Fleetwood Mac - Oh Daddy - Live Rumours Tour Japan 1977

The light gets better after 1.30
Perhaps Christine McVie's most despondent song ever, "Oh Daddy" paints a chilling picture of a codependent relationship. This song is crushingly sad. Even the music sets a landscape for the song's heartache. It is as if Lindsey Buckingham's guitar, with its eerie, gray tones, understands the loneliness and tragic nature of the song. The melodic arrangement of the song delineates the kind of deep sadness that someone can only go through alone.
Speculation ensues as to the identity of the song's "Daddy", with theories ranging from Mick Fleetwood (the most widely held theory, since he claimed in his autobiography that the song was based on him), to John McVie, to some other man in Christine's life. It is clear that the term "Daddy" is symbolic here, to imply a parent/child relationship where the "Daddy" is powerful, and Christine/the singer is the helpless child.
It has also been suggested that the song may not be about Christine, and that she wrote it about someone else's experience. Whether or not "Oh Daddy" is based on Christine's personal experience, it is clear that she reached into a dark place within herself to write it. Artists often reach deep within themselves for inspiration, and sometimes the darkness inside themselves is the most meaty thing to explore. The love described in this song can almost be likened to a form of abuse - not sexual or physical, but psychological abuse. It is a love is so twisted, so deeply rooted, it is truly damaging to the singer.
"Oh daddy, you know you make me cry
how can you love me, I don't understand why"
The father figure, "Daddy", has control over the singer's heart. She is helpless and desperate, because she is so dependent on him for her own happiness. She doesn't feel worthy of his love. She has very low self-esteem, and their relationship is causing or adding to these feelings of inadequacy.
"Oh daddy, if I can make you see
if there's been a fool around, it's got to be me
yes, it's got to be me"
There is bitterness and realization in these words. She feels betrayed by the false sense of security that she got lulled into, being with him. Did he lull her into it? Did she lull herself into it? Probably both, because of the codependency of their relationship. She needs him, desperately. He needs her to need him.
"Oh daddy, you soothe me with your smile
you're letting me know, you're the best thing in my life
oh daddy, if I can make you see
if there's been a fool around, it's got to be me
yes, it's got to be me"
Her lack of self-worth again comes into play here. She depends on his smiles and warmth for her happiness. She seems to be at an emotional low point, as if she's fallen into an abyss. She's lonely and unfulfilled. Her life is not complete right now, so she turns to him for comfort. He has too much power over her. She cannot feel good without his reassurance. The line "you're letting me know you're the best thing in my life" is truly disturbing. Does she know he's the best thing in her life because she sincerely feels that, or does he encourage her to feel that way? Probably both. Again, codependency.
"Why are you right when I'm so wrong?
I'm so weak but you're so strong
everything you do is just all right
and I can't walk away from you, baby if I try"
She's angry and resentful, as well as sad, that he is right when she is "so wrong". His perfection-what she sees as his perfection-becomes the source of her inner turmoil. If he is so good, then, conversely, she is so bad. She knows she is trapped. There is something so desperate about the line, "and I can't walk away from you, baby if I try." There is a catch-22 going on here. She knows that if she could break away, it would be her salvation, ensuring her transformation into a strong, independent woman. But on another level, she is too afraid and insecure to leave him, because she relies on him so deeply.
It is interesting that she uses the words "all right" to describe him ("everything you do is just all right".) This could signify that she thinks everything he does is wonderful, and makes her feel good. However, it could also mean that everything he does is just tolerable or average, just barely passing muster.
"oh daddy, you soothe me with your smile
you're letting me know, you're the best thing in my life
oh daddy, if I can make you see
if there's been a fool around, it's got to be me
yes, it's got to be me
yes, it's got to be me
yes, it's got to be me"
In the final analysis, "Oh Daddy" is about wanting to leave a relationship, but lacking the inner strength to do so. The listener is left with a sense of desperation, and the hope that the singer will somehow liberate herself from this situation.
www.fleetwoodma...

