Beware of the Dog
Jamelia Lyrics


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Listen to me

Do you know how much you want it?
You're trying to be cool about it
You're trying to big about it
You're constantly just denying
You're like a moth to a flame
You hardly wane
But listen 'cause I know what I'm saying

He's trying to catch you in it
And then he'll back you in it
'Cause he's just another girl addict
And if you give it away
You've gotta be crazy...crazy

[Chorus:]
Stop!
You better shake him off
Before he gets ya
(He's coming to getcha, he's coming to getcha)
Stop!
He'll only build you up
And then he'll getcha
He's dirty to the bone - beware of the dog!

I was damn near addicted
I got into trouble with him, I got in the bubble with him
Everything was just how he wanted
Oh but then I got wise
I got out of sight
So take my advice

[Chorus: Repeat 2X]

I know you hear me
I know you hear me - I know you hear me!
Arr! Arr!

You better reach out and touch me!
(Reach out and touch me)

[Chorus: Repeat 4X]

Beware of the dog...
Beware of the dog...
Beware of the dog...

Overall Meaning

In Jamelia's song Beware Of The Dog, the lyrics are speaking to someone who is attracted to a man who is no good for her. The opening lines suggest that the person knows that they want this man but they are trying to act cool about it. The lyrics continue to say that the man is just another girl addict and if the person gives in to him then they must be crazy. The chorus warns the listener to shake the man off before he gets them, as he will only build them up and then hurt them. The song speaks from personal experience as Jamelia mentions that she too got into trouble with this man but then got wise and got out of sight. In the final chorus, she repeats the warning to beware of the dog.


The lyrics of this song are straightforward and quite literal, warning the listener about the dangers of getting involved with a man who is no good for them. The use of the metaphor "beware of the dog" is particularly effective as it conjures up an image of a vicious animal that can hurt you if you get too close. The song's message is one of empowerment and self-care, encouraging the listener to protect themselves and not fall prey to someone who will hurt them.


Line by Line Meaning

Listen to me
Pay attention to what I am saying


Do you know how much you want it?
Are you aware of how much you desire it?


You're trying to be cool about it
You are attempting to seem nonchalant


You're trying to big about it
You are trying to act important


You're constantly just denying
You are continuously rejecting the truth


You're like a moth to a flame
You are attracted to danger


You hardly wane
You barely show reluctance


But listen 'cause I know what I'm saying
However, you should listen to me because I have knowledge of the situation


He's trying to catch you in it
He is attempting to trap you in a difficult situation


And then he'll back you in it
Then he will abandon you after involving you in it further


'Cause he's just another girl addict
Because he is addicted to women


And if you give it away
And if you give in to his advances


You've gotta be crazy...crazy
You must be insane to proceed


[Chorus:]
The following lines are the chorus


Stop!
Cease your behavior


You better shake him off
You need to rid yourself of his influence


Before he gets ya
Before he completely takes advantage of you


(He's coming to getcha, he's coming to getcha)
(He is moving in to take advantage of you)


Stop!
Cease your behavior


He'll only build you up
He will only inflate your ego


And then he'll getcha
And then he will harm you


He's dirty to the bone - beware of the dog!
He is corrupt at his core - be cautious of his actions!


I was damn near addicted
I was nearly obsessed with him


I got into trouble with him, I got in the bubble with him
I became involved in problematic situations with him


Everything was just how he wanted
Everything occurred according to his desire


Oh but then I got wise
However, I became aware of his true intentions


I got out of sight
I separated myself from him


So take my advice
Therefore, I recommend that you listen to me


[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
The chorus repeats twice


I know you hear me
I am aware that you are listening


I know you hear me - I know you hear me!
I am certain that you are listening to me!


Arr! Arr!
An expression of excitement or warning


You better reach out and touch me!
You should make contact with me!


(Reach out and touch me)
(Make contact with me)


[Chorus: Repeat 4X]
The chorus repeats four times


Beware of the dog...
Be cautious of his actions...


Beware of the dog...
Be cautious of his actions...


Beware of the dog...
Be cautious of his actions...




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: STUART CRICHTON, MARTIN GORE, JAMELIA DAVIS, TOMMY JAMES, KAREN POOLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@revelatorj0hnn

For those who don’t know, the riff in the background is sampled from Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode!

@MrEchoes1962

Apart from the Depeche Mode sampled as said above there is added drumming to that particular track so not completely sampled just looped.

@elrastrillo1

https://youtu.be/6sjGBXckGB4?si=__p2CYIOWpGZg-iN ​@@MrEchoes1962

@Lee_Sohee960

How come this song wasn't a hit!? It's awesome!

@skurinski

it was a hit

@TheXCola25

It made #10 in the UK in December 2006. I'd class that as a hit... albeit a shortlived one.

@ludovicoavellino9567

So underrated!

@ludovicoavellino9567

@@skurinski half a million views in 10 years? That's a hell of a flop! Too bad tho

@marklove4057

Ludovico Avellino that’s coz jamelia ain’t been a popstar in a while and YouTube weren’t as big when this song came out.

2 More Replies...

@sarahwilson976

This song, together with SOS by Rihanna and Freak Like Me by the Sugababes is the prime example of using a classic song and turn it into a contemporary banger.

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