The song "Father" by Ellie Goulding explores the complicated relationship between a father and his daughter. The lyrics convey the singer's frustration and longing for her father to truly know and understand her. The song begins by referencing a box filled with pieces of paper, possibly representing memories or communication between the singer and her father. She expresses her confusion over not knowing who she has become and feeling kept in the dark about her own identity. The lyrics further reveal that the singer has seen her father only once, and it was a fearful encounter involving belts and leather, indicating a history of abuse or neglect. She describes her father's distant and resistant behavior towards her, acting as a source of resistance in her life. Despite the painful experiences, the singer still wishes her father could truly know her. She separates the things she has hated from the victories she has achieved, emphasizing that her biggest victory was becoming her own person. The singer longs for her father to understand her experiences and basic details about her life, such as her street, the size of her feet, and the time it took for her to grow. The chorus of the song expresses the singer's frustration with her father's lack of involvement and the minimal attention he gives her. She longs for more than just empty compliments, wanting her father to provide hope and attention instead of ignoring her. The song concludes by acknowledging that the father's behavior may be influenced by him being just a boy himself, emphasizing their roles as children. Despite the pain and frustration, the singer still has empathy towards her father but also recognizes the limitations and shortcomings in their relationship. Overall, "Father" is a heartfelt song that delves into the complexities of a troubled father-daughter relationship. It explores themes of longing, frustration, and the desire for understanding and connection.
