The song "Your Dad Did" by John Hiatt tells the story of a person who reflects on their life and experiences, drawing parallels between their actions and those of their father. The lyrics describe various situations and emotions that the protagonist faces, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and the influence of their upbringing. The song begins with the protagonist waking up to a mundane and challenging day. They feel worn out and frustrated, but they push through, just like their father did. The lyrics also mention the protagonist's wife and children, showcasing the similarities between their relationships and the ones their father had. The protagonist's job seems to be unstable, with the person who hired them getting fired and their own employment status uncertain. Despite this, they try to maintain a facade of success by buying a new car, mirroring their father's behavior of seeking validation through material possessions. The lyrics imply that the protagonist's father had a similar pattern in his life, with disappointments and struggles. It is suggested that the protagonist has seen their father's struggles in some form, perhaps as a ghost or in memories. The reference to "creamed chipped beef on toast" suggests a humorous aspect to the father's presence. The song also touches upon family dynamics and the protagonist's conflicted feelings. The protagonist's daughter spills oatmeal on their son, mirroring sibling conflicts the protagonist may have experienced themselves. The lyrics also mention the protagonist's wife feeling old, possibly alluding to the challenges of a long-term relationship, yet the protagonist still loves them just like their father loved their family. The overarching message of the song is that the protagonist is repeating the same patterns and struggles as their father did. It explores the notion of how family and upbringing can shape a person's life, actions, and relationships. The repetition of these patterns is seen as inevitable, as implied through the line "Why does it come as such a shock that every road up which you rock, your dad already did." Overall, "Your Dad Did" captures the theme of generational influences and the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the shared experiences and behaviors between a person and their parent.
