There is a particular kind of confidence that doesn’t need to announce itself. It simply exists, steady and self-assured. That energy sits at the heart of Big Daddy, one of the standout tracks from Tems’ latest EP, Love Is a Kingdom. Recently, the singer joined Genius to unpack the song line by line, offering rare insight into the intention behind the lyrics and the mindset that shaped them.

As Tems walks through the verses, she speaks openly about making music that moves her, not just on a physical level but emotionally too. Big Daddy carries the grounded boldness listeners have come to associate with her work, yet it also leaves space for reflection. At its core, the track is about self-awareness and the quiet power that comes from knowing exactly who you are.
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She reflects on ambition as something deeply personal rather than performative. The song draws a clear line between genuine self-belief and the pressure to become a version of yourself designed to impress others. For Tems, true confidence doesn’t need validation. It grows from within, shaped by clarity, intention and freedom.

Hearing her explain the lyrics in her own words adds depth to the listening experience. Each verse feels deliberate, almost meditative, revealing an artist fully at ease with her voice and her choices. By the end of the breakdown, Big Daddy reads less like a statement and more like a declaration of inner alignment.
Watch below: