Signed to Radar Records they quickly made an impact with their debut LP. "First Offence" containing the hit singles "Dirty Water" (U.S. top forty) and Jimmy McCracklin's "The Walk" (UK. top forty).
These high standards have been maintained over 13 subsequent releases for "New Rose", "Revenge", "Mute/Sonet" and "Last Call" record labels.
The original line up is still together and playing in the UK and all over Europe.
The Walk
The Inmates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plus the teachers couldn't reach her, always been a rebel
Hit the club, watch out boy, you dancin' with the devil
She fuck, she suck, she swallow man, it's like a triple double
Can see it in your eyes, you look for trouble
Just because they fuck yo girl don't mean them niggas love ya
She said, "Don't preach to me nigga, hold up
Is that a bottle on your table, well if so then pour it up"
She said "Daddy, what you think?",
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
Hey, take a couple of shots and it's on
"Bet you I can drink it straight without even throwin' up"
She said "Daddy what you think?"
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
Hey, listen baby girl they playin' your song
Mama couldn't never reach her
Brother tried his best to teach her
She thinks she's ready for the world
Just look at daddy's little girl
Daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
She's daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
Can I get a witness, this is Shawty mixed with Shawty Lo
Ey Jezebel, why you be up in every party for?
You lost to lookin' for a savior, I ain't Mario
I got no cape, but I can't wait to give you cardio
Work you out, you call me daddy, ain't my daughter though
Make me wonder where your father go?
She said, "Don't analyze me nigga, hold up
Is that green on your table? Well if so then roll it up,
I can take it to the face without even throwin' up"
She said "Daddy what you think?"
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
Hey, and blow a couple stacks and she gone
Said, "I can take it to the face without even throwin' up"
She said "Daddy what you think?"
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
Hey, listen baby girl they playin' your song
Mama couldn't never reach her
Brother tried his best to teach her
She thinks she's ready for the world
Just look at daddy's little girl
Daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
She's daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
The Inmates' song "The Walk" delves into the experiences of an adolescent girl who seems to be rebellious and seeks to grow up too fast. The first verse describes a girl who is precocious and exhibits traits of mature sex life that many find shocking. She is not interested in being taught or staying within the guidelines set by society. She is ready to party, drink, and be with whoever she wants because she feels grown, even though she is still a little girl. The father figure tries to caution her by being the voice of reason and telling her she needs to slow down, but she's not interested. The chorus drives home the point by highlighting the father-daughter relationship and the fact that the girl is very much his little girl despite how she acts.
The second verse brings in a male perspective with no direct relation to the girl. This man seems to see her for what she is and tries to understand her, but he is also trying to indulge in her lifestyle as well. He finds her attractive, but it seems that he is aware of her self-destructive tendencies. She is looking for escape, and he is willing to offer her temporary satisfaction. The chorus is repeated, and it becomes clear that the girl is being reminded of her childhood while trying to leave it behind, a notion that the father embodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, her mind is on a different level
She has an unusual perspective and doesn't fit the mold
Plus the teachers couldn't reach her, always been a rebel
She's unmanageable and refuses to conform
Hit the club, watch out boy, you dancin' with the devil
She's a wild party girl who's unafraid to take risks
She fuck, she suck, she swallow man, it's like a triple double
She's promiscuous and uninhibited, but considers it a personal accomplishment
Can see it in your eyes, you look for trouble
She's attracted to danger and excitement
Just because they fuck yo girl don't mean them niggas love ya
She's aware of being used by others and refuses to be a victim
She said, "Don't preach to me nigga, hold up
She rejects unsolicited advice and values self-determination
Is that a bottle on your table, well if so then pour it up"
She values living in the moment and indulging in life's pleasures
"Bet you I can drink it straight without even throwin' up"
She's daring and confident in her abilities
She said "Daddy, what you think?"
She seeks her father's approval and validation
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
Her father acknowledges her maturation and increasing independence
Hey, take a couple of shots and it's on
She's ready to party and let loose
"Bet you I can drink it straight without even throwin' up"
She's still daring and confident in her abilities
She said "Daddy what you think?"
She still seeks her father's opinion and validation
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
Her father keeps acknowledging her growth and maturation
Hey, listen baby girl they playin' your song
She's the life of the party and in her element
Mama couldn't never reach her
Her mother couldn't understand her or influence her behavior
Brother tried his best to teach her
Her brother attempted to guide her and impart wisdom
She thinks she's ready for the world
She's confident in her abilities to handle life's challenges
Just look at daddy's little girl
She's still her father's pride and joy
Daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
She's still the apple of her father's eye
Ey Jezebel, why you be up in every party for?
She's known to be a wild party girl with a reputation
You lost to lookin' for a savior, I ain't Mario
She's searching for someone to rescue her, but he's not her ideal man
I got no cape, but I can't wait to give you cardio
He's not a superhero, but wants to give her a workout in bed
Work you out, you call me daddy, ain't my daughter though
He wants to have sex with her and isn't related to her in any way
Make me wonder where your father go?
He's questioning her upbringing and wondering about her father's absence
She said, "Don't analyze me nigga, hold up
She's annoyed with his judgmental attitude and wants him to stop
Is that green on your table? Well if so then roll it up
She's interested in smoking marijuana with him
"I can take it to the face without even throwin' up"
She's confident in her ability to handle drugs
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
He recognizes that she's becoming more mature and independent
Hey, and blow a couple stacks and she gone
She's willing to spend a lot of money and leave with someone for the night
"Daddy what you think?"
She's still seeking her father's validation, even in regards to her sexual behavior
"Little girl you're growin' up, growin' up"
He continues to recognize her growth and independence
Hey, listen baby girl they playin' your song
She's still the life of the party and enjoying herself
Daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
She's still her father's beloved daughter despite her wild behavior
She's daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl, daddy's little girl
The song reiterates her close bond with her father and how important she is to him
Writer(s): Jimmy Mccracklin
Contributed by Arianna F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
johnnybsteelriff
Storming version.....that riff and solo was just about the first thing I played on my old 50s style telecaster...a marriage made in heaven!!!
Austin Raftery
Thank you so very much for this. I saw them on a TV programme dedicated to British rock n roll from 1975 to 1979. Think it was a BBC compilation. This song was the second to last on the show and it was the best by far. Just couldn't remember the name of the band or the song. Luckily I had recorded the programme and I found my way here . Great track.
dogstaraycliffe
Well done on the video loving all the different walks specially John Cleese on his way to the Ministry of silly walks.
Nico Tena
I bought the LP this song was on when it first came out and played the living daylights out of it!
Brian Goguen
Great vid & song.These guys should have been big.I hear they are still together.
Lorenzo Ripani & The Rockin Daddys
This LP was way too cool. Stray Cats, KingBees The Blaster all too cool stuff
Llygadydydd
Just came back to view this favourite of mine... This always makes me smile, thanks! :o)
Fender Bender
We we're going to record this one,it was just a song in the show. Everyone was hungry and Tony volunteered to go out for fish and chips. The producer Vic Maile asked if we had anything we could start on with one guitar only on the backing track. Pete suggested The Walk. Tony over dubbed his part later when we had finished the chips. Ben Donnelly.
Philip Thompson
Love You Guys, Seen You Play So Many Times, Fabulous.
Ringostarwars
Still having a hard time trying to forgive myself for not going to the shows you played in my hometown in southern Sweden in the early 80's. So dumb😒 Still getting kicks litstening to your records though! Lot's of love to you & thank's for the great music.