Father's Niggle And Lament Poem by Colin Coplin

I'm a failure as a father, my kids just don't understand me at all
I don't like their music, and can't solve their Maths problems when they call
Their English is confusing, some think that's amusing
And I'm no good with the X-Box control

I am trying to be modern, but what I've learn is soon forgotten
Can't keep up with the fast pace of their world today
There values are the same, so is their blood type and name
But 'I'm old fashioned, with no dress sense, or have the right things to say'

And I am what I am, doing the best I can
In the 3rd Millennium
And I'm trying hard every day, to adapt to the world and it's way
In the 3rd millennium

I'm a failure as a father, my kids just don't understand me at all
They exercise in a room, date via wi-fi and a smart phone
And eat enough junk to feed a small country
They learn Chaucer from a movie, Shakespeare from an iTunes library
Music from flicking through pay TV

And I've tried to be good, to adapt as best I could
But it's hard, it's hard, it's so hard

And I am what I am, Doing the best I can
In the 3rd Millennium,
And I'm adapting every day, To the world and its ways
In the 3rd millennium

I'm a failure as a father, my kids just don't understand me at all
I don't live in a mansion, and I'm not TV handsome, I don't drive a luxury car
I use to be their idol, now I'm an 'old, school rival'
How quickly everything has changed
And I've tried to be good, to adapt as best I could
But it's hard, it's hard, it's so hard

I was there when they were born, every play and goal they scored
But somehow, it just doesn't seem to be enough
And when they need some advice, or some help with their life
I'm there with a helping hand and love
'It's the same the world over', they say to try to console you
But somehow, it just doesn't seem to be enough

I'm a failure as a father, my kids just don't understand me at all

Copyright Colin Coplin 2005 (2023)