Everclear – Father of Mine

"Father of Mine" is a song by the American rock band Everclear, released in 1997 as part of their album "So Much for the Afterglow." The song is notable for its introspective lyrics that deal with themes of abandonment and the emotional turmoil caused by a father’s absence. Written by lead vocalist Art Alexakis, the song reflects on his own experiences growing up without a father. The lyrics convey feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion about his father's abandonment, which is something many listeners relate to on a personal level. The song's catchy melody and honest storytelling helped it gain radio play and popularity in the late '90s, ultimately becoming one of Everclear's signature tracks. Musically, "Father of Mine" features the band's characteristic mix of alternative rock and post-grunge elements, with a memorable chorus that resonates well with audiences. The emotional weight of the song, combined with its infectious sound, has kept it relevant over the years, and it continues to be a staple in Everclear's live performances.

Everclear – Father of Mine Lyrics

Father of mine
Tell me, where have you been?
You know I just closed my eyes
My whole world disappeared
Father of mine
Take me back to the day
Yeah, when I was still your golden boy
Back before you went away

I remember blue skies, walking the block
I loved it when you held me high, I loved to hear you talk
You would take me to the movie
You would take me to the beach
Take me to a place inside that is so hard to reach

Oh, father of mine
Tell me, where did you go?
Yeah, you had the world inside your hand
But you did not seem to know
Father of mine
Tell me, what do you see?
When you look back at your wasted life
And you don't see me

I was ten years old doin' all that I could
Wasn't easy for me to be a scared white boy in a black neighborhood
Sometimes you would send me a birthday card with a five dollar bill
Yeah, I never understood you then and I guess I never will

Daddy gave me a name
My daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) my daddy gave me a name
Yeah
Oh yeah
Yeah

Daddy gave me a name
Daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) my daddy gave me a name
Yeah
Yeah
Oh yeah

Father of mine
Tell me, where have you been?
Yeah, I just closed my eyes
And the world disappeared
Father of mine
Tell me, how do you sleep?
With the children you abandoned
And the wife I saw you beat

I will never be safe
I will never be sane
I will always be weird inside
I will always be lame
Now I'm a grown man
With a child of my own
And I swear, I'm not gonna let her know
All the pain I have known

daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) my daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) my daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) my daddy gave me a name
(Then he walked away) yeah
(Then he walked away) yeah
(Then he walked away) oh yeah