“Neither Do I,” was to feature Project Pat. Not sure with whom I was negotiating but things turned too sketchy for my liking. I didn’t call the number I was given and went in a different direction. In this session, I want to share the story behind the song itself and why it matters to me and why it should matter to you.
Setting the Stage
The song opens with a line that can change lives in an instant: “Alright, I’m pregnant and I’m having it.” This line sets the stage for the entire song, reflecting the mix of emotions that an unexpected pregnancy can bring. It’s a moment of joy, fear, or uncertainty, and it’s a pivotal point in many lives.
Calling Out Absent Fathers
In the first verse, I don’t hold back. I call out those fathers who run away from their responsibilities. I firmly believe that “a man who doesn’t take care of his kids isn’t fit to live.” It doesn’t matter who your baby mama is; the responsibility remains. The verse emphasizes the need for fathers to acknowledge the consequences of their actions and how walking away from their children is not an option.
A Direct Message to Absent Fathers
The chorus carries a powerful message with the repetition of “If ya kids don’t know you, neither do I.” It’s a direct message to absent fathers, reminding them that actions speak louder than words. The chorus emphasizes that, when you choose to abandon your responsibilities, I don’t want to know you. “Nope!”
Addressing Immaturity and the Impact on Children
The second verse digs further into the immaturity of those who refuse to take care of their children. “Oh, you don’t wanna take care of you kids because you still wanna be one. Would call you childish but that’s an insult to children.” As someone who’s experienced the impact of absent fathers, this verse is a plea for change and responsibility. And being responsible enough to accept that some people won’t change.
A Personal Touch and Reflection
“You grew up without yo’ daddy, I remember you used to bash him. Now, you out here doing a reenactment?” “You grew up with yo daddy. I remember you braggin’ and now you’re an absentee. Gotta be kidding me?” points out the irony of fathers who grew up with and without their own dads but still choose to walk away. It’s a moment of reflection, urging absent fathers to consider their actions and the potential cycle they may be starting or continuing.
Don’t Save Them
I sing, “Don’t save him. He don’t wanna be saved,” a twist on Project Pat’s famous “Don’t save her. She don’t wanna be saved,” which pleads not to save those who don’t want to be saved. It’s a message that change must come from within, and those who choose to abandon their children must face the consequences of their actions.
Final Thoughts
Growing up without a father, I understand the lies one may tell themselves, the possible pain and confusion that an absent parent can bring. “Neither Do I” is a message that rings with anyone who has experienced or witnessed the impact of absent fathers. It’s a reminder that every child deserves the love and support of their parents or at least eventually themselves. This song concludes with the flawless Obama transition into “Relax,” the best I’ve ever heard.
Neither Do I lyrics
“Alright, I’m pregnant and I’m having it.”
Yo’ baby mama said “I’m pregnant” that shit scared you so much. So what? You decide you wan’t gon’ never show up? Well, if yo’ kid don’t deserve a father, don’t expect to be acknowledged. You are for certain garbage. When you see me, keep walkin’. A man who doesn’t take care of his kids isn’t fit to live. Ion care who yo’ babymama is, do that bid. How could you go to sleep at night, not knowin’ if yo’ kids safe? Write a note. Let ’em know it’s not their fault you walked away.
If ya kids don’t know you (un-uh) neither do I. If ya kids don’t know you (un-uh) neither do I. If ya kids don’t know you (un-uh) neither do I. If ya kids don’t know ya (no). Ion wanna know ya (nope).
Oh, you were man enough to raw dog the wet-wet. Got big scared when she said “I’m pregnant.” Big mad when she said “I’m having it.” Oh, you’re the world’s worst baby daddy.
Oh, you don’t wanna take care of you kids because you still wanna be one. Would call you childish but that’s an insult to children. Abandoned yo kids to go where? To be in more face and situations that don’t want you there? You out here having conversations with everybody, except the body that came from yo’ body. Um, you should talk to nobody. You might be epizootic. Hope yo’ kids don’t got it. Yo’ bum ass done caught a serious cases of the dumbass. Oh but you were tricked? So what if she tricked you?
You and yo’ magic stick did a magic trick that you can’t undo. Ta-da. That boi knew some real magic. Soon as he heard I’m “I’m pregnant” he vanished (worst baby daddy).
If ya kids don’t know you (un-uh), neither do I. If ya kids don’t know you (un-uh), neither do I. If ya kids don’t know you (un-uh), neither do I. If ya kids don’t know ya, (no). Ion wanna know ya (nope).
You were man enough to raw dog the wet-wet. Yet got scared when she said “I’m pregnant.” Big mad when she said “I’m having it.” You’re the world’s worst baby daddy.
You grew up without yo’ daddy, I remember you used to bash him. Now you out here doing a reenactment. Nawl, naw hell ta da naw, y’all. This can’t be true. You got the panties just to make her a single parent. Wait a minute. You grew up with yo daddy.
I remember you braggin’ and now you’re an absentee. Gotta be kidding me. Naw, naw, hell to da nawl, y’all. This can’t be true. This can’t be true. Who is this? I don’t know this dude.
Don’t save him. He don’t wanna be saved. Don’t save him. He don’t wanna be saved. Don’t save him. He don’t wanna be saved. Don’t save him. He don’t wanna be…
“And I say this as someone who grew up without a father in my own life.”
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