Read the full lyrics to Tems’ “Big Daddy.” Understand the song’s message of empowerment for your next karaoke or singalong session.
The lyrics for Tems’ “Big Daddy” present a sharp narrative of accountability and reclaimed power. The song provides a compelling text for singalongs, built on a structure of pointed questions and a commanding chorus. Tems, known for weaving personal empowerment into her music, continues this tradition.
The verse lyrics open with a series of interrogations, asking “where were you” during times of need. This establishes a theme of addressing someone’s past absence and unreliability. The pre-chorus introduces the terms “Unbeliever” and “Undertaker,” labeling the subject with a lack of faith and ambition.

tems love is a kingdom
The chorus then flips the dynamic with the phrase “Big Daddy.” This recurring line operates with irony, subverting a term often associated with power. Here, it is used to command and mock, challenging the subject’s stature. The second verse lyrics confirm a final break, with lines like “you’re dead to me” and “I left you behind” signaling a definitive conclusion to the relationship. The bridge lyrics reinforce a theme of silent strength, suggesting that the subject mistakes quietness for weakness. The overall lyrical composition of “Big Daddy” offers a potent mix of confrontation and confidence, giving listeners a clear and impactful story to connect with.
Produced by Aod, Guiltybeatz
21 November 2025
1 song, 3 minutes
℗ 2025 RCA Records/Since 93′
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Where were you when there was no one around?
Where were you when I needed someone down?
What were you doing when nobody gave a damn?
What were—, mm
What were—, now you’re begging me to take a chance
What were you doing that you didn’t have my back?
What were—, now you remember that you had a friend
What were—
[Pre-Chorus]
Unbeliever-iever-ayy-iever-ayy
Undertaker-aker-ayy-taker-ayy
No ambition, he’s a loser, ayy
No ambition
[Chorus]
But he love it when I call him “big daddy”
Big daddy, what’s the deal, daddy?
Big daddy, jump for me, daddy
Drop something for me, daddy
Big daddy
[Verse 2]
Ooh, are you high on a mountain to be calling me?
Ooh, you may look like you’re breathing, but you’re dead to me
Ooh, you thought you could trap me, but I left you behind
Don’t reach out to me now
[Pre-Chorus]
Unbeliever, but you love it
Love the way you give me nothing
Unbeliever, but you love it
Love the way I—
[Chorus]
Don’t you love it when I call you “big daddy”?
Big daddy, what’s the deal, daddy?
Big daddy, jump for me, daddy
Drop something for me, daddy
[Bridge]
You think that you hiding
Just because I’m silent
That’s the way I like it
Maybe you should try it
[Chorus]
Maybe you should call me “big daddy”
Big daddy, what’s the deal, daddy?
Big daddy, jump for me, daddy
Drop something for me, daddy
Big daddy