Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
This Child Needs Its Father
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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Come back home, Joe (Come back, ooh)
This child needs its father
Come back home
We both need you, Joe (Come back home)
People talk, as I walk with the baby
But I still hold my head up high
But they still see it in my eyes
I'm trying to do the best I can (Best I can)
But I refuse to let this bed hold another man, ooh
This child needs its father
Come back home, Joe (Come back, ooo)
This child needs its father
Come back home
We both need you, Joe (Come back home)
I just cry, when I try to forget you
And I'm seaching for something to do
But the baby starts fussing, and I see his face
And you know he's the picture of you
Our future lies in your hands, Joe (In your hands)
Because love wouldn't be the same with another man
(Joe) He calls for daddy every day
(Joe) But you're not there
(Joe) I'm running out of things to say
How can I tell him, that you just don't care?
This child needs its father
Come back home, Joe (Come back come back, ooh)
Ooh, this child needs its father
Come back home, Joe
We both need you, Joe (Come back)
Ooh ooh, this child needs its father
Come back home, Joe (Come back, come back)
"This Child Needs Its Father" by Gladys Knight & The Pips tells the story of a mother pleading for the father of her child to return home and take responsibility. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and longing for the absent father to come back and be a part of their lives.
In the first verse, the mother acknowledges the gossip and judgment from others as she walks with her baby. However, she maintains her dignity and masks her pain with a smile. Despite her efforts to hide her emotions, others can still see the sadness in her eyes, highlighting the deep impact the father's absence has on her.
The second verse reveals the mother's struggle to move on and forget about the father. She finds herself helpless and crying, searching for ways to distract herself. However, the sight of her baby reminds her of the father's absence, as the child bears a strong resemblance to him. The mother recognizes that their future lies in the hands of the father, emphasizing the importance of his presence for the sake of their love and family.
The chorus serves as a plea to the father, urging him to return home for the sake of the child. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and the depth of the child's need for a father figure. It also signifies the mother's own longing for the father to be present in their lives. The repetition of the name "Joe" personalizes the plea, suggesting that the song is based on a real-life experience or personal connection.
The bridge of the song reveals the daily struggle the mother faces as the child calls for their father. The absence becomes all the more apparent as the child continues to ask for daddy, yet he is nowhere to be found. The mother is left running out of explanations, unsure of how to explain to the child that their father doesn't seem to care.
In conclusion, "This Child Needs Its Father" portrays the emotional plea of a mother for the absent father to come back home and be a part of their lives. The lyrics vividly depict the mother's struggle to hide her pain and the longing for the father's presence for the sake of their child. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of a father's role in a child's life and the impact of their absence.
Line by Line Meaning
This child needs its father
The child is in need of its father's presence and support
Come back home, Joe (Come back, ooh)
Please return home, Joe, as your presence is vital
We both need you, Joe (Come back home)
Both the child and I require your presence, Joe
People talk, as I walk with the baby
While walking with the baby, people gossip and make assumptions
But I still hold my head up high
Despite the gossip, I maintain my pride and self-confidence
With a smile I disguise the pain I feel
I mask my inner anguish with a smile
But they still see it in my eyes
However, others can still detect the pain in my eyes
I'm trying to do the best I can (Best I can)
I'm exerting maximum effort to handle the situation
But I refuse to let this bed hold another man, ooh
I am determined to remain faithful and loyal to you, Joe
I just cry, when I try to forget you
Whenever I attempt to forget about you, I find myself in tears
And I'm searching for something to do
I am actively seeking activities to distract myself
But the baby starts fussing, and I see his face
However, the baby's discontent and resemblance to you remind me of your absence
And you know he's the picture of you
He closely resembles you in appearance
Our future lies in your hands, Joe (In your hands)
Joe, you hold the responsibility for our future
Because love wouldn't be the same with another man
Another man cannot replace the love we shared, Joe
(Joe) He calls for daddy every day
Every day, the child calls out for their father, Joe
(Joe) But you're not there
However, you are not present
(Joe) I'm running out of things to say
I struggle to find words to explain your absence to the child, Joe
How can I tell him, that you just don't care?
The difficult question arises: How can I explain to him that you lack concern?
Ooh, this child needs its father
Oh, this child desperately requires its father's presence
Come back home, Joe (Come back come back, ooh)
Please return home, Joe, as we need you immensely
Ooh ooh, this child needs its father
Oh, this child is dependent on its father's involvement
Come back home, Joe (Come back, come back)
Please come back home, Joe, we miss you greatly
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dino Fekaris, Nick Zesses
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind