Debelle's debut album, Speech Therapy, was released in the United Kingdom on 31 May 2009. The album has had three singles released, "Searching", "The Key", and "Go Then, Bye". It won the Barclay Mercury music prize in 2009. The Mercury judges said she was a "remarkable new voice in British hip-hop, tough, warm and reflective". One judge, the broadcaster and conductor Charles Hazlewood added: "She's just quietly telling her stories in the most beguiling way."
Speech began writing poetry aged nine and started rapping lyrics in the schoolyard aged 13. Back then, initial inspiration came courtesy of Michael Jackson, which quickly turned to Blackstreet, Mary J Blige, TLC and reggae.
The first thing about Speech Debelle that strikes the ear is a contrast. Her voice is warm, youthful and listenable, and if you heard her in the background you might assume that her lyrics were the same. You’d be better placed tuning into them. In common with her new label-mate Roots Manuva, she’s astoundingly honest in her music, detailing and exorcising some very personal demons. That isn’t to say she’s another run of the mill rapper with more complaints than insights. Quite the opposite. Like all musicians worth listening to, she draws you into her universe and makes you glad you visited. There’s always a thaw to the chillier moments.
‘Searching’ is her debut single, and a perfect example of the offbeat, folky production that will litter the forthcoming album, as well as the whisper-in-the-ear quality of her vocals. One thing is certain, hip-hop has never been done in quite this way before. ‘Searching’ makes you wonder why not.
Daddy's Little Girl
Speech Debelle Lyrics
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I put mommy above you
cause she played her position and loved me
unconditionally like you never have
I wasn’t that bad I wasn’t no Damien child the
only way I could have been is cause you birth me
Hurt me scarred me so deeply I have trouble
committing to any man cause I think he’s
every birthday to see you would make me so happy
One day in the year and you couldn’t come check
me to busy to come check me
The way you affect me I’m constantly fighting to not affect me
I thought it was cool it didn’t bother me I only realise like last week
I was talking to Shorts about slush puppies he
mentioned my father and were was he
Subconsciously my head tilted like a lover that’s been jilted
I speak painfully whenever I think of you my
eyes start to squint whenever I vision you
Like the visions I see are visions of evil
But still I could be wrong in my visions of what your like
But I can’t really remember what you look like
I am daddy's little girl
That makes me tough
He never held my hand
I am daddy's little girl
That makes me tough
I hope you can understand
Have you never considered your old age
flipping through the papers for the racing page
Looking at pennies to put a bet up in the bookies
Looking at women but too old for the nookie
Can’t get a cookie out of any cookie jar
your spars them pass on long time star
Wish you could spar with the spar them
ca white rum by yourself it just cant get you charged
Looked upon by youths who pass you and
barge like old man move these premonitions I give to you
Without any charge that’s free old boy like a hug from you old boy
Like a kiss any the cheek saying
how was school old boy or happy birthday me old boy
But still you’re an old boy grey hair fill your head like an old man
When your hands them a shake who’s gonna hold your hand
I guess it will be one of my eight siblings yea
eight six different mothers straight
I didn’t grow with them I hardly know them my
flesh and my blood to me that’s heart breaking
I wanna link them I hope they patience and ovastanding
To know when I’m standing face to face with them I feel abandoned
I see my father in the eyes and I just can’t stand him
The lyrics of Speech Debelle's song "Daddy's Little Girl" depict the complicated relationship between the singer and her father. She confesses her conflicting emotions towards him, expressing both love and hatred. Despite her own internal struggles, she acknowledges her mother's unwavering love and support. Debelle reflects on how her father's absence and neglect have impacted her ability to trust and form deep connections with others. She reveals her deep-seated hurt and longing for her father's presence, highlighting the one day of the year when he would visit, bringing her temporary happiness. However, the pain and abandonment she feels overshadow any positive memories of her father, leading her to question her own recollection of his appearance.
The chorus emphasizes how being a daddy's little girl has made her tough, perhaps as a defense mechanism to cope with the emotional turmoil caused by her father's actions. The final verses touch on her father's aging and the realization that he is now alone and lacking the same kind of love and support he denied her. The lyrics suggest that the singer finds some solace in imagining that her siblings might provide him with the care and attention he failed to give her. Despite this, she still struggles with the pain and anger she feels towards him, unable to stand being in his presence.
Overall, the lyrics of "Daddy's Little Girl" delve into the complex emotions brought about by a strained relationship with a father figure. It explores themes of love, abandonment, longing, and the effects of a fractured family dynamic.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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teanoanoa
elle me fait chialer à chaque fois. Goddamnamazing song.
Antoine Darnet
J'écoute cette musique tous les jours!
Antoine Darnet
Waaaaaaah! So beautiful! A big like
pablo peter
very very very very very nice
josiane dupré
Cool!
Debbie O’Leary
The one ☝️ unlike was her dad