Kids and guns starting out so young
We normalize and empathize and hold our hands over our eyes
The breaking news, when I wake into
Turn it on, turn it off, pray to God one day it stops
What are we supposed to do
When everyone’s afraid of changing?
How much do we have to lose?
Isn’t all that we are worth saving?
So raise your hands and raise them high, ooh yeah
Hold them up and hold your fight, oh yeah
Hey Papa, what’s the news?
Doesn’t anybody wanna hear the truth?
Hey Papa, it’s not fair
Seems like people going down everywhere
Hey Papa, oh hey
And we try to survive, oh, we’ll live or we’ll die
And we wanna be free, but we wanna be right
When I don’t understand, I get angry sometimes
And we all want a piece of American dream
Red, white, and blue, freedom and peace
I don’t know what it means ’cause it’s far from our reach
If not for you, then all for love, ooh yeah
For everyone, forever loved, oh yeah
Hey Papa, I give up
I don’t know if I’m strong enough
Hey Papa, are you still there?
I guess I’m getting just a little scared
Hey Papa, hey, hey Papa, oh yeah
Hey Papa, hey, hey Papa
Oh whoa oh
Oh, oh, oh
Mamas mourn the loss in this world
And children pay the cost to live in this world
Hey Papa, what’s the news? (What’s the news?)
Doesn’t anybody wanna hear the truth?
Hey Papa, it’s not fair (It’s not fair, it’s not fair)
Seems like people going down everywhere
Hey Papa, I give up
I don’t know if I’m strong enough (Oh)
Hey Papa, are you still there? (Oh)
I guess I’m getting just a little scared (Oh yeah)
Hey Papa, hey, hey Papa, oh yeah
Hey Papa, hey, oh, hey Papa
I’m not going down
I’m not going down
A Cry for Change and Understanding
“Hey Papa” by Natasha Bedingfield is a heartfelt commentary on the chaotic and often unsettling state of the world. The lyrics capture a sense of vulnerability and concern, as the narrator addresses a paternal figure with questions that echo the fears and frustrations of many. From the normalization of violence among youth to the daily barrage of distressing news, Bedingfield asks what it will take for society to seek real change. She touches on themes of disillusionment, the elusive American dream, and the universal desire for truth and justice.
Searching for Hope and Connection
Throughout the song, there is an ongoing struggle between hope and despair. The repeated calls to “raise your hands” and “hold your fight” serve as both a rallying cry and a plea for unity. Bedingfield’s raw honesty about feeling scared and unsure resonates deeply, capturing the collective anxiety of a generation grappling with fear, loss, and uncertainty. Ultimately, the song is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying strong, seeking truth, and fighting for a better future, even when hope feels distant.
Song Credits
- Artist: Natasha Bedingfield
- Songwriters: Natasha Bedingfield, Jonas Myrin, Jonas Jeberg, Emily Weisband
- Release Year: 2024