Mommy Where's Daddy
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics


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Mommy, where's daddy?
Mommy, where's daddy?

Right here, girl
Sweet thing, you look so sad
Cheer up, don't you know your dad is bad
Give daddy a kiss, girl
Oh, dad

There ain't no problem I can't face, 'cos
Your daddy's got a bigger bag of tricks
Give daddy a kiss, girl
Oh, dad

Mommy, where's daddy?
Mommy, where's daddy?

Come on, sit on your daddy's lap 'cos
I'm the one who pats your back
Give daddy a kiss, girl
Oh, dad

Lemme see now where to begin
Lemme start by tuckin' you in
Give daddy a kiss, girl
Oh, dad





Mommy, where's daddy?

Overall Meaning

The song "Mommy Where's Daddy" by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a disturbing and uncomfortable exploration of sexual abuse and the effects it can have on a child. The lyrics, delivered in a sinister tone by lead singer Anthony Kiedis, describe a father figure who tries to comfort his daughter and gain her affection through inappropriate sexual advances.


The song begins with the questioning of the whereabouts of the father figure, followed by an attempt to comfort the girl by telling her not to be sad and assuring her that her father is "bad". The father then asks for a kiss, emphasizing his power over the girl, and claiming that there is no problem he can't handle because he has a "bigger bag of tricks". The chorus is repeated four times throughout the song, highlighting the repeated questioning of the father's whereabouts and the underlying fear and confusion that the girl feels.


The second verse continues the disturbing narrative, as the father figure describes how he tucks the girl into bed and again asks for a kiss. The lyrics are unsettling, and the use of the word "daddy" in the repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea of a twisted father-child relationship. The final repetition of the chorus ends with a fade-out that leaves the listener with a feeling of unease and discomfort.


Overall, the song is a striking example of how music can be used to explore uncomfortable and taboo subjects. The lyrics and delivery are intentionally provocative, with the purpose of drawing attention to the horror of sexual abuse and removing the veil of silence that often shrouds it.


Line by Line Meaning

Mommy, where's daddy?
The singer is asking their mother where their father is.


Mommy, where's daddy?
The singer repeats their question, perhaps indicating some distress or urgency.


Right here, girl
The father figure is present and responding to the daughter's question.


Sweet thing, you look so sad
The artist is commenting on the daughter's emotional state, potentially trying to manipulate her.


Cheer up, don't you know your dad is bad
The father acknowledges that he is a flawed or problematic individual, but may be trying to normalize this behavior to his daughter.


Give daddy a kiss, girl
The father is inviting physical contact with his daughter.


Oh, dad
The daughter acknowledges her father's presence.


There ain't no problem I can't face, 'cos
The father is trying to establish himself as a capable problem-solver or powerful figure in the daughter's life.


Your daddy's got a bigger bag of tricks
The father implies that he is resourceful or cunning and can handle any issue that arises.


Come on, sit on your daddy's lap 'cos
The father is again inviting physical contact with his daughter in a potentially inappropriate way.


I'm the one who pats your back
The father is emphasizing his role as a nurturing figure in his daughter's life, perhaps suggesting he is the only one who can provide her with this kind of support.


Lemme see now where to begin
It is unclear what the father is referring to with this statement, but he appears to be starting some kind of new interaction with his daughter.


Lemme start by tuckin' you in
The father is framing this interaction as a nurturing act, much like putting a child to bed.


Give daddy a kiss, girl
The father is again trying to initiate physical contact with his daughter.


Oh, dad
The daughter acknowledges her father's presence, potentially indicating that she is complying with his requests or expectations.


Mommy, where's daddy?
The daughter repeats her question, suggesting that she may be seeking something from her father that he is not providing her with or that their relationship is strained in some way.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: ANTHONY KIEDIS, CLIFF MARTINEZ, JACK SHERMAN, MICHAEL PETER BALZARY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Alex Alvarez


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