[@antimurphy8212]

This is probably the most underrated song off Rumours if underrated actually exists on an ever popular album

[@otherworld11]

extraordinary song - christie mcvie, overshadowed by stevie nicks for some reason, but she wrote most of the hits, I believe?

[@sandcastlelyndylynneklynch766]

@@otherworld11 yep! My fav song from the album! Sad her voice is added to the choir in heaven today

[@sandcastlelyndylynneklynch766]

Yes it was my fav of the album! RIP Christine

[@barbbalaska2312]

THE BEST FLEETWOOD MAC SONG EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dudekfox7685]

I sort of agree with you. The chain bothers me and maybe Rhiannon or maybe I'm so afraid etc etc. I started to play this song when my daddy died about 3 years ago and I can't walk away from it. It mesmerise s me.

[@cindysmith3990]

My Daddy has always been there when nobody else was. The hospice nurse just told me he has maybe 24-48 hrs left here on this earth. But he is heaven bound.

[@antimurphy8212]

@@dudekfox7685 Wow! That's powerful

[@tomborg6678]

OMG TY

[@ianjordan5532]

Rest in Paradise Christine 🙏 Great song writer. You will be missed ❤️

[@1gjohns]

Just listening to a few Christine McVie/Fleetwood Mac/Chicken Shack tunes now…my goodness, how I miss her. And, that’s weird because I never knew her, never even met her, but her voice makes me feel that I did. RIP Christine, your voice lives on.

[@erasoup]

That intro. Wow, Lindsey. Completely timeless and beautiful... and sad without even having any words.

[@adamdabs]

I agree, the intro is fabulous but it's a great song anyway

[@axxxonn]

It's almost haunting. I love it.

[@macjrc]

💔miss you Christine

[@cheryllueddeke8805]

Fly High Song Bird....Thank U for setting the soundtrack to the past 5 decades of my life. Rest Easy Ms McVie 🙏 💔

[@joekosobucki2141]

I always loved Stevie, but I also loved Christine- she was beautiful, talented, great voice, and sang so many beautiful songs! This beautiful song and Songbird are so special!

[@neckutter1125]

She said the song is about the bandleader. This was about the leader of the band, not being able to keep them all together. Bands are supposed to be a family. Her words, not mine. It rarely works out like that tho. Not a romantic relationship. It blew my mind when I read what she said, I had thought the song was something about her actual father or a lover. Of course, we should all know that many singers don't write the songs they are singing, but it is my all-time fav song from Fleetwood Mac and the one that made me fall in love with her voice. Make the song into whatever you want tho. I love it either way.

[@sandcastlelyndylynneklynch766]

I'm so sorry, Sending my Condolences, light & love to Christine McVie's family! RIP Christine beautiful voice!!

[@ManuscriptRe591]

John McVie was an absolute wizard.

[@angiejenks1757]

such a beautiful voice, u will be missed. but never forgotten

[@joekosobucki2141]

RIP beautiful lady! Your voice, your keyboards, and your songs will live forever!!

[@SilverWolfMoon]

From what I've read, the song was written about Mick. Christine referred to him as the 'daddy' of the band, both because he was the only one with children at that time, and also because he was the father-figure to all the band members.

[@antimurphy8212]

Fact! I read that.

[@carol-mariefleming8689]

This is actually Stevie Nick's favorite Christine McVie song.

[@michelewalburger9729]

Incredible song. Rest in peace beautiful

[@restlessbreed10]

i love this tune it always makes me think of my departed father. but i cant help to mention this song just isnt the same without lindseys and stevies haunting backing vocals.....

[@deniseg812]

For me I prefer Chrissie Mc Vie over Stevie Nicks, not saying Stevie isn't great in her own right but Chrissie is awesome.

[@axxxonn]

deniseg812 I always thought the same!

[@carlosdyer5868]

True talent when a band can sound this great live without a bunch of crap like they have today. Auto-Tune is nothing but a babysitter for lazy talentless singers.

