy Like a Fox and Picket Fences. She starred in the CBS Network series Charlie & Co. and The Royal Family. Reese's current projects include a new album based on her 27-city tour with her revue, "Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues," as well as song on the Touched By An Angel Soundtrack. Her best-selling autobiography, "Angels Along the Way," is published by G.P. Putnam's Sons. Reese also starred in the telefilms Emma's Wish, with Joanna Kerns, and The Secret Path, with Ossie Davis.
Daddy
Della Reese Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
Hey, Daddy, gee, don't I look swell in sables?
Clothes with Paris labels?
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
Here's 'n'amazing* revelation
With a bit of stimulation
I'd be your inspiration
Daddy, I want a brand new car, champagne, caviar
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
Hey, Daddy, I want a diamond ring, bracelets, everything
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
Hey, Daddy, gee, don't I look swell in sables?
Clothes with Paris labels?
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
Here's 'n'amazing revelation
With a bit of stimulation
I'd be a great sensation
I'd be your inspiration
Daddy, I want a brand new car, champagne, caviar
Daddy, daddy
You oughta get the best for me, la-dah
The lyrics to Della Reese's song "Daddy" are about a woman's desire for material possessions from her wealthy father figure. The woman in the song is asking her "daddy" to provide her with a diamond ring, sables, clothes with Paris labels, a brand new car, champagne, and caviar. She believes that her father's wealth should be used to provide her with these luxuries, and that she deserves nothing less than the best.
The song is layered with irony and commentary on the materialism of society, as well as the way in which women's desires are commodified and used to manipulate men to provide for them. The lyrics suggest that the woman wants her father to see her as a valuable commodity, someone who can inspire and motivate him to provide her with the best that money can buy.
The repetition of the phrase "Daddy, you oughta get the best for me" emphasizes the woman's insistence on receiving only the best, and highlights the unequal power dynamics between her and her father figure.
Overall, the song is a satirical commentary on the materialism and capitalist values that dominate American society, particularly in relation to the ways in which women are often viewed as objects to be traded and exchanged for wealth and status.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Daddy, I want a diamond ring, bracelets, everything
I desire materialistic things like expensive jewelry and anything luxurious.
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
As my father, you should provide me with the best things in life.
Hey, Daddy, gee, don't I look swell in sables? Clothes with Paris labels?
I look great in fancy clothes with designer labels on them, don't you think, Dad?
Here's 'n'amazing revelation With a bit of stimulation I'd be a great sensation I'd be your inspiration
With a little push, the things you can help me achieve would not only propel my fame but also motivate you.
Daddy, I want a brand new car, champagne, caviar
I also want you to provide me with luxury items like an expensive car, high-end champagne, and caviar.
Daddy, you oughta get the best for me
It is your responsibility as my father to give me the best things in life.
Daddy, daddy You oughta get the best for me, la-dah
Dear father, it is your sole responsibility to ensure I have and enjoy the good things in life.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind