Bird Dog

The Everly Brothers

About Bird Dog

"Bird Dog" is a song written by Boudleaux Bryant and recorded by the Everly Brothers. It was released in 1958 and was a #1 hit on the Billboard Country Chart. The song also hit number two on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 as well as peaking at number two for three weeks on the R&B charts. The song deals with the singer's dismay that a boy by the name of Johnny is trying to take his girlfriend away. The singer calls him a bird dog as a result of his behavior. The musical structure is relatively unusual in that it has a 12 bar blues stanza and an 8 bar blues chorus.  


Year:
2006
2:18
52 
#1

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Johnny is a joker (he's a bird)
A very funny joker (he's a bird)
But when he jokes my honey (he's a dog)
His jokin' ain't so funny (what a dog)
Johnny is a joker that's a'tryin' to steal my baby (he's a bird dog)

Johnny sings a love song (like a bird)
Sings the sweetest love song (ya ever heard)
But when he sings to my gal (what a howl)
To me he's just a wolf dog (on the prowl)
Johnny wants to fly away and puppy-love my baby (he's a bird dog)

Hey, bird dog get away from my quail
Hey, bird dog you're on the wrong trail
Bird dog you better leave my lovey-dove alone
Hey, bird dog get away from my chick
Hey, bird dog you better get away quick
Bird dog you better find a chicken little of your own
 
Johnny kissed the teacher (he's a bird)
He tiptoed up to reach her (he's a bird)
Well he's the teacher's pet now (he's a dog)
What he wants he's been gettin' now (what a dog)
He even made the teacher let him sit next to my baby (he's a bird dog)

Hey, bird dog get away from my quail
Hey, bird dog you're on the wrong trail
Bird dog you better leave my lovey-dove alone
Hey, bird dog get away from my chick
Hey, bird dog you better get away quick
Bird dog you better find a chicken little of your own

He's a bird

Oh, he's a bird

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The Everly Brothers

Isaac Donald "Don" Everly (born February 1, 1937) and Phillip "Phil" Everly (born January 19, 1939), together known as the Everly Brothers, are country-influenced rock and roll performers, known for steel-string guitar playing and close harmony singing. The duo was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. more »

8 fans

Written by: Boudleaux Bryant

Lyrics © HOUSE OF BRYANT PUBLICATIONS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Bird Dog" falls under the genre of Rock and Roll, specifically, classic Rock and Roll from the 1950s. This aligns with the Everly Brothers' early style that contributed to the emergence of the Rock and Roll era.
Chart Success
The song was a commercial success both in the United States and internationally. In the United States, it reached number 1 on the Billboard country charts, number 2 on the Billboard pop charts and number 1 on the Cash Box pop chart. Internationally, it peaked at number 2 in the United Kingdom.
Song Composition
The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, didn’t write "Bird Dog". It was written by Boudleaux Bryant, an in-demand songwriter of the era who with his wife Felice, wrote many hit songs.
Recording and Release
"Bird Dog" was recorded and released in 1958 by Cadence Records. The Everly Brothers had great success with Cadence, which was a small independent label when they signed with it.
Backed By
The flip side of the "Bird Dog" record was the song "Devoted to You," which was also written by the Bryants and also became a top hit.
Duration
The song is only two minutes and fourteen seconds long, which was typical for pop singes at the time.
Musical Style
"Bird Dog" is notable for its infectious rhythm, appealing to the music market of young baby boomers. The song's harmonies showcase the Everly Brothers' signature tight, almost family-like synchrony.
Inspiration
The title "Bird Dog" is an American term for a man who steals another man's girlfriend. This was reflected in the song's lyrics.
Impact on Music Culture
"Bird Dog" was one of a series of hits by the Everly Brothers which helped define the Rock and Roll sound and paved the way for future Rock artists like The Beatles, who cited the Everly Brothers as significant influences.
Timeless Appeal
Though released over 60 years ago, "Bird Dog" remains a classic that is frequently covered and incorporated into compilations and soundtracks. This includes its use in the successful movie "Grease" and a cover version by the popular band, Status Quo.

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    Bird Dog

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1958

    Billboard #2


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