[@jojoheartspaypay]

You're talking about a woman who along with Lindsey made some of the greatest FM songs ever..like 'dont stop' 'brown eyes' and 'isn't it midnight'..

[@EADGBESTRAT]

Music is not a competition.

[@bonitaryelle2002]

Rip Christine Mcvie🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@barbbalaska2312]

The BEST Fleetwood Mac song EVER!

[@antimurphy8212]

I don't know about EVER...that's only an opinion. It can be considered the best off the Rumors album for sure

[@freakyfrankie666]

there's a type of relationship around, and has been for decades, called Daddy/babygirl. in america it's been acceptable / comical to refer to your male lover as Daddy for years. this song is an anthem for how it feels to be a bg in complete awe of the *Daddy* in her life. like most relationships there's a danger for the one party (in this case the Daddy) to abuse his position of power & for the bg to feel like this. it may/may not be how the song is intended, but that's how it speaks to me :)

[@dantefloressq]

yuck

[@couerl]

That’s not what this song is about at all, it’s literally her father.

[@HighOnFire1997]

This song is about Mick Fleetwood 😂

[@LeeannaSloan]

​@@couerlshe said she wrote this song about mick fleetwood.

[@lt0641]

Such a powerfull voice!!! Love ya christine!!!

[@jriron1]

RIP Christine McVie!

[@chuckbuk9]

takes my breath away

[@patkelly8309]

Brilliant

[@leewatson9162]

A Fantastic Classic that is not often heard...Haunting voice....Questionably their best song...

[@charlesbowen3944]

One of my favorite songs

[@liangraph]

Pure class 🖤

[@gegaks218]

Fantastic song !

[@bonnellrock]

Thank you for posting this great song. Oh Daddy is one of my most loved Fleetwood Mac songs.

[@lowspark68]

despite all the psychobabble it's just a great song, a super live version, and a lucky-for-us posting. thanks.

[@billyburgess3912]

Rip Christine

[@xeemthreem]

So sad...this song always makes me cry.

[@gamoonbat]

Perfect, Christine!

[@dennygoff2604]

Chrissy's gone I'm so sad I loved her so long and always will goodbye to the sweetest singer ever

[@barttheanorak]

Christine said on a radio programme about Rumours in 89 that the song was written in the shoes of Mick's then wife Jenny.

[@msstevie1951]

@ flamingcrystal ,I always cry when I hear the sadness in her voice. It is something I relate to ,low self esteem, not worthy of a real love. Thank you for your beautiful explanation of this song ♥ Thank you for this post.

[@jilljameson8039]

words are spoken.......................................i love you

[@DaveKentLive]

At about this time is when I met Fleetwood Mac at a bar in Denver after their concert.Just me a friend and the band.I was way underaged playing darts when my friend turned too me and said theres Stevie Nicks go get her autograph. So I did.

[@ironbeast7476]

A song for people whom have had a tough relationship with there dad.

[@djm2196]

RIP

[@Bluebird9021]

Just bought Rumours and Ken Caillat's book about the making of Rumours and this is one of the album's best songs. McVie's bass sounds like whales singing, and Ken pointed out

[@danmist]

I've just heard an interview where Christine says she wrote it about Jenny and Mick Fleetwood and their relationship.

[@wendysmith1280]

i luv fleetwood mac thruout my life thanks to my wonderful dad &for that tis trak holds speacial place deep wiv in me for eternity! Thankyou its just wonderful trak that still lasts:) --------------------------

[@Green.witch.]

christine youre a doll!! x

[@Rhubarb_Tea]

fantastic

[@mullanextraordinaire]

Heartfelt stuff. My favourite band at the moment.

[@slavebunny4u]

i think flamingcrystal is right about the relationship part. i was once in a relationship with a now ex bf that was very similar to this song. the funny part is that i am confident. he was the only 1 that made me feel this way.

[@sergiofibs489]

Te amo, Christine!!!!!

[@samuelduraivel2512]

End of the fucking world took me here!!

