She Called Me Daddy
Iggy Pop Lyrics


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She's gone
I froze her out
Move by move
First I didn't hold her hand
Then I didn't touch her in bed
Then I wasn't tender with her upsets
Then I just told her to go
And still, she didn't go
I had to push.

Now this place is peaceful as a grave
It's dead quiet without her
And her stupid t.v. shows
And young girl laughing

I was always ashamed she read Cosmopolitan
I should have been proud of her
What did she want that was so bad?
She just wanted to believe that someone would
Love her and look after her always




She called me Daddy
She called me Daddy

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are about a break-up and the singer's regret for pushing his partner away. The first verse describes how the singer distanced himself from their partner and eventually pushed them to leave. The second verse reflects on the consequences of this break-up - the loneliness and quietness of their home without her, and the singer's realization that he should have been proud of her instead of feeling ashamed of her interests.


The chorus, "She called me Daddy" is a poignant line because it suggests a power dynamic within the relationship that may have contributed to its failure. The singer may have felt the need to control or protect his partner, leading to a lack of mutual respect and understanding. The line also carries a sense of loss, as the singer remembers the love and trust she had for him, which he ultimately failed to reciprocate.


Overall, the song expresses a heartfelt sense of loss and regret, as the singer reflects on his mistakes and the price he paid for them. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for a lost love, and a hope that the singer will learn from his mistakes and become a better partner in the future.


Line by Line Meaning

She's gone
My partner has left me


I froze her out
I purposely distanced myself from her


Move by move
Slowly but surely


First I didn't hold her hand
I stopped showing her physical affection


Then I didn't touch her in bed
I withdrew from sexual intimacy


Then I wasn't tender with her upsets
I ignored her emotional needs and didn't comfort her when she was upset


Then I just told her to go
I asked her to leave


And still, she didn't go
She didn't leave even though I asked her to


I had to push.
I had to force her out


Now this place is peaceful as a grave
The house is quiet and empty now that she's gone


It's dead quiet without her
There is no noise or activity without her here


And her stupid t.v. shows
I used to dislike the shows she watched, but now I miss them


And young girl laughing
I miss the sound of her laughter


I was always ashamed she read Cosmopolitan
I felt embarrassed about her interests and hobbies


I should have been proud of her
I should have recognized her worth and celebrated her passions


What did she want that was so bad?
I question why her desires were too much to handle for me


She just wanted to believe that someone would
She wanted to have faith that someone would take care of her


Love her and look after her always
She wanted love and security


She called me Daddy
She looked to me for protection and support, like a child looks to their father




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES OSTERBERG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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R Robinson


on Livin' On The Edge Of The Night (edit)

Here are corrections to incorrect lyrics - outrageously, stupidly incorrect: The first line is, "ILL WIND off the river". (And that's ill, not I'll.) The second line is, "smoke stacks fade to BLACK". Second verse: "I've made my bed but I can't REST my head". And "so much COULD be misunderstood". Bridge: "WELL maybe it's just my life". An artist crafts his work meticulously , then this is what happens to it. Disgusting.

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