Daughter
Loudon Wainwright III Lyrics
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Everything she wants, I see she gets
That's my daughter in the water
Everything she owns, I bought her
Everything she owns
That's my daughter in the water
Everything she knows
Everything I say, she takes to heart
Everything she takes, she takes apart
That's my daughter in the water
Every time she fell, I caught her
Every time she fell
And that's my daughter in the water
I lost every time I fought her
Yeah, I lost every time
Every time she blinks, she'd strike somebody blind
Everything she thinks blows her tiny mind
That's my daughter in the water
Who'd have ever thought her?
Who'd have ever thought?
That's my daughter in the water
I lost every time I fought her
Yeah, I lost every time
The song "Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright III is a heartfelt and truthful tribute to the singer-songwriter's daughter. The lyrics depict a deep affection and love for her, as the singer speaks about all of the things he's done for her and all of the things she's taught him. The chorus, "That's my daughter in the water, everything she knows I taught her, everything she owns I bought her", highlights the immense love a parent has for their child, and the lengths they will go to provide for them.
The following verse, "Everything I say, she takes to heart, everything she takes, she takes apart" portrays the daughter as a highly intelligent and curious individual, who is able to deconstruct and understand everything around her. The closing lines of the chorus, "And that's my daughter in the water, I lost every time I fought her, yeah, I lost every time", speak to the realization that, despite being the parent and teacher, the singer learns as much from his daughter as she learns from him, and that their relationship is one of equals.
Overall, the song "Daughter" is a touching ode to the unconditional love and admiration a parent has for their child, and the powerful impact that children can have on the lives of their parents.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything she sees, she says she wants
My daughter desires everything she lays her eyes on.
Everything she wants, I see she gets
I make sure my daughter gets everything she wants.
That's my daughter in the water
The person I am referring to is my daughter who is in the water.
Everything she owns, I bought her
All of my daughter's belongings were purchased by me.
That's my daughter in the water
The person I am referring to is still my daughter who is in the water.
Everything she knows, I taught her
I am the one who has taught my daughter everything she knows.
Everything I say, she takes to heart
My daughter takes my words very seriously.
Everything she takes, she takes apart
My daughter has a tendency to take things apart and examine them closely.
That's my daughter in the water
Once again, the person I am referring to is my daughter who is still in the water.
Every time she fell, I caught her
I have always been there to catch my daughter whenever she falls down.
Every time she fell
This line is a continuation of the previous line to emphasize that I have always been there for her whenever she needed me.
And that's my daughter in the water
Once again, I am pointing out that my daughter is the person in the water.
I lost every time I fought her
Whenever I tried to fight my daughter, I always ended up losing.
Yeah, I lost every time
This line is a continuation of the previous line to emphasize that I could never win an argument against my daughter.
Every time she blinks, she'd strike somebody blind
My daughter has an intense energy that can sometimes have a powerful impact on others.
Everything she thinks blows her tiny mind
My daughter is constantly amazed by the world around her and is always looking for new things to learn and discover.
That's my daughter in the water
Once again, I am referring to my daughter who is still in the water.
Who'd have ever thought her?
I am amazed at all the wonderful things my daughter has accomplished.
Who'd have ever thought?
This line is a continuation of the previous line to emphasize my amazement at how far my daughter has come.
That's my daughter in the water
Once again, I am referring to my daughter who is still in the water.
I lost every time I fought her
Even though I have tried to control my daughter at times, I always ended up losing to her independent spirit.
Yeah, I lost every time
This line is a continuation of the previous line to reinforce that I could never win an argument against my daughter.
Lyrics © Mute Song Limited
Written by: Peter Blegvad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kathleen McWhirter
He's such a brilliant songwriter/performer. I first saw him after he released his first album, and have been a Loudomaniac since! So thoughtful, witty, poetic and downright funny--there's simply no one like him!
Charles Reilly
Kathleen, I fully agree. Few have such a lively mind as Loudon. I've followed him for 40 years. Viva, Loudon!
Josh Fryer
I've only seen Loudon once live, but he is SUPER witty and sings all his tunes flawlessly, even after all these years! Can't wait to see this on the 13th!
Richard Hartley
This is a brilliant show. More like this please!!
Jordan Blair
If my beautiful wife and I have a son were naming him Loudon. Honestly I’m a devout Rufus fan and I explain that I fell in love with Rufus’ music and fell in love with Loudon’s name.
Sharon Her
love his voice. so looking forward to this! <3
Betsareoff
Just watched this. So good.
Konkeror
Voice of an angel.
IAGO MILGRAU
COLOCA O FILME VIVA A VIDA É UMA FESTA
Goiastr
The Great Loudon