Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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I may make a play for the caddy
But when I do, I don't follow through
'Cause my heart belongs to daddy
If I invite some boy some night
To dine on my finnan haddie
It's just a pose, 'cause my baby knows
Yes, my heart belongs to daddy
So I simply couldn't be bad
Mm, yes I'm gonna marry daddy
Dad-daddy
So, I want to warn you, laddie
Gee, but I think you're swell
But my heart belongs to daddy
'Cause my daddy, oh my daddy
Mm
My daddy treats it so well
The lyrics of Ella Fitzgerald's My Heart Belongs To Daddy use playful language and innuendos to convey a message about loyalty and devotion to a father figure. The song opens with the singer expressing her interest in a game of golf and teasing the caddy by indicating that she may flirt with him. However, she reveals that she will not follow through with any advances because her heart belongs to daddy. In the second verse, she mentions inviting a boy over for dinner, but again, clarifies that it is just a pose because her baby (daddy) knows that her heart belongs to him. The chorus repeats the message of devotion, announcing that the singer's heart belongs to daddy and that she could never be bad because of that loyalty. The final lines of the song express fondness for her father, acknowledging that he treats her heart well.
Overall, the song seems to be a playful homage to a father figure, using hints of sexual attraction to make the point that the singer's loyalty lies with him. It seems likely that the lyrics were intended as a cheeky nod to the idea of incestuous relationships, which were taboo in the 1930s when the song was written. However, the lyrics can also be read as a more innocent expression of a daughter's love and admiration for her father.
Line by Line Meaning
While tearing off a game of golf
While playing a game of golf
I may make a play for the caddy
I might flirt with the caddy
But when I do, I don't follow through
But I never actually act on it
'Cause my heart belongs to daddy
Because I'm loyal to my father
If I invite some boy some night
If I invite a guy over some night
To dine on my finnan haddie
To have dinner with me
It's just a pose, 'cause my baby knows
It's just for show, because my significant other knows
That my heart belongs to daddy
That I'm devoted to my father
Yes, my heart belongs to daddy
Yes, my loyalty lies with my father
So I simply couldn't be bad
So I simply couldn't be unfaithful
Mm, yes I'm gonna marry daddy
Yes, I'm going to marry my father
Dad-daddy
Referring to her father
So, I want to warn you, laddie
So, I want to warn you, young man
Gee, but I think you're swell
Gee, but I think you're great
But my heart belongs to daddy
But I'm committed to my father
'Cause my daddy, oh my daddy
Because my father, oh my father
Mm
Indicates agreement or satisfaction
My daddy treats it so well
My father takes care of me so well
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind