Spike
Bob Dylan & Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Lyrics
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Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Oh, we got another one, just like the other ones
Another bad ass, another trouble-maker
I'm scared, ain't you boys scared?
I wonder if he's gonna show us what bad is?
Think we oughta throw ol' Spike a bone?
Make me say, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Oh here's another misfit, another Jimmy Dean
Bet he's got a motorbike
What'a why'all think?
Bet if we be good we'll get a ride on it
If he ain't too mad about the future
Maybe we oughta help him see
The future ain't what it used to be
Listen, hey Spike what'd like?
Hey Spike what'd like?
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Oh hey Spike what'd like?
Hey Spike, you're scarin' my wife
Hey Spike, tell us 'bout life?
Could you tell me about life?
I'm may need, need, a dog collar to, boy
It might make me say, say owh
I might say, I might say
The lyrics to Bob Dylan and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' song "Spike" tell the story of a group of people who encounter a man named Spike, who is seen as a troublemaker and is wearing a dog collar. The group is scared and unsure of how to approach him. They wonder if he will show them what "bad" is and debate whether to give him a bone or try to befriend him in hopes that they can ride his motorcycle. Throughout the song, the lyrics suggest that Spike is an outsider and a misfit, and that the group of people are trying to understand him and his way of life.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it is a commentary on societal norms and the way that people who don't fit into those norms are treated. Spike represents the outcast who is judged and feared by the majority. The group's attempts to befriend him and understand him could be seen as a way of trying to bridge the gap between those who fit into societal norms and those who don't. At the same time, the lyrics suggest that there is a disconnect between the way Spike sees the world and the way the group does, as evidenced by the line "Maybe we oughta help him see / The future ain't what it used to be."
Line by Line Meaning
Doo, doo, doo, doo
Repetitive humming without any meaning.
Oh, we got another one, just like the other ones
Commenting on the arrival of another person who is similar to those that have caused trouble before.
Another bad ass, another trouble-maker
Assuming the person's character as someone who is tough and creates trouble.
I'm scared, ain't you boys scared?
Expressing fear about the implications of this person's arrival.
I wonder if he's gonna show us what bad is?
Speculating whether the person will demonstrate how much trouble he can cause.
Boys, we got a man with a dog collar on
Describing the appearance of the person, who might have a collar like a dog's around his neck.
Think we oughta throw ol' Spike a bone?
Making a joke about the possible presence of the collar.
Make me say, doo, doo, doo, doo
Repeating the meaningless humming.
Oh here's another misfit, another Jimmy Dean
Making a comparison to actor James Dean and assuming the person is a rebel.
Bet he's got a motorbike
Assuming that the person has a motorbike.
What'a why'all think?
Asking for the opinion of others.
Bet if we be good we'll get a ride on it
If we behave appropriately, he might give us a ride on his motorcycle.
If he ain't too mad about the future
If he is not too upset with what is coming next.
Maybe we oughta help him see
Perhaps we should enlighten him on the changes that are coming.
The future ain't what it used to be
The upcoming years will differ from the past.
Listen, hey Spike what'd like?
Asking the person what he would like to do.
Hey Spike what'd like?
Repeatedly asking for his choice.
Hey Spike, you're scarin' my wife
Trying to make Spike feel guilty for his looks.
Hey Spike, tell us 'bout life?
Seeking wisdom from Spike about life.
Could you tell me about life?
Requesting Spike to share his life experiences and knowledge.
I'm may need, need, a dog collar to, boy
Expressing the desire to experience what it is like to wear a collar like Spike.
It might make me say, say owh
Indulging in the thought of wearing a collar and making sounds like Spike.
I might say, I might say
Continuing the idea of imitating Spike with a collar.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: Thomas Earl Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind