The song "Dear Dad" by Dave Edmunds is a humorous story told through the lyrics of a letter written by a young man named Henry Junior Ford to his father. In the letter, Henry requests his father's assistance in getting him a new car. Henry describes his current car, an old Ford, as "sickening" and complains that it is unreliable. He feels that driving it is no better than walking, as it struggles to perform on the road. When he tries to pass a truck, the car lacks power and becomes a risky endeavor. Even when he manages to pass, the car continues to have issues, making driving a challenging and uncomfortable experience. Henry then recounts an incident where he almost received a ticket for breaking a freeway traffic rule, as his car cannot go faster than 45 mph without risking a nosedive. He expresses his concern for his safety while driving the car, as it wiggles and struggles to maintain a steady pace. Henry explains that he has tried to improve the car's performance by hooking up additional carburetors, but it hasn't made a significant difference. He then requests that his father send him money to purchase a Cadillac, specifically a model from the early 1960s, which he believes will be more reliable and less worrisome to drive. The song is a lighthearted and comical portrayal of a young man's frustrations with his old car and his desire for an upgrade. It emphasizes the challenges and humor that can arise from owning a vehicle that doesn't meet one's expectations.
