Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine, then to Northern New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar and studying jazz in his high school. In 1987, Jean, his friend (so close they told people they were cousins growing up) Prakazrel Michel (Pras) and his classmate, Lauryn Hill, formed a group called the Tranzlator Crew before becoming The Fugees. Wyclef worked as a cabdriver.
Recently he has been finding success as a collaborator - with his turn on Shakira's 2006 track 'Hips Don't Lie' hitting number one in many countries around the world.
In August of 2010, Jean announced his intent to seek the presidency of Haiti. This move came after his increasingly-high profile humanitarian work in the wake of the earthquake that devastated that nation.
Baby Daddy
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you know you're taking care of them
Please report on the dancefloor, let's go now
Do the stepfather dance (to the right)
Do the stepfather dance (to the left)
Do the stepfather dance
Baby mama don't hurt nobody, come on
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
Girl I love you
And ain't a thing that I wouldn't do for you
You my boo and we be sticking just like glue
But your kid's got me losing my mind
want to know if I want you
And if I do then you just gotta come to
Now the family be fighting through hard times
But I'm gon' treat them like they're mine
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
Fresh pair of Jordan's you had it
When you want a PlayStation you had it (Vendetta)
First day of school you had it
Even when I didn't have it
Once upon a time, not long ago
Before the dreads, when I had the afro
When in school I used to pass the love notes
If you like me check yes if not check no
Flip the page now everything changed
The kid don't even have my last name
Sometime I feel like I'm paying child support
Someone please call people's court
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
No, (come on) I can't seem to take this pressure no more (come on)
And ? told me young man that life's too short
So leave ya kids at home, meet me on the dancefloor
Yo Wyclef you a wild boy, check it out
Do the stepfather dance, to the right
Do the stepfather dance, to the left
Do the stepfather dance (yeah)
Jersey's in the house
We go, Redman, ganjah the smoke
Listen to the sounds of my nigga funk doc, oh
Wyclef, you know you rule hip-hop, oh
Yo let me handle my bidness (go ahead)
If you love your sons like I do, dress like you and
Air's on his feet, and shinin' his jewels
Brag when he get back to school
Saying my daddy bought me Vendetta 2 for Gamecube
You know kids that try to get fast
That's when I open up a can of whoop ass
Listen, I'm the boss, if you do what I say
Like Nas, the world is yours, let's go
I ain't that baby's daddy (Redman)
I treat him like he's my own (we in the house)
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad (aha)
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now (aha)
I may not be your father (ey)
But I'm the closest thing to him (come on)
I ain't that baby's daddy (I ain't that baby's daddy)
I treat him like he's my own (like he's my own)
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad (breaks in the pad)
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now (you ain't my dad)
I may not be your father (aha)
But I'm the closest thing to him (yeah)
Do the stepfather dance
Do the stepfather dance (eh)
Do the stepfather dance
The lyrics to Wyclef Jean's song Baby Daddy describe the struggle of being a stepfather, particularly when the child is not biologically yours. The song talks about the pride and love one feels for a partner and their child, but also the frustration of feeling like an outsider in the family. The chorus repeats "I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own, but sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son." This line conveys the stepfather's effort to care and provide for the child, but also the internal struggle of not being able to fully take on the role of a biological father.
