Daddy Frank played the guitar and the french harp,
Sister played the ringing tambourine.
Mama couldn't hear our pretty music,
She read our lips and helped the family sing.
That little band was all a part of living,
And our only means of living at the time;
And it wasn't like no normal family combo,
Cause Daddy Frank the guitar man was blind.
Frank and mama counted on each other;
Their one and only weakness made them strong.
Mama did the driving for the family,
And Frank made a living with a song.
Home was just a camp along the highway;
A pick-up bed was where we bedded down.
Don't ever once remember going hungry,
But I remember mama cooking on the ground.
Don't remember how they got acquainted;
I can't recall just how it came to be.
There had to be some special help from someone,
And blessed be the one that let it be.
Fever caused my mama's loss of hearing.
Daddy Frank was born without his sight.
And mama needed someone she could lean on,
And I believe the guitar man was right.
Daddy Frank played the guitar and the french harp,
Sister played the ringing tambourine.
Mama couldn't hear our pretty music,
She read our lips and helped the family sing.
"Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" is a heartfelt and touching song by the legendary Merle Haggard. Released in 1972 as part of his album "Let Me Tell You About a Song," the song tells the story of a father named Frank who, despite being blind, plays the guitar and harmonica, bringing joy to his family and those around him.
The song begins by introducing us to Daddy Frank and his musical family. Frank plays the guitar and the french harp, while his sister accompanies him on the tambourine. It's clear that music is an integral part of their lives, and it serves as their means of living at the time. Their performances are not like any other family combo; they are unique and special because Daddy Frank is blind.
The lyrics paint a picture of a close-knit family that relies on each other. Mama couldn't hear their music due to her loss of hearing, but she reads their lips and helps the family sing. This demonstrates the strong bond and unity within the family, despite their individual challenges. They find strength and support in one another, and their shared love for music brings them together.
The theme of resilience and determination is prevalent throughout the song. Despite their hardships, Daddy Frank and Mama never let their disabilities hold them back. Mama takes on the role of the family's driver, and Daddy Frank makes a living through his music. They make the most of what they have and find ways to overcome obstacles.
One scripture verse that relates to the theme of this song is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Daddy Frank and Mama exemplify the truth of this verse by not allowing their disabilities to define them or limit their abilities. They rely on their faith and the support of their family to persevere and make a living.
The song also touches on the idea of divine intervention. The lyrics mention that there had to be some special help from someone, and blessed be the one that let it be. This line suggests that Daddy Frank and Mama believe that they have been guided and supported by a higher power. It speaks to their faith and trust in God's provision and guidance.
Overall, "Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)" is a beautiful song that celebrates the strength, resilience, and unity of a family facing challenges. It highlights the power of music to bring joy and connection, even in the face of adversity. Through their love for one another and their unwavering faith, Daddy Frank and Mama exemplify the triumph of the human spirit. Their story serves as an inspiration to all who listen to the song, reminding us that there is always hope and joy to be found, even in the darkest of times.
