“Big Daddy” by Tems from her 2025 EP Love Is A Kingdom is a bold, rhythmic exploration of empowerment and self-worth woven through vibrant production. The track uses a blend of catchy hooks and assertive lyrics to address the dynamics of a complicated relationship, putting focus on accountability and strength.
In “Big Daddy,” Tems confronts someone who was absent or unsupportive during difficult times, singing lines like “Where Were You When There Was No One Around? / Where Were You When I Needed Someone Down? / What Were You Doing When Nobody Gave A Damn?”. This sets the tone for a call-out against neglect, followed by a sharp contrast in the chorus where she repeats “Big Daddy, What’s The Deal, Daddy? / Big Daddy, Jump For Me, Daddy / Drop Something For Me, Daddy”, blending playful intimacy with a demand for recognition and respect.
The song’s production is described as bouncy and rhythmic, creating an unexpectedly lively backdrop for the pointed lyrics. It reflects Tems’s signature ability to fuse catchy melodies with meaningful messages that challenge traditional relationship roles and celebrate personal strength.
Love Is A Kingdom continues Tems’s journey of blending Afrobeat, soul, and alternative sounds with introspective lyricism, and “Big Daddy” stands out for its empowered tone and danceable energy.
Dive into the Big Daddy lyrics below for an unfiltered look at Tems’s bold storytelling. Don’t miss the full Love Is A Kingdom EP for more of her distinct, genre-defying sound.
Lyrics of Big Daddy by Tems
[Verse 1]
Where Were You When There Was No One Around?
Where Were You When I Needed Someone Down?
What Were You Doing When Nobody Gave A Damn?
What Were—, Mm
What Were—, Now You’re Begging Me To Take A Chance
What Were You Doing That You Didn’t Have My Back?
What Were—, Now You Remember That You Had A Friend
What Were—
[Pre-Chorus]
Unbeliever-iever-ayy-iever-ayy
Undertaker-aker-ayy-taker-ayy
No Ambition, He’s A Loser, Ayy
No Ambition
[Chorus]
But He Love It When I Call Him “Big Daddy”
Big Daddy, What’s The Deal, Daddy?
Big Daddy, Jump For Me, Daddy
Drop Something For Me, Daddy
Big Daddy
[Verse 2]
Ooh, Are You High On A Mountain To Be Calling Me?
Ooh, You May Look Like You’re Breathing, But You’re Dead To Me
Ooh, You Thought You Could Trap Me, But I Left You Behind
Don’t Reach Out To Me Now
[Pre-Chorus]
Unbeliever, But You Love It
Love The Way You Give Me Nothing
Unbeliever, But You Love It
Love The Way I—
[Chorus]
Don’t You Love It When I Call You “Big Daddy”?
Big Daddy, What’s The Deal, Daddy?
Big Daddy, Jump For Me, Daddy
Drop Something For Me, Daddy
[Bridge]
You Think That You Hiding
Just Because I’m Silent
That’s The Way I Like It
Maybe You Should Try It
[Chorus]
Maybe You Should Call Me “Big Daddy”
Big Daddy, What’s The Deal, Daddy?
Big Daddy, Jump For Me, Daddy
Drop Something For Me, Daddy
Big Daddy
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