The verse "fresh pair of Jordan's you had it, when you want a PlayStation you had it" highlights the stepfather's efforts to provide for the child, taking on financial responsibilities as well as emotional ones. However, the line "sometimes I feel like I'm paying child support, someone please call people's court" shows the frustration of feeling like an outsider in the family dynamic, where he is taking on financial responsibilities but not necessarily treated as a true parent. Overall, the song presents a complex portrait of the challenges of step-parenting, while also highlighting the devotion and love that stepfathers can feel for their partner and the children in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Right now if you raising some children that don't belong to you
If you are currently taking care of children that are not biologically yours
But you know you're taking care of them
Even though the children aren't yours, you are still providing for them
Please report on the dancefloor, let's go now
Come to the dancefloor and show your support
Do the stepfather dance (to the right)
Perform the dance move associated with being a stepfather
Do the stepfather dance (to the left)
Perform another stepfather dance move
Do the stepfather dance
Continue performing the stepfather dance moves
Baby mama don't hurt nobody, come on
Don't cause any problems, let's have fun
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
I am not the biological father of the child, but I still care for him as if he were my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
I sometimes question how to act as a father figure to a child that isn't biologically mine
When ? breaks in the pad
When an argument arises
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
The child may say I'm not their real father
I may not be your father
I may not have fathered you biologically
But I'm the closest thing to him
I still act as a close father figure to you
Girl I love you
I care for and love the girl who is the mother of my stepchild
And ain't a thing that I wouldn't do for you
I would do anything to support her and her child
You my boo and we be sticking just like glue
You are my romantic partner, and we are very close
But your kid's got me losing my mind
I am struggling to navigate the role of stepfather and the responsibilities that come along with it
want to know if I want you
I am questioning whether I want to continue this relationship
And if I do then you just gotta come to
If I decide to stay, we need to find a way to move forward together
Now the family be fighting through hard times
The family is struggling and experiencing difficult times
But I'm gon' treat them like they're mine
I will continue to care for and support the family as if they were my own
Fresh pair of Jordan's you had it
You were given a new pair of expensive shoes
When you want a PlayStation you had it (Vendetta)
You were given a PlayStation video game console and a specific game called Vendetta
First day of school you had it
You were given everything you needed for the first day of school
Even when I didn't have it
Even when I couldn't afford to provide for you, you still had everything you needed
Once upon a time, not long ago
In the past, not too long ago
Before the dreads, when I had the afro
Before I had dreadlocks and when my hair was styled in an afro
When in school I used to pass the love notes
During school, I used to pass around notes expressing affection
If you like me check yes if not check no
The love notes would ask the recipient to indicate their interest in a binary way
Flip the page now everything changed
Things are different now and have changed drastically
The kid don't even have my last name
The child doesn't have my last name because he isn't biologically related to me
Sometime I feel like I'm paying child support
I feel like I'm contributing financially to the child even though I am not the biological father
Someone please call people's court
This situation may need to be resolved in court
No, (come on) I can't seem to take this pressure no more (come on)
The situation has become overwhelming and I can't tolerate it anymore
And ? told me young man that life's too short
Someone advised me that life is too short to be unhappy
So leave ya kids at home, meet me on the dancefloor
Forget your worries and have fun with me on the dancefloor
Yo Wyclef you a wild boy, check it out
Someone is acknowledging Wyclef's wild and fun-loving nature
Jersey's in the house
Representing New Jersey (where Wyclef is from)
We go, Redman, ganjah the smoke
Redman is present, smoking marijuana
Listen to the sounds of my nigga funk doc, oh
Listening to music made by Redman's friend 'Funk Doctor Spot'
Wyclef, you know you rule hip-hop, oh
Wyclef is being praised for his influence in the hip-hop industry
Yo let me handle my bidness (go ahead)
Let me handle my business (go ahead)
If you love your sons like I do, dress like you and
If you love your sons like I do, you'll dress like me
Air's on his feet, and shinin' his jewels
The child is wearing expensive sneakers and jewelry that I likely provided
Brag when he get back to school
The child will likely brag about his new belongings at school
Saying my daddy bought me Vendetta 2 for Gamecube
The child may refer to me as their dad and mention that I got them a specific video game
You know kids that try to get fast
You know some kids who try to act grown up too soon
That's when I open up a can of whoop ass
I will discipline them for their behavior
Listen, I'm the boss, if you do what I say
I am in charge and if you listen to me, things will be better
Like Nas, the world is yours, let's go
Referencing Nas' song 'The World is Yours' and encouraging action
Do the stepfather dance
Encouraging the stepfather dance moves again
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUPLESSIS, JEAN, NOBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ricki Rick
Right now if you raising some children that don't belong to you
But you know you're taking care of them
