Father of Mine by Everclear

Album: So Much for the Afterglow (1997)

Charted: 70

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Songfacts®:

A scathing attack on deadbeat dads. It was based on lead singer Art Alexakis' father. He says it is one of the very few songs he has written that is autobiographical.
In 2003, Alexakis told us: "My feelings for my father haven't necessarily changed, but my feelings about myself after writing that song have been much better. It was kind of a catharsis to put those feelings into words, it's a way for me to get things out of my system. The song 'Wonderful' is very much like that too."
Art doesn't speak with his father and can't be sure if he's heard this or not, but he knows that his stepsisters, who were raised by his dad, weren't happy about this song. (Check out our interview with Art Alexakis.)
As it states in the song, Alexakis really did get Christmas cards from his father containing $5.
Alexakis testified before congress on March 16, 2000 to endorse a child support bill.
This was remixed and included on Hope In Hockeytown, an album celebrating the Detroit Red Wings back-to-back Stanley Cup Victories.

Comments: 19

Melanie from WashingtonMy Dad was similar..and I always felt so angry and hurt that he didn't really seem to care about being in mine or my older brothers life, we saw him every few months, maybe he'd take us to lunch as he passed thru town on his way to more important things..maybe once a year we would spend a weekend at his house and never had a room or any of our things there, and we slept on the couch. And then I became extremely jealous and bitter over him getting remarried and having new kids, because he was there for them, he coached their teams, he was a Dad, or at least closer to a Dad than he ever was for us. And this song hit home for me.. I remember one time I was listening to the CD when my little half sister who was like 15, and I told her this song always reminded me of Dad. And she focused on the part where he says the dad beat his wife, and laughed and said yeah SURE, and didn't get it at all. And that made me angry too, to be dismissed like it wasnt real, when she had an entirely different father than I did. I feel for the singer and it makes me mad his dad never righted the wrongs he did..that he never tried to be a better dad. My dad started trying more when I was an adult, started calling me more and acting like he cared about me, as much as he could. And I was happy for that and it helped me heal from the insane anger, grief, and resentfulness I had been keeping inside. Probably a lot of ppl can relate to this song..unfortunately .
Tarbilly from TennesseeI'm almost 60yo, and this song breaks my heart a little bit up every time I hear it. Sad to see how many people it resonates with.
Big Mo from MidwestThis is my autobiography
Jaspeet13 from Jurupa Valley CaI cried. 10/10 if any of my brothers read this im here bro.
Daniel from AtlantaI appreciate Art putting those feelings into words. I take them to heart as do many other fathers, who, now put more effort into knowing and understanding their families and kids. Thank you! We need more of this in society.
Korey Starkey from Fostoria OhioI can absolutely relate.
Gus from Fort Smith, ArI listen to this song a couple of times a year just to keep myself grounded and doing the best I can for my son.
J from Austin, TxListen to the wounds of this man, we're all wounded by our father but this is so commonplace. Why? It takes great courage to put this out there. God can heal, just humble yourself and ask him. Don't take my word for it, try it. You'll never know if you don't try.
Emma from Boston, MaInstead of song reminding me of my father, it really reminds me of my brother who a lot older than me, who meant the world to me when i was little, and then he got up and left home barely ever talks to me since. The sing really explains all of the emotions I have towards him.
Mollee from Philadelphia, PaMy sister and I used to listen to this song together, neither one of us has seen or heard from our father in over 11 years. I love Everclear almost too much.
Heather from Newark, OhI love this song, but instead of it reminding me of my dad, whom I love and respect, it reminds me of my mother who is the deadbeat. She was gone when I was 17 with a younger brother and sister. It's definitely not just the dads that are the deadbeats.
Angela West from Tomball, TxAll Everclear's songs seem to run parrallel to my life! Nothing like Everclear to numb!
AnonymousI LOVE EVERCLEAR...but the one things that really stands out (especially about the lead singer's lyrics) is that they are so universal. I mean, look how many people have responded to it!
Vanessa from The Colony, TxI think that a lot of emotion was put more into this song rather to other songs which make it very meaningful and awesome. Vanessa, The Colony, Tx
Sarah from Chicago, IlI like and can relate to the lyric "Father of mine tell me what do you see when you look back on your wasted life and you dont see me"
My didn't leave but he doesn't have much to do with me
anyway good song
Leon from Waterbury, CtI can completely relate to this song.
Indy from Charlotte, NcFirst song I ever heard during which I had to stop my car because I was crying.
Very powerful and descriptive of a lot of kids of divorce.
Nick from Arlington Heights, IlI would disagree with the statement that this is one of the "few" autobiographical songs by Everclear..it seems to me that every song they have done is either about heroin addiction or Art Alexakis' childhood..
Jon from Grand Forks, NdThis song sold me on Everclear. If you don't get it, just enjoy the guitars

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