[@SuperCoro96]

I love you Fleetwood mac for ever...

[@survivor648]

I had the Rumors album in middle school I sang to this Songbird and Gold Dust Woman knowing one day I would sing these songs and in high school I was in chorus and sang Songbird solo then in my 20s I was in a band and did Gold Dust Woman I had Stevie down pat up until the low screams at the end our groupies chanted Gold Dust Woman.

[@mcsew2k]

Great analysis. Thanks.

[@jessicac.j]

This isn't really how I totally feel. We're good always my darling. I just love this song.

[@jilljameson8039]

dont ever break the bridge....i can always build anew..................fond memories of u

[@chrisketsetzidis441]

It has been 44 years and yet……….

[@zander636]

great song

[@rhiannon00chey]

love this song sooo much!!.. Love FM. the old FM the most. But the album say you will without chris is an very good album. I've been to them in okt in rotterdam. Cried my eyes out. Love them soooo much!..

[@Ceileigh1215]

I have that DVD it's amazing and I love it. Watched it this morning actually, gives you a new perspective on how tough it must have been to record that album.

[@twedell]

Starting at 2:55 she really looks high. that bass line does put you in a trance, dosent it?

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

She was they all were at this time

[@vaninaabras2013]

buenisimo che

[@rhiannon00chey]

Also in the dvd rumours said mick that he thought that this song also was written for him. And i also think that caus chris said Mick is the dad of the band.

[@adamdabs]

Shame about the sound quality but what a great version

[@moodyuniverse7826]

Every time I try to share this on FB, it's blocked for violating "Community Standards on nudity or sexual activity." I even appealed it and they confirmed their decision. WTF, y'all?

[@3939LA]

Daddy, I love you so much..Lauraxxoooxx

[@patkelly8309]

Christine

[@rickyparker4552]

the song is about Mick Fleetwood.😎 peace Ricky Parker.

[@vaninaabras2013]

gueeeeee

[@danielmurray04]

yep

[@SilverWolfMoon]

I think you're confusing this with Christine's song from the 1975 "Fleetwood Mac" album, called 'Sugar Daddy', which was actually about what you are describing.

[@deniseceli255]

no a reality between daughter and father

[@deniseg812]

I think you are misreading the meaning of this song. She's not talking about her father, she is talking about her lover. Calling him Daddy.

[@deniseceli255]

Yes that may be true but certain words still remind me of my Daddy and I

[@antiguabayful]

quality crap but building anticipation . Wonderful when light gets right and she can sing about her troubles...

[@2miloQ]

You're observant...

[@CarlosVargas-cn7rx]

Saddly, doesn't zooms at Lindsey rocking at an EDS1275.... yeah, the same "Stairway to Heaven" model

[@freakyfrankie666]

no, sugar daddys and DaddyDoms are 2 totally different things. & i'm making the comment on how this song can appear to a babygirl & how it appears to me, not the other song :)

[@pmay222]

fakkinell.....caaaaaalm down..!

[@TehRealMirShady]

this one breaks my "little" heart.

[@wendywagner5996]

mid 70's was all about cults............I believe this is about that......

[@tsalapeteinos]

The "daddy" reminds me of myself....is that really bad?

[@RiRi-uy2hp]

Chris teen mc bee❤️

[@DarrenAllen1969]

Facebook has banned me from sharing this song. They say it does not follow their "Community Standards" ,because of the nudity in the video.

[@jillcasteleyn]

haha

[@kaitlinhudgens6391]

Stevie nicks is the best

[@gideonharris1493]

Unwatchable

[@stevenb4482]

A beautiful song but somehow people have to see like it's because of an abusive father. There is absolutely nothing in the lyrics that would lead to that warped interpretation. Everyone so bent on trying to claim some type of gratification pointing out abuse in everything and everybody. Is it so difficult to believe that a daughter would have noticed in her life that her father was actually correct and that the daughter may have been wrong and she is acknowledging that fact. Quit being so warped all the time.

[@gegaks218]

Fantastic song !