Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indie-pop
Song Meaning of “Only Son of the Ladiesman” by Father John Misty
Only Son of the Ladiesman is a stirring tale of a man coming to terms with his identity, despite the expectations of his parents, society, and everyone else. The deep-seated emotional turmoil caused by the rejection of his ambitions and the pressure to conform weighs heavily on him, and as the song progresses, it’s clear that he is struggling to make peace with who he is.
The song focuses on the narrator’s sense of isolation, as the only son of the “Ladiesman.” It’s a metaphor for his outsider status, one that has been made all the more acute by how far away he finds himself from his family and society. He knows that becoming a “Ladiesman” would make them happy, but he’s determined to stick to his own path.
At the same time, he’s aware of his sense of loneliness, and how alone he is in this pursuit. He’s aware of how different he is, and that he’s going against everything his parents have ever taught him. He yearns for acceptance, but at the same time, he longs to be the only son of the Ladiesman.
The final lyrics of the song suggest that although the narrator’s view of himself may be constantly shifting, he will stay true to the path he chooses. No matter what anyone else has to say, he will remain faithful to his own path, the “only son of the Ladiesman.” This is a powerful and moving song about the struggles of learning to live life on one’s own terms.