Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Tailfoot” by Wavelets
“Tailfoot” by Wavelets is a vivid retelling of a conversation between a Father and his daughter. In it, the daughter expresses her fear and uncertainty about the future, and her Father provides her with words of support, comfort, and advice.
The song begins with the daughter expressing her sorrows and uncertainty: “It’s a scary world out there, and I don’t want to anymore”. The father responds with teaching and guidance: “Tailfoot, draw a line on the ground and jump”. He is not telling her to take risks and move forward blindly in life, but to think thoughtfully and take calculated steps. He goes on to encourage her to focus on what she can control—herself. He advises her that if she takes stock of her strengths and weaknesses, she can find out who she is and what she can do to make her own way in life. He urges her to be brave and strong, telling her that difficult tasks will create the opportunity for transformation.
The chorus repeats the idea that if the daughter takes full action over her fears and her own life, then no matter what comes, she will always find her way. The line: “Tailfoot, make that leap and find your faith” could be seen as a call to look within and have faith in her own wisdom.
The song ends with the daughter expressing her appreciation for her father’s counsel, suggesting that her decision to take action has energised her and given her the strength to look to the future: “More and more, I’m walking tall, now that I know what I’m looking for”.
By providing his daughter with honest advice and a supportive, understanding conversation, Wavelets’ Father offers the ultimate reassurance—that despite the fear and uncertainty, she can take on life with courage and strength.