Dirty Dog
Eight to the Bar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
(Dirty dog)
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
Sneakin' and a creepin', believe ya I've been cheatin'
But I act like I don't know
When I open up the cookie jar
You run off with all my dough
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
Always got a story, a good excuse
When you go to take my car
Then you come on in, always late
Smellin' like a locom bar
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
You're a nasty combination of my worst imagination
You have all the traits I hated in the last ten guys I've dated
And the worst I ever knew looked like saints compared to you
Gotta get you out of my life, I just can't take any more strife
I have got to get the nerve, put you back out on the turf
Dirty dog
Looking for a job, that's all you say
Every day you leave the house
When I got home early yesterday
Caught you sleeping on the couch
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad, bad dog
(Dirty dog)
Dirty dog, bad dog
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
(Dirty dog)
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
(Dirty dog)
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
(Dirty dog)
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
The song "Dirty Dog" by Eight to the Bar describes a relationship with a person who is constantly doing things that are untrustworthy and disloyal, but the singer cannot help but love them anyway. The repeated refrain of "Dirty dog, bad dog, you're such a bad dog, but you're my dog" highlights the conflicting emotions of frustration and affection towards this person. In the verses, the singer lists specific actions the person has taken, such as cheating, stealing money, using bad excuses, and being unfaithful, which contribute to their negative reputation as a "dirty dog." However, the tone of the song remains upbeat and almost playful, reflecting the fact that despite everything, the singer is still in love with this person.
The lyrics of "Dirty Dog" can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one hand, the song could be seen as a cautionary tale about being too forgiving of a partner's bad behavior. The repeated phrase "but you're my dog" suggests that the singer's love for this person is blinding them to their faults, which could lead to a cycle of hurt and disappointment. On the other hand, the song could also be seen as an ode to the complexities of relationships. No one is perfect, and sometimes we love people despite or even because of their flaws. The upbeat music reinforces this interpretation, suggesting that sometimes it's better to focus on the positive aspects of someone rather than dwelling on their mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Dirty dog, bad dog
The singer is addressing their partner, calling them out on their bad behavior and the way they have mistreated the singer.
You're such a bad dog, but you're my dog
Despite the partner's negative behavior, the singer still has love for them and acknowledges the complicated nature of their relationship.
Sneakin' and a creepin', believe ya I've been cheatin'
The singer is accusing their partner of cheating and being sneaky.
But I act like I don't know
The artist is aware of the partner's infidelity, but chooses to ignore it.
When I open up the cookie jar
The artist is referring to their own assets, which the partner has taken advantage of without permission.
You run off with all my dough
The partner has taken all of the singer's money and resources for their own use.
Always got a story, a good excuse
The partner is always ready with excuses and lies to cover their tracks.
When you go to take my car
The partner is attempting to use the artist's property without permission.
Then you come on in, always late
The partner is not reliable and often shows up late or not at all.
Smellin' like a locom bar
The partner smells bad, possibly from spending time in unsavory places.
You're a nasty combination of my worst imagination
The partner embodies all the traits the singer dislikes in a partner, and more.
You have all the traits I hated in the last ten guys I've dated
The partner shares characteristics with past partners who the artist was not happy with.
And the worst I ever knew looked like saints compared to you
The partner's behavior is so bad that even previous partners who were not good seem better in comparison.
Gotta get you out of my life, I just can't take any more strife
The singer recognizes the need to remove the partner from their life due to the ongoing stress and conflict caused by their behavior.
I have got to get the nerve, put you back out on the turf
The singer is working up the courage to end the relationship and kick the partner out of their life.
Looking for a job, that's all you say
The partner is unemployed and not contributing to the household despite claiming to be looking for work.
Every day you leave the house
The partner spends their days away from home, with no clear purpose or plan.
When I got home early yesterday
The singer came home early unexpectedly and caught the partner in an unfavorable situation.
Caught you sleeping on the couch
The partner was being lazy and unproductive, likely having spent the day lounging around and sleeping.
Contributed by Xavier A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.