Just The Two Of Us
Will Smith’s “Just the Two Of Us” is such an important song for me. If you listen to the lyrics from beginning to end, it's like he's being a fatherly figure through his music. For his son and for listeners too.
Telling us about his experience and journey as a father. From the moment his son was born all the way to that present moment, which at that time, his son was 5. Will dishes about how his experience as a father makes him feel and what his duties and responsibilities are as a parent. Then he adds life lessons and parenting 101 in the form of lyrics as guidance.
“(Now dad this is a very sensitive subject) From the first time the doctor placed you in my arms I knew I’d meet death before I’d let you meet harm Although questions arose in my mind, would I be man enough? Against wrong, choose right and be standin’ up From the hospital that first night Took a hour just to get the car seat in right People drivin’ all fast, got me kinda upset Got you home safe, placed you in your bassinet That night I don’t think one wink I slept As I slipped out my bed, to your crib I crept Touched your head gently, felt my heart melt ‘Cause I know I loved you more than life itself Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord please Let me be a good daddy, all he needs Love, knowledge, discipline too I pledge my life to you
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try Just the two of us (Just the two of us) Just the two of us, building castles in the sky Just the two of us, you and I
Five years old, bringin’ comedy Every time I look at you I think man, a little me Just like me Wait an see, goin’ to be tall Makes me laugh 'cause you got your dads ears and all Sometimes I wonder, what you gonna be A general, a doctor, maybe a MC Haha, I wanna kiss you all the time But I will test that butt when you cut outta line, tru dat Uh-uh-uh why you do dat? I try to be a tough dad, but you be makin’ me laugh Crazy joy, when I see the eyes of my baby boy I pledge to you, I will always do Everything I can Show you how to be a man Dignity, integrity, honor and I don’t mind if you lose, long as you came with it An you can cry, ain’t no shame it it It didn’t work out with me an your mom But yo, push come to shove You was conceived in love So if the world attacks, and you slide off track Remember one fact, I got your back
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try Just the two of us (Just the two of us) Just the two of us, building castles in the sky Just the two of us, you and I
It’s a full-time job to be a good dad You got so much more stuff than I had I gotta study just to keep with the changin’ times 101 Dalmatians on your CD-ROM See me, I’m Tryin’ to pretend I know On my PC where that CD go But yo, ain’t nothin’ promised, one day I’ll be gone Feel the strife, but trust life does go on But just in case It’s my place To impart One day some girl’s gonna break your heart And ooh ain’t no pain like from the opposite sex Gonna hurt bad, but don’t take it out on the next, son Throughout life people will make you mad Disrespect you and treat you bad Let God deal with the things they do 'Cause hate in your heart will consume you too Always tell the truth, say your prayers Hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears You’re living proof that dreams come true I love you and I’m here for you
Just the two of us, we can make it if we try Just the two of us (Just the two of us) Just the two of us, building castles in the sky Just the two of us, you and I
Just the two of us (Just the two of us) Daddy loves you, daddy loves you (Just the two of us) For the rest of your life (Just the two of us)
(This is a good song dad, how much am I gettin’ paid for this dad?)
The whole record is wrapped in love. Nothing he speaks about when it comes to teaching his son is problematic. AT ALL. • how his son makes him feel • being a male & it being ok to feel • how his son should go about treating women • how to process and deal with his OWN feelings and emotions (heartbreak, pressure, stress, rejection, ect) • it being ok to cry • picking yourself up and moving on • character traits to possess (what type of person you should strive to become) • Assuring his son he’ll always stand behind him & have the love of his father
ANOTHER IMPORTANT PART! At the time i do believe Will Smith wasn’t with his son’s mother anymore. Will wants his son to understand that their relationship is not effected by Will and her separating. Throughout the song, Will’s focus is on him and his son’s relationship hence “Just the Two Of Us”. However Will does briefly explain the separation between himself and his son’s mother by saying “It didn’t work out with me and your mom, but yo, push come to shove, you were conceived and loved.” There was no disrespect, no shade or animosity included when discussing his son’s mother.
Everything this song embodies is why it’s one of my FAVORITE songs! It’s inspiring and gives insight on the dynamics of a healthy relationship between father and son. It can definitely be used as a guide to help young and older men understand how to be a father to their sons. Will’s delivery on his fatherhood can also bring clarity and reassurance to current father’s who are already fulfilling their roles and building relationships with their sons. Hell, it can probably change some current fathers who are trash, for the better as well. But yea, I’ve loved this song since before i was a teenager. It’s so good. Thank you Will.
