Papa can you hear me
N Dubz Lyrics

DAP's to the Y
Giving a shout out to the group N Dubz belongs to

Nah, nah, frickin'
Exclamation expressing strong emotion

And this is for my dad
Song dedicated to N Dubz's father

Uncle B, yeah
Referring to his uncle who helped N Dubz in his musical career

I don't mean to bore, you know my name?
Asking the audience if they already know who he is

Chill for a second, just hear my pain
Asking the audience to listen to his emotional message

If you've lost any loved ones, you'll feel what I'm saying
Comparing his pain to those who have lost someone close to them

I hope it's peaceful down there where they layin'
Expressing hope that his father is at peace in the afterlife

When someone you loved, who put you up from the start
Referring to his father and how he supported him from the beginning

Built you up and made you into who you are
Acknowledging his father's influence in shaping his identity

Who always believed, saying that you'll be a star
Recalling how his father always believed in his potential

Then all of a sudden they just passed
Reflecting on his father's death, which was unexpected

He dash the reaper from on top of ma wardrobe
Metaphorically describing how his father fought against death

Slap them crack from side of the mouth
Metaphorically describing how his father fought against addiction

Put me on stage in front of a crowd
Remembering his father's role in helping him succeed as a musician

Now we're picking up awards while he's under the ground
Acknowledging his father's absence during N Dubz's success

My daddy this and my daddy that
Referencing how others would talk about his father often

Well, I found mine dead on a couch in ma flat
Revealing the sudden and tragic nature of his father's death

So much to say, I wish I coulda said bye
Expressing regret over not being able to say goodbye to his father

The only time I'll talk to him is when I look into the sky, yeah
Reflecting on the fact that he can only communicate with his father through prayer

All I've got is these pictures of ya
Recalling what he has left of his father

And your light blue crack down Nokia
Referencing his father's cell phone as another memory

Things in my house still smell of ya
Recalling the physical presence of his father in his home

Papa if you can hear me
Addressing his father directly in spirit

I regret every bad thing that I said
Expressing remorse for any negative words exchanged with his father

Please forgive me if you hear me
Asking his father for forgiveness in the afterlife

Never knew how much I loved ya till you was dead
Realizing how much he loved his father after he passed

If only you knew what you went and done
Reflecting on how much his father did for him

See all I know is I'm proud to be your son
Acknowledging his father's positive influence on his life

There ain't a way in the world
Expressing gratitude towards Uncle B for his help

It's how I thought it would end up
Reflecting on the success he achieved despite obstacles

If it wasn't for you B there wouldn't be N-Dubz
Acknowledging the role Uncle B played in N Dubz's success

Kept us together never knowing we'd end up
Recalling how Uncle B kept them united and did not anticipate their future success

Moving onto Mobo's pushing the bench up
Referencing the group's success and recognition through winning awards

You pushed and pushed when no one wanted to believe
Acknowledging Uncle B's unwavering support and motivation during tough times

But back then it was all a dream
Remembering how their success seemed unlikely initially

It's like you sacrificed your life
Realizing how much Uncle B sacrificed for their success

For the love of success and a life full of stress, I'm vexed 'cause
Reflecting on the toll Uncle B's struggles took on him

First they love you, second they hate you
Reflecting on how quickly people's attitudes and opinions can change

They talked about you, when they tried to play you
Recalling how others would criticize and doubt their success

Behind your back they were tryna betray you
Expressing frustration over others' disloyalty and betrayal

But B, I never had a chance to repay you
Expressing regret for never being able to fully thank Uncle B for his support

For the things you done for me, put me on the right path
Acknowledging Uncle B's role in guiding his life in a positive direction

Kept me from steering left, yeah we had a right laugh
Reflecting on the positive memories he shared with Uncle B

But I be feeling like Bruce Willis
Comparing himself to the character Bruce Willis played in the movie Die Hard

Each and everyday I really wanna 'Die Hard'
Expressing the frustration and stress he feels despite his success

Remember everything that you said
Recalling Uncle B's words of advice and guidance

The fights and the laughter
Remembering the good times and the bad with Uncle B

The success and disasters, no
Reflecting on the ups and downs of their journey

But nothing seems clearer than the day you were gone
Expressing the impact Uncle B's absence had on him

You said despite all the stress you have to fight till the death
Recalling Uncle B's emphasis on persevering despite difficulty

'Cause little girl you're a star, don't let 'em kill who you are
Recalling Uncle B's words of encouragement and support

You see you gave me a chance and now look where I am
Acknowledging Uncle B's role in his success as a musician

You are the reason, I can't wait to see you again
Expressing love and gratitude towards Uncle B and longing for a reunion in the afterlife

N-Dubz, Tulis, I have to say I dropped a tear when I done this shh
Acknowledging the emotional nature of the song and how it affected him

Like you'll say, you dunno what you got till you lose it
Recalling the common phrase about taking things for granted

B you know, I'm gonna fulfill your wish
Promising to honor Uncle B's memory and wishes

And take care of mum's in the yard
Acknowledging his responsibility to care for his mother in Uncle B's absence

Please forgive me if you hear me
Once again asking for forgiveness from his father and uncle in the afterlife