During the 1980s, his reputation was established through frequent touring and recurring performances on A Prairie Home Companion. Subsequently, his work has been nominated for Grammy awards. He also founded his own record label and named it Red House Records after a home he lived in in Iowa. Red House Records is an independent record label specializing in folk music, based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Well known folk artists have signed with Red House Records over the years include Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Tom Paxton and Loudin Wainwright III. A Red House Records compilation, A Nod to Bob, was said to be a tribute from a Minnesota label to a favorite native son - guess who?
On November 21, 2002 he married the singer-songwriter Iris DeMent. His daughters (from a previous marriage) are also musicians.
From: Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Brown_%28folk_musician%29
Like A Dog
Greg Brown Lyrics
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Hoping for any scraps you might throw.
And I whine sometimes 'cause I need your love.
And I have loved you like a dog.
Like a dog, like a dog, I'm always there,
While you are out gallivanting somewhere.
One little scratch means everything.
Maybe I shouldn't admit it.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried.
You want somethin', honey, I'll get it.
A dog is not burdened with pride.
Like a dog, like a dog, I leap with joy
When you call my name, call me a good boy.
I wish I had a dog's heart instead of this one.
For I have loved you like a dog.
I have loved you like a dog.
Aaaaaoooooooo
The opening lyrics to "Like A Dog" by Greg Brown has several references to canine behavior that reference the singer's devotion and loyalty to the person they are addressing. In the first two lines of the song, Brown describes how he has been waiting patiently by the door of his loved one, hoping for any kind of attention or affection. This imagery, of a dog waiting eagerly for its owner, sets the tone for the rest of the song. Later on in the verse, when Brown sings "And I whine sometimes 'cause I need your love", he is acknowledging his own vulnerability and dependence on his loved one.
The second verse of the song continues the same theme but with slightly different imagery. Here, the singer is comparing himself to a dog that is always there, while his loved one is away. The singer describes himself as being satisfied with even the smallest amount of affection, evidenced by the line "One little scratch means everything." It's clear that he doesn't need much to feel loved; just a small gesture from his loved one is enough to make him happy.
In the last verse, Brown admits that maybe he shouldn't have tried to pursue this person, but that he simply cannot help himself. He goes on to explain that a dog is not burdened with pride and that he is willing to do whatever it takes to make his loved one happy. The final line "I have loved you like a dog" repeats twice, driving home the singer's deep devotion and willingness to do anything for this person.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a dog, like a dog, I've sat by your door,
I have been waiting for you to come back, hoping that you might notice me and acknowledge my existence.
Hoping for any scraps you might throw.
I long for even the slightest bit of affection or attention from you, no matter how small it may be.
And I whine sometimes 'cause I need your love.
I express my sadness or dissatisfaction through whining, because I crave your love and attention.
And I have loved you like a dog.
My love for you is great and unwavering, just like the loyalty of a dog to its owner.
Like a dog, like a dog, I'm always there,
No matter what, I am always present and available for you, regardless of where you may be or what you may be doing.
While you are out gallivanting somewhere.
Even when you are out enjoying yourself and having a good time, I am still thinking of you and waiting for your return.
One little scratch means everything.
The smallest bit of acknowledgement from you is immensely meaningful and appreciated for me.
And I have loved you like a dog.
My love for you is pure and unconditional, just like a dog's love for its owner.
Maybe I shouldn't admit it.
Perhaps it is not the best decision to confess my feelings so openly and candidly.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried.
I may have been foolish to attempt to pursue a relationship with you, knowing that it may be one-sided.
You want somethin', honey, I'll get it.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy or fulfill your desires, like a dog eager to please its master.
A dog is not burdened with pride.
Unlike humans, a dog does not have a sense of pride or ego, and is simply content with pleasing its owner and receiving affection in return.
Like a dog, like a dog, I leap with joy
I become overjoyed and enthusiastic when you acknowledge me, just like a dog that jumps with happiness upon seeing its owner.
When you call my name, call me a good boy.
I derive immense satisfaction and validation from your praise and affection, just like a dog being called a 'good boy' by its owner.
I wish I had a dog's heart instead of this one.
I yearn for the simplicity and purity of a dog's love and loyalty, free from the complexities of human emotion.
For I have loved you like a dog.
My love for you is unwavering and unchanging, like the steadfast loyalty of a dog to its owner.
Aaaaaoooooooo
A vocalization mimicking the howl of a dog, emphasizing the comparison between the artist's love and loyalty to that of a dog.
Contributed by Nolan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.