About the song
Background
- Songwriters: The song was written by Rufus Thomas, a fellow soul legend and a significant figure at Stax Records.
- Release Date: 1966, included on Otis Redding’s album “The Soul Album”.
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Style: Classic soul with a touch of funk. The horn section and call-and-response vocals give it a lively energy.
Lyrics
The lyrics are humorous and playful, using the metaphor of a dog chasing its tail to depict someone caught in a pointless pursuit:
- Core Analogy: The narrator compares himself to a dog chasing his tail, going in circles and not getting anywhere.
- Calls for Help: The song features a call-and-response with a “doctor” figure who comically attempts to diagnose the problem.
- The “Dog” Dance: Otis Redding makes references to a popular dance called “the dog,” likely an inspiration for the song’s theme.
Themes
- Futility: The central theme is the frustration of engaging in a repetitive, unfulfilling cycle. Whether it be in a relationship or a general struggle, the song resonates with the feeling of being stuck.
- Self-awareness: There’s an element of humor in Otis’s self-awareness about his predicament. He recognizes that it’s a silly situation but can’t seem to help himself.
- Lighthearted Fun: Despite the touch of frustration, the song is mostly playful and encourages the listener to let loose and have fun.
Additional Notes
- Live Performances: Otis Redding was known for his energetic stage presence and “The Dog” provided him with great opportunities to interact with the audience, often getting them to participate in the call-and-response section.
Video
Lyrics
Do the dog, do the dogDo the dog now, babyCome on, do the dog, yeahDo the dogEverybody’s doin’ the dogCome on, hey baby
Do the hound dog, yeahDo the hound dog, baby, come onLet’s do the hound dog, babyDo the hound dog, yeahDo the dogEverybody’s doin’ the dog
Do the bird dog, yeahDo the bird dog, yeahDo the bird dog, baby, come onAnd do the bird dog, yeahDo the dogEverybody’s doin’ the dogCome on
Do the bird dogDo the hound dogDo the poodle, any kind of dogLet’s do the dogDo the dogEverybody, let’s do the dog
Come on, babyLet’s walk this dog nowOh just-a, just-a, just-a walkin’Just-a, just-a, just-a walkin’Just-a, just-a, just-a walkin’Let’s do the dogThen we’ll walk the dogCome on, babyLet’s walk it one more time