Please report on the dancefloor, let's go now
Do the stepfather dance (to the right)
Do the stepfather dance (to the left)
Do the stepfather dance
Baby mama don't hurt nobody, come on
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
Girl I love you
And ain't a thing that I wouldn't do for you
You my boo and we be sticking just like glue
But your kid's got me losing my mind
want to know if I want you
And if I do then you just gotta come to
Now the family be fighting through hard times
But I'm gon' treat them like they're mine
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
Fresh pair of Jordan's you had it
When you want a PlayStation you had it (Vendetta)
First day of school you had it
Even when I didn't have it
Once upon a time, not long ago
Before the dreads, when I had the afro
When in school I used to pass the love notes
If you like me check yes if not check no
Flip the page now everything changed
The kid don't even have my last name
Sometime I feel like I'm paying child support
Someone please call people's court
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
No, (come on) I can't seem to take this pressure no more (come on)
And ? told me young man that life's too short
So leave ya kids at home, meet me on the dancefloor
Yo Wyclef you a wild boy, check it out
Do the stepfather dance, to the right
Do the stepfather dance, to the left
Do the stepfather dance (yeah)
Jersey's in the house
We go, Redman, ganjah the smoke
Listen to the sounds of my nigga funk doc, oh
Wyclef, you know you rule hip-hop, oh
Yo let me handle my bidness (go ahead)
If you love your sons like I do, dress like you and
Air's on his feet, and shinin' his jewels
Brag when he get back to school
Saying my daddy bought me Vendetta 2 for Gamecube
You know kids that try to get fast
That's when I open up a can of whoop ass
Listen, I'm the boss, if you do what I say
Like Nas, the world is yours, let's go
I ain't that baby's daddy (Redman)
I treat him like he's my own (we in the house)
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad (aha)
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now (aha)
I may not be your father (ey)
But I'm the closest thing to him (come on)
I ain't that baby's daddy (I ain't that baby's daddy)
I treat him like he's my own (like he's my own)
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad (breaks in the pad)
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now (you ain't my dad)
I may not be your father (aha)
But I'm the closest thing to him (yeah)
Do the stepfather dance
Do the stepfather dance (eh)
Do the stepfather dance
Sam Fisher
This song goes hard..RIP to you guys that are in this situation
Ricki Rick
Right now if you raising some children that don't belong to you
But you know you're taking care of them
Please report on the dancefloor, let's go now
Do the stepfather dance (to the right)
Do the stepfather dance (to the left)
Do the stepfather dance
Baby mama don't hurt nobody, come on
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
Girl I love you
And ain't a thing that I wouldn't do for you
You my boo and we be sticking just like glue
But your kid's got me losing my mind
want to know if I want you
And if I do then you just gotta come to
Now the family be fighting through hard times
But I'm gon' treat them like they're mine
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
Fresh pair of Jordan's you had it
When you want a PlayStation you had it (Vendetta)
First day of school you had it
Even when I didn't have it
Once upon a time, not long ago
Before the dreads, when I had the afro
When in school I used to pass the love notes
If you like me check yes if not check no
Flip the page now everything changed
The kid don't even have my last name
Sometime I feel like I'm paying child support
Someone please call people's court
I ain't that baby's daddy, I treat him like he's my own
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now
I may not be your father
But I'm the closest thing to him
No, (come on) I can't seem to take this pressure no more (come on)
And ? told me young man that life's too short
So leave ya kids at home, meet me on the dancefloor
Yo Wyclef you a wild boy, check it out
Do the stepfather dance, to the right
Do the stepfather dance, to the left
Do the stepfather dance (yeah)
Jersey's in the house
We go, Redman, ganjah the smoke
Listen to the sounds of my nigga funk doc, oh
Wyclef, you know you rule hip-hop, oh
Yo let me handle my bidness (go ahead)
If you love your sons like I do, dress like you and
Air's on his feet, and shinin' his jewels
Brag when he get back to school
Saying my daddy bought me Vendetta 2 for Gamecube
You know kids that try to get fast
That's when I open up a can of whoop ass
Listen, I'm the boss, if you do what I say
Like Nas, the world is yours, let's go
I ain't that baby's daddy (Redman)
I treat him like he's my own (we in the house)
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad (aha)
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now (aha)
I may not be your father (ey)
But I'm the closest thing to him (come on)
I ain't that baby's daddy (I ain't that baby's daddy)
I treat him like he's my own (like he's my own)
But sometimes sit and wonder how can I father another man's son (oh)
When ? breaks in the pad (breaks in the pad)
Shorty want to scream 'I ain't his real dad' now (you ain't my dad)
I may not be your father (aha)
But I'm the closest thing to him (yeah)
Do the stepfather dance
Do the stepfather dance (eh)
Do the stepfather dance
Calvin Ahnee
This song hit so hard...broke down at work listening to it
Nyarayi Zinyama
This song is touching..2023 I'm still listening...welldone Dudes
Sam Ray
Redman never disappoints
Maciek G
It's 2021 this song takes me back to the 2009 😢
Kingdom Connexion
2009!!!!!!!!!! takes
me to 2003
Frank Bright
Got this song on all my device, ipad, phones, laptop etc. cant stop listening to it.
Paul Machira Kiruma
This song takes me back to college days....
Rouisse21
what a performer on stage I saw him twice in montreal