Founded by Farrell and original bass guitarist Eric Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band Psi Com, Jane's Addiction was one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Jane's Addiction's first release was a self-titled live album in 1987 and quickly caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records. The band's first two studio albums, Nothing's Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), were released to widespread critical acclaim, and an increasing cult fanbase. As a result, Jane's Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the "Alternative Nation". The band's initial farewell tour, in 1991, launched the first Lollapalooza, which has since become a perennial alternative rock festival.
The band briefly reunited in 1997, with Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Avery on bass guitar. In 2001, a second reunion took place, with Martyn LeNoble—and later Chris Chaney—occupying the role of bass guitarist. In 2003, the band released its third studio album, Strays, before dissolving again the following year.
In 2008, the band's original line-up reunited and embarked on a world tour. Eric Avery, however, subsequently left the band in early 2010 as the group began working on new material. The band released its fourth studio album The Great Escape Artist in 2011, with Chaney returning to the band for its recording and subsequent tour. In 2016, Jane's Addiction were nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Had a Dad
Jane's Addiction Lyrics
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Turned around, found my daddy gone
He was the one made me what I am today
It's up to me now, my daddy has gone away
Well I spoke to the mountain, I listened to the sea
Both told me that the fountain was the best that you can be
My daddy's hand, it growed
Slow to the lickin' sonny boy
Got that funny feeling
He's not there at all
The song "Had a Dad" by Jane's Addiction speaks about the absence of the singer's father and its impact on his life. The opening verse conveys the strength and influence the father had on the singer, but then quickly reveals his disappearance. The phrase "Bug and strong" suggests a tough and resilient character, which highlights the significant loss the singer must endure.
As the lyrics progress, the singer begins to reflect on the effect of his father's departure, and what it means for him. The lines "He was the one made me what I am today, It's up to me now, my daddy has gone away" indicate a sense of responsibility, as the singer realizes that he must become self-sufficient and self-reliant.
The latter part of the song sees the singer attempt to find answers in nature, speaking to the mountain and listening to the sea. These elements are used metaphorically to convey the idea of wisdom and introspection, suggesting that the singer is trying to discover his true self and purpose.
Overall, "Had a Dad" is a deeply introspective song about the absence of a father figure and the journey of self-discovery that occurs as a result.
Line by Line Meaning
Had a dad, bug and strong
My father was a large and powerful man.
Turned around, found my daddy gone
One day, my father was no longer there.
He was the one made me what I am today
My father was instrumental in shaping who I am as a person.
It's up to me now, my daddy has gone away
Now that my father is no longer around, I must take responsibility for my own life.
Well I spoke to the mountain, I listened to the sea
In my search for guidance, I turned to nature for wisdom.
Both told me that the fountain was the best that you can be
I learned from nature that striving to be your best self is the ultimate goal.
My daddy's hand, it growed
My father's discipline was harsh and relentless.
Slow to the lickin' sonny boy
I endured many physical punishments from my father.
Grow to whip him even tried to call
I eventually reached a breaking point and tried to escape my father's abuse.
Got that funny feeling
Despite my attempts to distance myself from my father, I still feel his presence in my life.
He's not there at all
My father may be physically gone, but his impact on me is still very real.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIC ADAM AVERY, PERRY FARRELL, DAVID NAVARRO, STEPHEN PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind