After Tod left his previous group, Cop Shoot Cop, he quickly regrouped and formed Firewater to explore the styles of music Cop Shoot Cop had only hinted at, including klezmer, cabaret, ska, jazz, and gypsy forms. More than one source described the original Firewater lineup as an "indie rock supergroup", based on members such as Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard, Yuval Gabay of Soul Coughing, Jennifer Charles of Elysian Fields, and Hahn Rowe. This original lineup proved unable to tour, and Tod recruited new musicians for the band's first tour. While the lineup has changed over the years, with many different musicians appearing on different albums and tours, Tod remains the singer, songwriter, and bassist of Firewater.
Firewater has released six albums, and has seen some success, especially in Europe and on United States college radio stations.
Their previous album, Songs We Should Have Written, is a collection of cover songs. It includes songs written by Robyn Hitchcock, The Rolling Stones ("Paint It Black" reinterpreted as a crawlingly slow raga which "shove(s) a few downers down the song's throat to counter the original version's adrenaline-fueled fire" ), and a "dark and sweet" take of Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On", described as "10 times more ominous and 20 times more pleasurable" than the original. The album also includes a modern rendition of the Johnny Cash anthem "Folsom Prison Blues".
Their latest album, The Golden Hour, has been recorded with various local musicians and friends when Tod A went on sabbatical and travelled through Thailand, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and Israel. The record was released May 6 in 2008. The band is currently (October, 2008) touring in support of the album.
Three Legged Dog
Firewater Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But just because the lights are out don't mean you're not at home
And they say when you're psychotic that you never walk alone
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
And everybody thinks that I'm unfriendly just because I can't recall their names
But all the faces and the places just begin look the same
You haven't got the kind of time it takes to play those kinds of games
No I may not be good-looking, but I'm a killer in the dark
And girl you know my bite is so much better than my bark
So if you need a friend tonight, why don't you come find me in the park
I'm a three-legged dog on the roam, ah
You know my father thinks I'm lazy 'cause I ain't got no career
And my mother thinks I'm crazy and my sister thinks I'm queer
Ah, but if you think it's easy, man, you just got no idea
I'm a three-legged dog on the roam
Yeah I've been down so long that coming up is giving me the bends
And I'm so goddamn lonesome, I count enemies as friends
And every day I chase my tail and wonder when it's gonna end
For this three-legged dog on the roam
Yeah I'm still looking for that something gonna make my life complete
Can't afford to be too picky when you're living on the street
But sometimes if I'm a good boy, they'll throw me a piece of meat
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
(Yerel haberlere bakacak olursak;
Depresif bir adam kendini gitar teliyle astı.
Polis raporuna göre geriye bırakılan notta,
"Üzgünüm ama bunların artık hiçbiri komik değil" yazıyor.)
(We would like to thank to you ehh... to come here and to visit our radio)
The Firewater song "Three-Legged Dog" speaks to the isolation, loneliness, and misunderstood existence of an individual who does not conform to societal norms. The lyrics reveal the singer's struggle to connect with others, as he is perceived as damaged, unfriendly, and psychotic. Despite being labeled as such, the singer is still human, and he longs for companionship and acceptance. He compares himself to a three-legged dog, wandering aimlessly and vulnerable on the streets. However, he also portrays himself as a survivor, one who is sharp and cunning, and whose bite is more potent than his bark. The song is a poignant reminder that even the most marginalized individuals have value and deserve respect and understanding.
The song's exploration of outsider status is especially poignant given that Firewater's bandleader and principal songwriter, Tod A., has described his own experiences with depression and mental illness. In "Three-Legged Dog," A. draws on his own struggles to craft a powerful narrative about the social and emotional difficulties that those experiencing mental health challenges may face. The song's lyrics are raw and honest; A. offers no easy answers, but instead invites listeners to empathize and connect with the singer's pain.
Fact 1: Firewater is an American music group formed in New York City in 1995 by Tod A. The band's sound is an eclectic mix of punk rock, world music, and cabaret elements.
Fact 2: "Three-Legged Dog" is the opening track on Firewater's fifth album, titled "The Golden Hour." The album was released in 2008.
Fact 3: The album "The Golden Hour" features an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Mary Timony of Helium, Jennifer Charles of Elysian Fields, and Yuval Gabay of Soul Coughing.
Fact 4: In addition to his work with Firewater, Tod A. has collaborated with a variety of other musicians, including the Afghan Whigs, Gogol Bordello, and Gallon Drunk.
Fact 5: The band's name, Firewater, is a term used to describe strong alcoholic beverages, particularly those consumed by Indigenous peoples in North America.
Fact 6: The song "Three-Legged Dog" has been compared favorably to the work of American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, thanks in part to its bleak yet poetic lyrics.
Fact 7: The music video for "Three-Legged Dog" features striking black-and-white imagery and was directed by filmmaker and photographer Jill Greenberg.
Fact 8: The album "The Golden Hour" received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many praising Tod A.'s songwriting and the eclectic mix of musical styles on display.
Fact 9: "Three-Legged Dog" has been covered by a number of artists, including the Australian band King Cannons and the French musician Sébastien Tellier.
Fact 10: As of this writing, the chords for "Three-Legged Dog" are not widely available online. However, a skilled guitarist could likely pick out the song's chord progression by ear.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, some people think I'm damaged 'cause I'm always on my own
People judge me for being alone, assuming something is wrong with me.
But just because the lights are out don't mean you're not at home
Being alone doesn't mean you're not present and have a place to be.
And they say when you're psychotic that you never walk alone
People with mental illness are often assumed to be a danger and never trusted to be alone.
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
I'm just trying to survive, navigating my life with my limitations and flaws.
