Where Were You
KJ-52 feat. Golden Child Lyrics
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You said if we hit somebody we're suppose to say sorry
But you never say sorry daddy you yell now
Why did you tell that man that mommy just fell down
Mommy didn't fall down daddy's lying
Mommy why are you always sad and always crying?
Daddy why are you always mad you always fighting?
Why do you always say I'm bad even when I'm trying?
I don't want to go to bed now I want to be with you
I don't want to daddy it's to early
I didn't mean it daddy I'm sorry I'm sorry
I promise I'll never say that again
I'm sorry daddy please don't hit me again
Please I'll be a good boy now
Don't put me in the room please don't turn the lights out
(what did I do?
I'm sorry daddy that's all I want to say to you)
CHORUS
Where?where were you? just when I needed you
Daddy where were you
Where?where were you?just when I needed you
Mommy where were you
(golden child)
What up pops I ain't got to tell you my heart is as hard as a rock
Things have changed since I was the age six
Yet some situations stay the same
Like the way I conceal my pain
Growing up I'd swear my name was every profane thing a man could say
I used to make excuses like you weren't the one that hit her
It was just the liquor in ya
My dad the perfect example of hatred and why am I so bitter?
Ya told me real men don't cry that was a lie
You don't realize what goes on inside of my mind
As time passed my heart ran cold my emotions froze
Lost track of the bruises and the broken bones
Just once wanted to hear that you loved me
Wrap your arms around me and hug me yeah right
Remember the first time I couldnt feel the pain
It was when grandma came and took me to church
Where God relieved the hurt and he knows it took work
But I forgave you he could save you but the question is
Will you let him in it would be such a blessing
To see you as a changed man and holdin my mother's hand
CHORUS
The song "Where Were You" by KJ-52 feat. Goldinchild is a heart-wrenching portrayal of a dysfunctional family where the father is physically and verbally abusive towards his wife and son. The son is a young boy who can't comprehend why his father behaves the way he does and repeatedly asks his mother and father why he's always angry and why he hits him and his mother. The boy desperately seeks his father's attention and affection but is met with anger and violence instead. The chorus expresses the disappointment and hurt the son feels towards his absent father and mother who couldn't protect him.
The song highlights the terrible consequences of domestic violence on children and their upbringing. The father's abusive behavior is leading the son to lose his innocence and childhood at a very young age. The song also delves into the lasting impact of such deeply ingrained trauma on the individual, leading to an inability to express emotions and a general bitterness towards life. However, the gold lining in the song is the power of forgiveness and the transformation that can take place when one opens their heart to God.
Line by Line Meaning
Daddy why did you do that to mommy?
Asking father why he is abusive towards the mother
You said if we hit somebody we're suppose to say sorry
Referencing father's hypocritical behavior
But you never say sorry daddy you yell now
Father doesn't apologize but instead becomes angry
Why did you tell that man that mommy just fell down
Father is lying to cover up abuse
Mommy didn't fall down daddy's lying
Child knows father is lying
Mommy why are you always sad and always crying?
Questioning mother's emotions due to father's abuse
Daddy why are you always mad you always fighting?
Questioning father's constant anger and aggression
Why do you always say I'm bad even when I'm trying?
Father constantly puts blame on the child
No I don't want to go to my room
Child doesn't want to leave parent's side
I don't want to go to bed now I want to be with you
Child wants to spend more time with parents
I don't want to daddy it's to early
Child doesn't want to go to bed yet
I didn't mean it daddy I'm sorry I'm sorry
Child apologizes for past actions
I promise I'll never say that again
Child promises to not repeat past mistakes
I'm sorry daddy please don't hit me again
Child pleads with father to not physically abuse them
Please I'll be a good boy now
Child promises to behave better
Don't put me in the room please don't turn the lights out
Child doesn't want to be left alone in the dark
(what did I do?
Unfinished thought of the child
I'm sorry daddy that's all I want to say to you)
Child apologizes again and expresses desire to end conversation
Where?where were you? just when I needed you
Asking where parents were during times of emotional need
Daddy where were you
Specifically addressing father's absence and neglect
Where?where were you?just when I needed you
Repeating previous question for emphasis
Mommy where were you
Questioning mother's role and absence
(golden child)
Introducing the perspective of Goldinchild
What up pops I ain't got to tell you my heart is as hard as a rock
Goldinchild addressing father with a tough exterior
Things have changed since I was the age six
Acknowledging changes and growth since childhood
Yet some situations stay the same
Some things remain unchanged over time
Like the way I conceal my pain
Goldinchild discusses how he hides his true emotions
Growing up I'd swear my name was every profane thing a man could say
Experiencing verbal abuse from father
I used to make excuses like you weren't the one that hit her
Denying father's responsibility for physical abuse
It was just the liquor in ya
Explanatory justification for father's abusive behavior
My dad the perfect example of hatred and why am I so bitter?
Reflecting on how father's behavior has affected Goldinchild
Ya told me real men don't cry that was a lie
Father's influence on Goldinchild's views on masculinity
You don't realize what goes on inside of my mind
Goldinchild expressing inner turmoil
As time passed my heart ran cold my emotions froze
Goldinchild's emotional detachment due to trauma
Lost track of the bruises and the broken bones
Desensitization to physical abuse
Just once wanted to hear that you loved me
Desire for father's affection
Wrap your arms around me and hug me yeah right
Sarcasm towards father's lack of physical affection
Remember the first time I couldnt feel the pain
Recalling moment of spiritual healing
It was when grandma came and took me to church
Grandmother's influence on Goldinchild's faith
Where God relieved the hurt and he knows it took work
Attributing healing to God
But I forgave you he could save you but the question is
Goldinchild expressing forgiveness towards father but questioning his own faith
Will you let him in it would be such a blessing
Encouraging father to seek redemption
To see you as a changed man and holdin my mother's hand
Desiring a positive transformation in father's behavior
CHORUS
Repeating chorus section
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: JONAH SORRENTINO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind