Backslider
Toadies Lyrics
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Nine years old
Waitin' for
Just one word!
I was thinkin' of all the things
My daddy told me of
Sin and salvation andManhood and dignity
All that time
In the dark
Just one word
Backslider!
I remember the day I stepped
Into the water
My daddy held me in his hands
And pushed my head under
And said
Son I am
So proud.
Just one word
Backslider!
Well I opened my eyes
And my daddy held me in his hands
I looked up through the water
And thought I saw Jesus, and then
Well I threw up my hands!
And I heard, Amen!
And I prayed, sweet Jesus
Don't let me become a backslider!
The Toadies' song Backslider is a powerful and poignant exploration of the singer's childhood experiences with religion and religious guilt. The song begins with the lyrics "Bended knee, nine years old, waitin' for just one word" which seems to signify the singer waiting for a word of reassurance from a higher power. The lyrics "I was thinkin' of all the things my daddy told me of, sin and salvation and manhood and dignity" indicate that the singer has been deeply influenced by his father's religious teachings about right and wrong, manhood, and masculinity.
The chorus of the song "All that time in the dark, just one word, backslider" suggests that the singer has been grappling with doubts about his faith and that he feels immense guilt and shame about those doubts. It seems that the singer is torn between the desire to please his father and the desire to be true to himself.
The second verse of the song begins with the lyrics "I remember the day I stepped into the water, my daddy held me in his hands and pushed my head under and said son I am so proud. Just one word, backslider!" which reveals that the singer has been baptized and that his father is proud of him for taking that step. However, despite the praise, the singer is still consumed with feelings of guilt and uncertainty.
The final verse of the song ends on a note of hope as the singer throws up his hands and prays "sweet Jesus, don't let me become a backslider!" It seems that the singer is still struggling with doubt and uncertainty, but he is also hopeful that he can overcome those doubts and find salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
Bended knee
In a position of humility and submission
Nine years old
At a young age, still impressionable and learning
Waitin' for Just one word!
Eagerly anticipating guidance and approval
I was thinkin' of all the things My daddy told me of Sin and salvation and Manhood and dignity
Reflecting on the lessons and values instilled by a father figure
All that time In the dark Just one word Backslider!
Amidst uncertainty and confusion, seeking clarity and validation
I remember the day I stepped Into the water My daddy held me in his hands And pushed my head under And said
Recalling a pivotal moment of initiation and guidance
Son I am So proud. Just one word Backslider!
Expressing pride and admiration while also emphasizing the importance of remaining true to one's beliefs
Well I opened my eyes And my daddy held me in his hands I looked up through the water And thought I saw Jesus, and then
Experiencing a spiritual vision and moment of revelation
Well I threw up my hands! And I heard, Amen! And I prayed, sweet Jesus Don't let me become a backslider!
Feeling overcome with emotion and making a vow to stay committed to one's faith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TODD LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@satinafn6993
Bended knee
Nine years old
Waitin' for
Just one word!
I was thinkin' of all the things
My daddy told me of
Sin and salvation and
Manhood and dignity
All that time
In the dark
Just one word
Backslider!
I remember the day I stepped
Into the water
My daddy held me in his hands
And pushed my head under
And said
Son I am
So proud.
Just one word
Backslider!
Well I opened my eyes
And my daddy held me in his hands
I looked up through the water
And thought I saw Jesus, and then
Well I threw up my hands!
And I heard, Amen!
And I prayed, sweet Jesus
Don't let me become a backslider!
@travvypoo
Rubberneck is one of the most perfect rock albums ever. Imo it's a masterpiece.
@Shelkie13
Best break up album ever!
@sst3d
E.A. Hawley absolutely
@ckelco82
It is so outrageously underrated!
@eyesofflys8472
E.A. Hawley someone said it!
@therealdonkeykongiswear
So fuckin underated. These guys rock hard
@sixdollarman1362
I love this album. It only took me 25 years to find out there was a video for "Backslider".
@ronniewall1481
I GOT THIS ON THE ALBUM PLEATHER
@kenabiggs
Same. This album is the shit
@bryanrodriquez92
Took me almost 23 years and I'm about to turn 23 years old