And everybody thinks that I'm unfriendly just because I can't recall their names
People assume I don't care or don't want to be friends because of my memory problems.
But all the faces and the places just begin look the same
My surroundings blend together and become one, making it hard to remember specific details.
You haven't got the kind of time it takes to play those kinds of games
I don't have the luxury of time or mental energy to waste on frivolous social interactions.
When you're a three-legged dog on the roam
Living with limitations and navigating life's obstacles can be lonely and frustrating.
No I may not be good-looking, but I'm a killer in the dark
I may not have surface-level appeal, but I have hidden strengths that make me valuable.
And girl you know my bite is so much better than my bark
I may not be loud or showy, but I have the potential to leave a lasting impact.
So if you need a friend tonight, why don't you come find me in the park
If you're feeling just as alone and misunderstood, I'm here and we can support each other.
You know my father thinks I'm lazy 'cause I ain't got no career
My family views my inability to hold a job as laziness and lack of ambition.
And my mother thinks I'm crazy and my sister thinks I'm queer
My family members have their own negative interpretations of my struggles and personality.
Ah, but if you think it's easy, man, you just got no idea
My challenges and struggles go beyond what people can see or understand, and it's unfair to judge me based on that.
Yeah I've been down so long that coming up is giving me the bends
I've been struggling for so long that positive change is almost overwhelming and uncomfortable.
And I'm so goddamn lonesome, I count enemies as friends
I'm so desperate for connection and support that I settle for negative relationships, mistaking them for friendship.
And every day I chase my tail and wonder when it's gonna end
My life feels like a futile, circular chase and I wonder when I'll finally break free.
For this three-legged dog on the roam
This is the reality and struggle of my life- trying to survive and navigate with my flaws and limitations.
Yeah I'm still looking for that something gonna make my life complete
Despite my hardships, I still hold onto the hope of finding meaning and purpose to my existence.
Can't afford to be too picky when you're living on the street
Living in dire circumstances means having to settle for scraps and make do with whatever resources are available.
But sometimes if I'm a good boy, they'll throw me a piece of meat
Even the smallest favors or kindnesses can bring a glimmer of hope and happiness when living in bleak conditions.
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
I am who I am, with all my flaws and struggles, but I'm still doing my best to live and navigate my life.
Contributed by Lucy B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Georgios Seitopoulos
Well
Some people think I'm damaged 'cause I'm always on my own
But just because the lights are out don't mean you're not at home
And they say when you're psychotic that you never walk alone
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
And everybody thinks that I'm unfriendly just because I can't recall their names
But all the faces and the places just begin look the same
You haven't got the kind of time it takes to play those kinds of games
When you're a three-legged dog on the roam
No I may not be good-looking, but I'm a killer in the dark
And girl you know my bite is so much better than my bark
So if you need a friend tonight, why don't you come find me in the park
I'm a three-legged dog on the roam
Y'know my father thinks I'm lazy 'cause I ain't got no career
And my mother thinks I'm crazy, and my sister thinks I'm queer
Ah, but if you think it's easy, man, you just got no idea
I'm a three-legged dog on the roam
Yeah I've been down so long that coming up is giving me the bends
And I'm so goddamn lonesome, I count enemies as friends
And every day I chase my tail and wonder when it's gonna end
For this three-legged dog on the roam
Yeah I'm still looking for that something, gonna make my life complete
Can't afford to be too picky when you're living on the street
But sometimes if I'm a good boy, they'll throw me a piece of meat
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
Georgios Seitopoulos
Well
Some people think I'm damaged 'cause I'm always on my own
But just because the lights are out don't mean you're not at home
And they say when you're psychotic that you never walk alone
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
And everybody thinks that I'm unfriendly just because I can't recall their names
But all the faces and the places just begin look the same
You haven't got the kind of time it takes to play those kinds of games
When you're a three-legged dog on the roam
No I may not be good-looking, but I'm a killer in the dark
And girl you know my bite is so much better than my bark
So if you need a friend tonight, why don't you come find me in the park
I'm a three-legged dog on the roam
Y'know my father thinks I'm lazy 'cause I ain't got no career
And my mother thinks I'm crazy, and my sister thinks I'm queer
Ah, but if you think it's easy, man, you just got no idea
I'm a three-legged dog on the roam
Yeah I've been down so long that coming up is giving me the bends
And I'm so goddamn lonesome, I count enemies as friends
And every day I chase my tail and wonder when it's gonna end
For this three-legged dog on the roam
Yeah I'm still looking for that something, gonna make my life complete
Can't afford to be too picky when you're living on the street
But sometimes if I'm a good boy, they'll throw me a piece of meat
I'm just a three-legged dog on the roam
Alexandro Soares
Muito brabo, som chegou aqui em RJ
ThisQuietStorm
Great song! Such a great jam.
groundless
Fucking great lyricist... never dissapoints!
lynnjasper1
This is the name of my band. Never heard this before. It's awesome . We are definitely going to cover this! Check out Three Legged Dog on FB.
coyo7e
Great song, trés catchy!
iPetroSS
I just noticed the two kanjis on the cover and this is awesome! The left indeed stands for fire and the right for water ;)
david Moore
My grandma had a three legged dog named Lucky. Seriously. She also had two cats named Tallulah and Bankhead.
Kenny Claws
Sometimes I still wonder if the band Firewalk from Life is Strange Before the storm got inspired by this name
açelya bayar
Yerel haberlere bakacak olursak;
Depresif bir adam kendini gitar teliyle astı
Polis raporuna göre geriye bırakılan notta
"Üzgünüm ama bunların artık hiçbiri komik değil" yazıyor.