Very excited to be putting this one out! I met @peterarvidsonjams during last year's 50/90 songwriting challenge, and in the intervening period I've helped mix his awesome album Endless Summers (https://peterarvidson.bandcamp.com/album/endless-summers) and watched on with a mix of awe and sympathy as he and his family welcomed an amazing new baby. It was the fact that we both have young families that inspired the writing of The Dad Song. I shot Peter a hastily recorded voice note with a verse and the bones of the chorus, not really sure if the song was viable, and he enthusiastically got on board. I've loved the fact that, from there, it's been incredibly collaborative, with back and forth on lyrics and musical ideas. Basically a load of fun. Hope that shows in the end result...

Vocals/Production: David Taro
Vocals/Bass: Peter Arvidson

LYRICS © David Taro / Peter Arvidson

Well this one’s for all the dads out there
Because, you know, it's not always easy
In fact, sometimes it’s pretty hard
And you’re only trying to do your best
Ah, but oh well…

The other day
I took you to play
At the playground where we live
I was looking at my phone
Didn’t notice you’d flown
Off the top of the jungle gym

You said daddy it hurts
Daddy I’ll scream
I said don’t tell your mother
And I’ll buy you an ice cream

Because we’re only trying to get it right
Be the best dads we can
But so many times we mess it up
And nothing goes to plan
But oh sweet child
It’s only ‘cause we love you a lot
And the crazy thing
Is we’re the only dads you’ve got

The other day
I took you to school
And the teacher asked why are you here
Hadn't slept for three nights
Didn’t notice we'd arrived
At the pre-school you left last year

You said daddy I'm sad
I won't see my friends
I said don't tell your mother
And we'll see 'em on the weekends

Because we’re only trying to get it right
Be the best dads we can
But so many times we mess it up
And nothing goes to plan
But oh sweet child
It’s only ‘cause we love you a lot
And the crazy thing
Is we’re the only dads you’ve got

But when I'm reading to you
And you curl up beside me
I can't quite describe it
But it feels like home

Because we’re only trying to get it right
Be the best dads we can
But so many times we mess it up
And nothing goes to plan

Yeah we’re only trying to get it right
Be the best dads we can
But so many times we mess it up
And nothing goes to plan
But oh sweet child
It’s only ‘cause we love you a lot
And the crazy thing
Is we’re the only dads you’ve got

Do you remember the time I made you an omelette
Even though you're allergic to eggs
And you were vomiting for about five hours straight
Well... I just wanted to say... sorry, my bad...

And you know that one time when I was making your bed
And it was actually the neighbor's kid's bed
Oh man, did they ever call the police... 
Well I'm sorry about that...

But I love you (...and your mother!)

The Dad Song (feat. Peter Arvidson)

Half-British, half-Japanese, South London-based singer-songwriter and producer. Indie pop, rock and blues. Thank you for listening!

The Dad Song (feat. Peter Arvidson)

david taro