Puttin' On The Dog
Tom Waits Lyrics
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You gotta wake right up in your dreams
You gotta jump, wheel and drive
Keep that feeling alive
You gotta kick, holler and shout
I'm gonna tell you what it's all about
You gotta tell me that you love me
Tell me that you're mine
We're putting on the dog tonight
We're putting on the dog tonight
We'll be p-putting on the dog tonight
Putting on, putting on the dog tonight
We'll be putting on the dog tonight
We'll be putting on the dog tonight
Putting on the dog
Putting on the dog
We'll flip, we'll follow and fly
Just do it now and don't ask why
You gotta strut, wiggle and slide
Let everybody know that you're alive
You gotta crank, gallop and twist
Do it once, you'll never resist
Tell me that you love me
Tell me that you're mine
We're putting on the dog tonight
Putting on the dog tonight, alright
Well we'll be going to a sooky jump it's rain and it pours
Big old Lecky with his suicide doors
Tip that bottle from the brim to the dregs
You ain't dancing 'till you cross your legs
Putting on the dog tonight
We'll be putting on the dog tonight
We'll be putting on the dog tonight
Putting on the dog tonight
Putting on the dog
I've been p-putting on the dog
Putting on the dog
Putting on the dog
Putting on the dog
Putting on the dog
The lyrics of Tom Waits's "Putting on the Dog" is a call for waking up, getting energetic, and letting out one's inner self to the world. The song opens with an instruction to stomp, whistle, and scream, urging the listener to unleash themselves from their everyday routine and limitations. The lyrics capture the freedom and wildness of the human spirit and encourage one to jump, wheel, and drive to keep the feeling of being alive. The chorus "We're putting on the dog tonight" repeats the idea of adorning oneself to present the best version of oneself to the world.
The next verse instructs the listener to do away with doubts and hesitation and to flip, follow, and fly without questioning why one is doing it. The lyrics urge one to strut, wiggle, and slide to let everybody know that they are alive, and to crank, gallop, and twist, to break away from the mundane. The song encourages the listener to be bold and expressive in love, to tell someone they love them and to tell them they're theirs. The song has a jazzy feel with a big band in the background and Tom Waits's raw voice.
Line by Line Meaning
You gotta stomp, whistle and scream
You need to express yourself confidently and with passion, not holding anything back
You gotta wake right up in your dreams
You have to be aware and attentive to your desires and aspirations, even in your subconscious state
You gotta jump, wheel and drive
You have to take risks and seize opportunities, moving forward with determination and enthusiasm
Keep that feeling alive
Always stay connected to the excitement and energy that motivates and inspires you
You gotta kick, holler and shout
You need to assert yourself boldly and make your presence known, not being afraid to speak up
I'm gonna tell you what it's all about
I'm going to explain to you the essence and purpose of this experience or situation
You gotta tell me that you love me
You must express your affection and devotion to me openly and sincerely
Tell me that you're mine
Confirm that you are committed to me and belong to me alone
We're putting on the dog tonight
We're going all out and putting on a stylish and elegant display tonight
Well we'll be going to a sooky jump it's rain and it pours
We'll be attending a particular type of party or venue that attracts a diverse and unconventional crowd, regardless of the weather conditions
Big old Lecky with his suicide doors
A reference to a specific person, possibly a flamboyant or daring individual who owns a car with rear-hinged doors that could be dangerous in an accident
Tip that bottle from the brim to the dregs
Drink the entire contents of the bottle, all the way from the top to the bottom
You ain't dancing 'till you cross your legs
You aren't really dancing unless you are fully immersed in the experience and moving your body in sync with the rhythm
We'll flip, we'll follow and fly
We'll improvise and adapt to the music and the environment, letting ourselves go and having fun
Just do it now and don't ask why
Act on your impulses and instincts without overthinking or rationalizing them
You gotta strut, wiggle and slide
You need to display confidence and grace, using your body to express your personality and emotions
Let everybody know that you're alive
Show your vitality and enthusiasm for life, captivating and inspiring those around you
You gotta crank, gallop and twist
You must move with energy and enthusiasm, engaging fully with the music and the crowd
Putting on the dog tonight, alright
We're going all out and having a great time in grand style tonight
We'll be putting on the dog tonight
We'll be dressing up and showcasing our style and sophistication tonight
Putting on the dog
Presenting ourselves elegantly and distinctly, with flair and confidence
I've been p-putting on the dog
I've been presenting myself in a grand and stylish way, asserting my individuality and creativity
Putting on the dog
Dressing up and showcasing our style and charisma, with poise and assurance
Putting on the dog
Creating a striking and memorable impression, with a touch of extravagance and panache
Putting on the dog
Embodying a certain elegance and sophistication, with a dash of playfulness and spontaneity
Putting on the dog
Presenting ourselves in a unique and captivating way, with a sense of pride and accomplishment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KATHLEEN BRENNAN, THOMAS ALAN WAITS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Kees
This will sound weird, but I play this song, and then watch Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers dance in Swing Time with the sound turned down. You'd be amazed at how well they fit together.
Brian Eno
Cheese from the bacon
Twinklebat
Ruff ruff ruff
Paul Soulouoff
Vladimir Puttin ?
Sigma Tate
Yes, the song is about Vladimir Putin and Connie Paulgrave.