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.
What About The Baby
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wyclef, Mary J., this one called 'What About the Baby'
You ever been like
[Wyclef]
Let me talk to my daughter
Daughter this is your poppa
I know it's been a while
[Mary J. Blige]
But daddy you've been gone
And me and mom have been all alone
It's been a struggle and you weren't there for us
He say
[Wyclef Jean]
Okay, when I called you
She wouldn't put you on the phone
She call the police, restrainin order
50 feet, from my home
I tried, I ain't lyin
It's so sad that the heavens cryin, AYY!
Once a boy and twice a man
I'm just tryin to do the best I can
Give me a chance girl
[Chorus: Wyclef]
A grown man ain't supposed to cry
So why does water fill my eyes when I hear your voice
Everything gon' be alright
Baby girl I'm by your side, dry your eyes
[Mary J. Blige]
Let's talk this over
Now see I heard everything that you told her
But it's gon' take more than words
For you to be a father, uh-huh
Responsibilities of a man
Like stayin faithful just for the fam'
What if she knew that you chose
Another over her mother, aowwww!
So you called her
And I wouldn't put her on the phone
I called the police yes, restrainin order
50 feet, from my home
I tried, I ain't lyin
It's so sad that the heavens are cryin, yeahhh
Once a girl, twice of a man
And I'ma try to do the best I can
I can't give you a chance noooo
[Chorus: Mary J. Blige]
A woman ain't supposed to cry
So why don't you just wipe your eyes, dry your eyes
You've learned a house is not a home
When you're living all alone, and you want back home
[Wyclef]
Wait a minute girl! You're my joy, happiness that you bring
Turn the fall back to spring girl, you're my bling
You a hip-hop song I heard for the first time time
Studied all the words to the rhyme
You're my life, without you there's no sun, there's no moon
There's no stars, shinin in the ni-iight
[Mary J. Blige]
But if I give you a chance, would you show me you care
Be a man, no matter what the circumstances
Ahhhow!
[Wyclef]
A grown man ain't supposed to cry
So why does water fill my eyes when I hear your voice
[Blige]
You've learned a house is not a home
When you're living all alone, and you want back home
[Chorus: Wyclef]
A grown man ain't supposed to cry
So why does water fill my eyes when I hear your voice
(What about the baby! What about the baby!)
Everything gon' be alright
Baby girl I'm by your side, I apologize!
I cry, and I cry, I cry
The song "What About The Baby" is a compelling story of a father's deep regret for being absent from his daughter's life. Wyclef Jean begins by apologizing for the time that has passed since he last spoke to his daughter. In the song, he attempts to reconnect with her, but finds that it's difficult due to a restraining order placed on him by her mother. Mary J. Blige's character represents the daughter's mother, who is skeptical about Wyclef's sudden appearance in their lives. She challenges him to be a responsible father and prove that he's worthy of their forgiveness.
The song captures a range of emotions that come with family reconciliation after a long period of separation. Wyclef Jean's character is remorseful for the choices he made in his life, but he's also determined to make things right. "What About the Baby" is a powerful ballad that hits home with anyone who has experienced the pain of a family broken by neglect or abandonment.
Overall, the song evokes a sense of urgency for parents to take responsibility for their actions and be present for their children. It reminds us that it's never too late to make amends and that forgiveness is a powerful tool that can heal even the deepest cuts.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to apologize for makin you wait so long for the sequel
The singer is sorry for keeping fans waiting a long time for the follow-up release.
Let me talk to my daughter, Daughter this is your poppa
The singer is addressing his daughter and introducing himself as her father.
But daddy you've been gone, And me and mom have been all alone, It's been a struggle and you weren't there for us
The daughter expresses disappointment and pain over her father’s absence.
Okay, when I called you, She wouldn't put you on the phone, She call the police, restrainin order, 50 feet, from my home
The father recounts challenges he faced when trying to communicate with his daughter, including legal obstacles.
A grown man ain't supposed to cry, So why does water fill my eyes when I hear your voice
The singer feels emotional and conflicted about his relationship with his daughter.
It's gon' take more than words For you to be a father
The daughter is skeptical about whether her father is truly committed to being a good parent.
Once a girl, twice of a man, And I'ma try to do the best I can, I can't give you a chance noooo
The daughter acknowledges that her father is trying, but still struggles with trust and forgiveness.
You've learned a house is not a home, When you're living all alone, and you want back home
The female vocalist points out that living without family can be difficult and lonely.
Wait a minute girl! You're my joy, happiness that you bring, Turn the fall back to spring girl, you're my bling
The male singer is affirming his affection for his daughter in metaphoric language.
What about the baby! What about the baby!
The repeated refrain underscores the importance of considering the well-being of the child in all parental decisions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WYCLEF JEAN, MARY BLIGE, JERRY DUPLESSIS, LATAVIA PARKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ethan Szwed
Damn just found the sequal after all these years thank you for posting this🙏
Samba Nelly
Wyclef Jean and Jerry Wonda Production. 🇭🇹💯
Thebronrb
thnaks for the uplaod i love this song