"I grew up not liking my father very much. I never saw him cry. But he must have. Everybody cries"

Charley Pride's quote touches on complicated themes of familial relationships, psychological expression, and human vulnerability. At its core, the statement shows Pride's personal journey of understanding and reconciliation with his perception of his daddy while likewise diving into the wider human experience of emotional complexity.

The opening line, "I grew up not liking my daddy quite", instantly sets the phase for a stretched parent-child relationship. This admission suggests a childhood marked by emotional distance or unmet expectations. It is not unusual for children to harbor negative feelings towards moms and dads who appear far-off or unexpressive, as they may have a hard time to understand or empathize with their parents' situations and options during their formative years.

Pride continues, "I never saw him sob". This observation highlights his dad's stoicism, a characteristic typically related to conventional notions of masculinity, where psychological vulnerability is frequently viewed as a weakness. Such a perception can create barriers within relationships, making emotional connections and understanding more difficult to cultivate. For Pride, his father's lack of visible psychological expression may have contributed to feelings of disconnect or resentment.

However, the concluding words, "But he needs to have. Everybody cries", expose a shift in Pride's perspective. This acknowledgment suggests a fully grown recognition of his father's mankind and the inevitable, if unseen, psychological experiences that accompany it. Pride indicates that, in spite of his dad's outward stoicism, he likely experienced the exact same emotional gamut as everybody else but may have chosen or been conditioned not to express it honestly.

Through this introspection, Pride welcomes a more comprehensive reflection on how we perceive those closest to us and the quiet battles they may endure. The quote motivates empathy and understanding, reminding us that everybody harbors feelings regardless of outward appearances. It highlights the universality of human vulnerability, triggering a reconsideration of how we judge others' psychological journeys and the covert complexities within familial bonds.