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Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Emmylou Harris
Vocals
Brian Ahern
Acoustic Guitar
Rodney Crowell
Acoustic Guitar
Emory Gordy
Bass Guitar
Emory Gordy Jr.
Bass Guitar
John Ware
Drums
Mickey Raphael
Harmonica
Hank DeVito
Pedal Steel Guitar
Glen D. Hardin
Electric Piano
Albert Lee
Acoustic Guitar
James Burton
Electric Guitar
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Dolly Parton
Composer
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Brian Ahern
Producer
Bradley Hartman
Engineer
Donivan Cowart
Engineer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Mama never seemed to miss the finer things of life
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
She never wanted to be more than mother and a wife
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
[Verse 2]
The only thing that seemed to be important in her life
Was to make our house a home and make us happy
Mama never wanted any more than what she had
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
[Verse 3]
He often left her all alone, cheated Ma into stayin' home
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
And she never missed the flowers and the cards he never sent her
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
[Verse 4]
Being took for granted was a thing that she accepted
And she didn't need those things to make her happy
And she didn't seem to notice that he didn't kiss and hold her
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
[Verse 5]
One morning we awoke, just to find a note
Mama carefully wrote and left for Daddy
And as he began to read it, our ears could not believe it
Words she had written there to Daddy
[Verse 6]
She said, "The kids are older now, and they don't need me very much
And I've gone to search for love I need so badly"
I've needed you so long, but I just can't keep holdin' on
She never meant to come back home
If she did, she never did say so to Daddy
Goodbye to Daddy
Written by: Dolly Parton