Daddy Wasn't Home
Paul Wall Lyrics

Daddy, daddy wasn't home, so momma raised me
Paul Wall's father was not present in his life, and so his mother took on the role of raising him.

And I'm still mommas baby
Despite growing into an adult, Paul Wall still has a strong connection to his mother and feels like her child.

March 11, 1981 My momma gave birth to a hell raising heavenly son And my daddy was a fool addicted to brown So he wasn't ever around, but my momma held me down
Paul Wall's birth date and backstory are given - his mother gave birth to him while his father was not a present figure due to addiction, and she worked hard to raise him despite his absence.

When me and big sister had nothing to eat My momma gave up her last trying to make ends meet She was a school teacher, working to provide for her fam' Struggling in AA, to submit to gods plan
Paul Wall's mother sacrificed her own resources to provide for her children when they had nothing to eat, while also working as a school teacher and attending AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) to better submit to her faith.

Them long twelve's steps of hardway are all on your own No family, few friends, my momma was all alone She did it for her children, struggling to make a living And some how we still had food on thanksgiving
Paul Wall describes his mother's struggles with the difficult, solitary nature of AA and poverty, but highlights her perseverance in providing for her children and finding ways to celebrate the holidays despite their circumstances.

When I can barely talk momma taught me to pray And right then I knew that we'd have a better life some day She still give up her last just to see me smile That's the definition of love for you child, I love my momma
Paul Wall credits his mother with instilling faith in him from a young age, and also mentions her willingness to sacrifice for her children as a sign of her love.

My momma was my role model, I had no father figure Just a bunch of pipe dreams of being richer But as times got tougher my life just got rougher It hurts so bad to see me watch my momma suffer
Paul Wall describes his mother as a positive role model in his life, and contrasts her influence with the lack of guidance from his father. As their struggles continued, Paul Wall felt pain at seeing his mother struggle.

Its so hard to cope when you so dead broke So momma used to make me memorize the song quotes In the middle of a session momma gave god praise I knew what it meant to struggle at such an early age
Paul Wall describes the difficulty of living in poverty, and highlights his mother's use of music and faith to help them cope with their struggles and stay hopeful.

Remember them days she barely earned minimum wage But made sure I had new cloths to start the seventh grade She met my step father, and walked down the aisle I praised he sent somebody that would make my momma smile
Paul Wall remembers his mother working hard despite earning very little, and emphasizes her commitment to providing for her children's basic needs such as clothing. He also mentions her later marriage to his stepfather and the happiness it brought her.

He raised me as his own, he taught me to be a man Adopted me and Anne, and gave momma a hand I just love to see that beautiful smile on momma face My momma could never be replaced, I love my momma
Paul Wall speaks warmly of his stepfather, who helped raise him and his sister, and also acknowledges the positive impact he had on his mother's life. He maintains his love and respect for his mother throughout the song.

20 years of struggling, done came to a close No more old, torn up, and hand me down cloths She deserve the best, and never nothing less No stress, give my momma that Gucci dress
As his mother's struggles have come to a close, Paul Wall expresses a desire to give her the best life possible, including nice clothes and an absence of stress.

The times were hard but we done made it out the rain The storm was severe but we overcame the hurricane Them rainy days seem to last so long When them times got hard my momma told me be strong
Paul Wall reflects on the difficult times he and his mother faced, but notes their perseverance and strength in overcoming these challenges. He recalls his mother's encouragement to be strong during these trials.

My number 1 supporter ever since day one And still till this day momma would die for her son No more slumz, all them rainy days are done No a days we taking trips to Disney world just for fun
Paul Wall notes his mother's unwavering support throughout his life, and reiterates her strong desire to care for him. As their standard of living has improved, they are now able to enjoy vacations together as a family.

I put you in a Benz take you out that nova Its been a long rough road, but that bumpy rides over You raise me from a baby, my number 1 lady And until the day I'm in my grave, ima stay mommas baby
Paul Wall expresses his gratitude towards his mother and celebrates their improved standard of living. He recognizes her as a key figure in raising him and loves her deeply, promising to remain her child for the rest of his life.

Daddy, daddy wasn't home, so momma raised me And I'm still mommas baby Daddy, daddy wasn't home, so momma raised me And I'm still mommas baby Daddy, daddy wasn't home, so momma raised me And I'm still mommas baby Daddy, daddy wasn't home, so momma raised me And I'm still mommas baby
The chorus repeats and reinforces the theme of the entire song - despite the absence of his father, Paul Wall was raised by his strong, loving mother and will always be closely connected to her as her child.