The Dog

Rufus Thomas

About The Dog

"Walking the Dog" (or "Walkin' the Dog") is a Rufus Thomas song. It was released on his 1963 album Walking the Dog. It was his signature hit and also his biggest, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1963 and remaining on the Hot 100 for 14 weeks. The lyrics make references to children's nursery rhymes, especially Miss Mary Mack. The song was recorded several months later by the Rolling Stones in 1964. Unlike most Stones' recordings, the song features harmony vocals on the chorus solely by Brian Jones (most early Stones songs feature Jones and Bill Wyman on backing vocals, with Keith Richards replacing the two not long after), which makes their recording of the song unique in their catalogue. The only hit version in the UK was by the Dennisons, whose recording reached number 36 on the UK singles chart in 1964. Many other artists also recorded the song, including Aerosmith, Johnny Rivers, John Cale, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Roger Daltrey, Green Day, Hans Theessink, the Flamin' Groovies, the Kingsmen, the Sonics, Ace Cannon, Jackie Shane, the Trashmen, Luv'd Ones, Bob Paisley and the Southern Grass and Ratt. It was performed live occasionally by the Grateful Dead in 1966, 1970, and the mid-eighties. 


Year:
2007
2:36
13 
#2

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Baby's back, dressed in black,
Silver buttons all down her back.
High, low, tipsy toe,
She broke a needle and she can't sew.
Walkin' the dog,
Just walkin' the dog.
If you don't know how to do it,
I'll show you how to walk te dog.

Asked a fellow for fifteen cents,
See the fellow he jumped the fence.
Jumped so high he touched the sky,
Never got back till the fourth of July.
Walkin' the dog,
Just walkin' the dog.
If you don't know how to do it,
I'll show you how to walk the dog

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Rufus Thomas

Rufus Thomas, Jr. (March 27, 1917 – December 15, 2001) was an American rhythm and blues, funk and soul singer and comedian from Memphis, Tennessee, who recorded on Sun Records in the 1950s and on Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s. He was the father of soul singer Carla Thomas and keyboard player Marvell Thomas. A third child, Vaneese, a former French teacher, has a recording studio in upstate New York and sings for television commercials. more »

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Written by: RUFUS THOMAS

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Artist History
"The Dog" was recorded by American rhythm and blues singer, Rufus Thomas.
Release Year
The song was released in 1963. It was one of several 'animal' dance songs that gained popularity during that era.
Song's Label
It was released under the famous label Stax Records, which was known for its pivotal role in the creation of the southern soul and Memphis soul music styles.
Inspiration
"The Dog" was inspired by dance moves Rufus Thomas saw at local clubs in and around Memphis.
Chart Performance
The song helped Thomas achieve a high-ranking position in the American music charts. It reached number 87 on the Billboard pop chart.
Inspired Successor Songs
The song inspired Thomas's bigger hit, "Walking the Dog," which was released later in 1963.
Series of Animal Dances
"The Dog" was one in a series of dance songs linked to animal movements. This genre was extremely popular in the 1960s.
Known for Energy
Rufus Thomas was especially known for his energetic performance of "The Dog" throughout his career.
Generational Influence
Other iconic musicians, such as The Rolling Stones, often covered "The Dog" in their performances. This demonstrated the influence and popularity of Thomas’s songs.
Not A One-Hit Wonder
Though "The Dog" was a popular song, Rufus Thomas was not a one-hit wonder. He had a significant career spanning several decades with many significant hits.
Iconic Singer
Thomas remained a key figure in rhythm and blues music and an integral personality in the history of Stax Records. He contributed in putting Memphis on the map as a city rich in musical history.
Known for Dance-Instructions
Much like his other hits, 'The Dog' also contains lyrics with dance instructions, a common trait of most Rufus Thomas songs.

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    The Dog

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1963

    Billboard #87


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