Parents Just Don't Understand
"Parents Just Don't Understand" | ||||
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DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince singles chronology | ||||
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"Parents Just Don't Understand" is the second single from American duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince's second studio album, He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper (1988). In the song, the Fresh Prince details his problems with his parents, whom he feels do not understand the challenges of being a teenager.
The song was released as a single in spring 1988 by
Composition
In the first verse, the Fresh Prince goes to the Gallery Mall with his family to purchase school clothes. His mother buys him clothes that do not align with his personal tastes, including bell-bottoms and a plaid shirt with a butterfly collar. On the first day of school, the Prince pretends to be sick, with no success. Forced to wear the clothes that his mother chose for him, the Prince is met with ridicule from his schoolmates.
In the second verse, the Prince takes the family
Critical reception
Jack Barron from
Notable cover versions
Part of the song was sung by Leslie Knope in the cold open of season 2 episode 1 of Parks and Recreation, Pawnee Zoo.
Track listing
- 7" vinyl
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" – 4:13
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" (Instrumental) – 4:06
- 12" vinyl
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" (Danny D Mix) – 6:20
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" (Original 7" Version) – 5:13
- "Live At Union Square, November 1986" – 4:03
- American 12" vinyl
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" (Extended Mix) – 5:27
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" (Single Edit) – 4:13
- "Parents Just Don't Understand" (Instrumental) – 4:06
- "Live At Union Square, November 1986" – 4:03
Charts
Chart (1988) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[4] | 49 |
Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 28 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[5] | 13 |
87 | |
US Billboard Hot 100 | 12 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[7] | 10 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United States (RIAA)[8] | Gold | 500,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ "DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince". allmusic.com. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- NME. p. 24. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
- ^ T-Squad - Parents Just Don't Understand
- ^ "DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Parents Just Don't Understand". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Parents Just Don't Understand". Top 40 Singles.
- ^ "officialcharts.com". officialcharts.com. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 161.
- ^ "American single certifications – DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince – Parents Just Don't Understand". Recording Industry Association of America.
External links
- Music video on YouTube