Throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties Dottie pumped out chart toppers like no other. she was selling out concerts, selling millions of records, staring in movies, winning Grammies, Clieos and any other kind of awards you can think of. There is no doubt that the little girl from Tennessee came a long way. Dottie West earned herself the respect of everyone in the music industry and countless fans. If not for her music, most people remember her for either her stage presence or overall good nature. She was always looking out for others and going out of her way to do things for fans, family and friends. Despite Dottie's constant chart presence and sold out concerts her foundation fell out from under her when she discovered that she was a victim of a sneaky accountant and was overpowered by the IRS to give up all she owned. And ALL is ALL. The list of Dottie's personal momentous included the rights to all her music (I believe she wrote well over 400). All Dottie did was look out for others and this is how she was treated...disgusting if you ask me! But Dottie had dignity and started to rebuild her empire.
On august 30, 1991 Dottie was scheduled to appear at The Grand Old Opry. Her car broke down and, determined to keep her promise, she flagged down a passing driver and got a ride. On the way the driver lost control of the car and crashed. Battered, beaten and suffering from the wreck, Dottie pulled the driver from the car herself. She died due to injuries from the accident days later while in the hospital.
Mommy Can I Still Call Him Daddy
Dottie West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We've got big things to talk about some things you have to know
And though you're only four years old I know you understand
That from now on you've got to be mommy's little man
Your daddy left for good today but we'll make it just the same
And pretty soon we'll both forget we even wear his name
(Please mommy can I still call him daddy I know he's treated us so bad
Please mommy can I still call him daddy for he's the only daddy I ever had)
But knowin' that he doesn't care just makes mommy love you more
So come on now and lets be big and strong and please please don't cry
Cause he doesn't deserve your tears
Cause when he left he didn't even say you goodbye
(Please mommy can I still...)
The lyrics of Dottie West's song "Mommy Can I Still Call Him Daddy" depict a mother trying to explain to her four-year-old son about his father, who has left them for good. The song starts with the mother telling her son that she loves him and that they need to talk about certain things, and even though he is just a kid, he can understand the situation they are in. The mother goes on to tell her son that his father has left them for good and that they will have to make do without him. She assures her son that things will be alright, and they will soon forget they even wore his name.
The chorus of the song is where the heartbreak truly hits home, as the son asks his mother if he can still call his father "Daddy." He knows that his father has treated them badly, still, he is the only father he ever had. The mother tries to console the son, telling him that his father doesn't love them like he used to, and that they have to move on without him. She implores the son not to cry and tells him that his father doesn't deserve his tears, as he didn't even say goodbye when he left.
Overall, the song deals with abandonment, heartbreak, and moving on in life. The mother tries to be strong for her son and protect him from the hurt of his father leaving, while the son struggles to make sense of the situation and hold onto the memories of his father.
Line by Line Meaning
Come here my precious little boy mommy loves you so
The mother expresses her love for her son as she prepares to have a serious conversation with him.
We've got big things to talk about some things you have to know
The mother prepares her son for an important conversation where she must reveal some difficult news.
And though you're only four years old I know you understand
Despite the young age of her son, the mother believes he is capable of comprehending the situation.
That from now on you've got to be mommy's little man
The mother asks her son to take on a more mature role now that his father has left.
Your daddy left for good today but we'll make it just the same
The mother acknowledges the father's departure, but reassures her son that they will still be okay.
And pretty soon we'll both forget we even wear his name
The mother optimistically looks towards the future, imagining a time where they will no longer carry their father's name.
(Please mommy can I still call him daddy I know he's treated us so bad
The son pleads with his mother to let him continue calling his father 'daddy' despite the difficulties they have faced.
Please mommy can I still call him daddy for he's the only daddy I ever had)
The son emphasizes the emotional attachment he has to his father, despite his actions.
Now sweetheart you must forget cause he doesn't love you like before
The mother advises her son to move on from his father, revealing to him that his father's love for him has changed.
But knowin' that he doesn't care just makes mommy love you more
The mother reinforces her love for her son, acknowledging how his father's lack of love has created an opportunity for their bond to grow stronger.
So come on now and lets be big and strong and please please don't cry
The mother encourages her son to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity, urging him not to cry.
Cause he doesn't deserve your tears
The mother suggests that her son should not waste his emotions on someone who has left them.
Cause when he left he didn't even say you goodbye
The mother reveals to her son that his father left without even saying goodbye, further emphasizing his lack of care.
(Please mommy can I still...)
The chorus repeats, with the son continuing to plead with his mother to let him call his father 'daddy' despite everything that has happened.
Contributed by Jack H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ray Forsythe
This was literally the most horrifying 3 minutes I have ever experienced in my life.
Jeanie C Jones
My mother was a country music singer, and she got me out on stage singing this when I was about 5 or 6. The roles reversed from little boy to little girl. It's a sweet memory.
Steve DeHaven
Obviously, Dottie heard the song "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and thought to herself, "I can top THAT!"
Music Rocks!
😂
Martin Levacic
This song is 2 years older.
jopie ritmeester
Beautiful!! This song started my love for country music in 1975 ..nice to hear it once more
Kelly blake
All time favorite... First time I heard this I was 3 years old and mom played it one time and I'd sing it and dance with my gommy pushing her in her wheel chair, still today even since my Gommy and parents have passed, I play this song and it bring tears and joy to my day... Memories:!!
Joe Kelly
SORT OF A GOMMIE TSUNAMI TYPE TUNE.
wayne lockwood
What A great Album that one called Mommy,CanI still Call Him Daddy that almost brings tears to my eyes sound so real & having a little girl singing wow totally awesome Thank You Sharon Foster for a great sollection ofsongs!
MyJustified
@lailega I love this song too, it's one of those one's that's really well written and put together, Dottie and then husband Bill where magical songwriters together, and this songs does really pull at the heart strings.