"Daughter" delves into the painful experience of a child with a learning difficulty, misunderstood and punished for what was perceived as misbehavior or rebelliousness. The lyrics, penned by Eddie Vedder, highlight the tragic impact of such abuse, suggesting that these experiences can define and destroy creative individuals. The song's music was written by guitarist Stone Gossard, with bassist Jeff Ament playing upright bass, adding to its distinctive sound. At its heart, the song is a poignant commentary on the lasting scars of childhood mistreatment.