Does anyone else wish it wasn't "Oh Daddy"

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by nicepace

I believe that Christine uses the term "daddy" in this song in the way the old time blues singers did, and the same way a male singer might say "mama" to mean a lover. There's nothing creepy about it whatsoever. In fact, the term gives the song an old-time, authentic, adult emotional feel.

I don't think the fact that there's a long tradition of women calling their lovers "daddy" means its any less creepy -- or incestuous for that matter. In fact, the historical use of the term is why I don't like it. Many times the use of "daddy" denotes a relationship where the man is in an authoritative, powerful position which he misuses to emotionally and sometimes physically abuse the woman. This was the theme of many of those old time blues songs. He's "daddy" because he takes care of the woman when he's in a good mood and punishes her when he's in a bad one. While the feelings that he has for her are not paternal, the control he wields is. The woman who sings about her "daddy" often does so to the tune of lyrics that place her in the weaker, dependent position. The childlike dependence she had on her father (or that she longed to have on an absent father) is transferred to her lover in a way that may be healthy, but is sure doesn't sound like it is in the songs.

Of course, the endearment is all right for Christine, who led a life which far removes her from such stereotypes, but I don't like the connotations.

Of course, "daddy" is great in certain contexts. I very much enjoy beat me daddy eight to the bar. Still, even there, I hear a plea for corporal punishment that could be viewed as pervy.

Michele