Philippa's Song (Daddy Says) Poem by Gil Tee

Daddy says he don't believe in God,
But he could have been a Christian, if that doesn't sound too odd.
Daddy says he might have been, but the ones who ain't forgiven him
All seem to be Christians, and he wonders what these Christians mean by love.

Daddy says you used to be his friend
And he'd really like to see you if the chance should come again.
But Daddy's such a failure he can't make it to Australia
And in fact I don't think Dad could even make it to Ostend.

Daddy says he's wasted all he had;
That he could have been somebody if things hadn't turned out bad.
Daddy says his life's in vain and the only thing that keeps him sane
Is the hope that his three daughters will all grow up to be glad.

Daddy says that he must have bad blood.
Still he loves me like a daughter just the way a father should.
Daddy says he'd die for me, but Jesus Christ why can't you see
That dying for somebody never does them any good?

Daddy says he'd die for me, but Jesus Christ I'd rather he
Went on living for us all forever if he could.
Daddy says he'd die for me, but Jesus Christ now can't you see
That dying for somebody never did them any good?