The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
Jim Tomlinson - Stacey Kent Lyrics

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While tearing off a game of golf
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 a boy some night
To dine on my fine finnan haddie
I just adore his asking for more

But my heart belongs to Daddy

Yes my heart belongs to Daddy
So I simply couldn't be bad
Yes, my heart belongs to Daddy
Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da
So I want to warn you, laddie
Though I know you're perfectly swell
But my heart belongs to Daddy
'Cause my Daddy he treats it so well

There was a dame that a football game
Made long for the strong undergraddie
I never dream of making the team
'Cause my heart belongs to daddy

Yes, my heart belongs to Daddy
So I simply couldn't be bad
Yes, my heart belongs to Daddy
Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da
So I want to warn you, laddie
Though I know you're perfectly swell

That my heart belongs to Daddy
'Cause my Daddy, he treats it so well

Overall Meaning

The Surrey With The Fringe on Top by Jim Tomlinson and Stacey Kent is a classic song with playful and witty lyrics. The song is essentially about a young woman who is captivated by her father’s love and dotes on him with an unswerving devotion, much to the exasperation of her suitors. The song begins with the singer who is playing a game of golf, insinuating that she may make a pass at the caddy, but refrains from doing so because her heart belongs to daddy. She then talks about how she loves entertaining her suitors, but no matter how ardent their advances may be, they can never win her affections because her heart still belongs to daddy.

The lyrics are rather ironic, as they express the singer's love for her father in a way that can be interpreted as romantic love, which is often the case with father-daughter dynamics. The Surrey With The Fringe on Top is a charming and delightful tune that showcases Stacey Kent's voice and Jim Tomlinson's excellent saxophone skills. It is a song that plays with the idea of love and affection and can be interpreted in different ways, making it a classic song that has stood the test of time.

Line by Line Meaning

While tearing off a game of golf
In the midst of playing a round of golf

I may make a play for the caddy
I may flirt with the golf caddy

But when I do, I don't follow through
But I never act on my flirtations

'Cause my heart belongs to Daddy.
Because I am loyal to my father and have no interest in anyone else

If I invite a boy some night
If I ask a male companion over for dinner

To dine on my fine finnan haddie
To eat my gourmet smoked haddock dish

I just adore his asking for more
I enjoy when he requests additional servings

But my heart belongs to Daddy
But I remain devoted to my father and not to any romantic partner

Yes my heart belongs to Daddy
Yes, my affections lie solely with my father

So I simply couldn't be bad
So I couldn't be unfaithful or disloyal

Da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da
Musical interlude