After the Sex Pistols broke up in 1978, he started Public Image Ltd. also called PiL. The group lasted for fourteen years with John Lydon as the only consistent member. In 2010, Lydon reassembled PIL and embarked on a successful tour of Europe, as well as re-visiting the United States for the first time in 18 years.
In 1997 he released a solo album on called Psycho's Path. He wrote all the songs and played (almost) all the instruments on the album.
Besides music, John has written a book called "Rotten - No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs", been in British reality television show, "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!", hosted the short-lived VH1 show "Rotten TV", co-starred in the movie "Copkiller" along with Harvey Keitel and hosted "It's a Rotten Day", a minute-long, syndicated US radio feature, in which he would offer cynical commentary on the day's headlines.
Dog
John Lydon Lyrics
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As we stand we are innocent dog
You can look to the future
When your confident
What does a red herring mean?
Don't know, don't know
How stable is smoke screen?
You ever seen a snow job in the snow?
No, oh no
Where does a false trail go?
Don't know, don't know
Dog
You can look to the future
When your confident
Nothing has an answer and that's a fact
And all religions are the devil's pacts
And one step forward is two steps back
And you know and I know and that's a fact
And as we stand, we are innocent
Adam and Eve are innocent
And all mankind is innocent
We can all do without judgment
And all confusion is confident
You can look to the future
When your confident
I, I, I, I, I, I
Nothing has an answer
And that's a fact
I am innocent
Good doggie, dog
I'm in my element
The song "Dog" by John Lydon (also known as Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols) features thought-provoking lyrics that challenge the listener's perceptions of truth, religion, and innocence. The first stanza speaks of solitude and the idea of standing innocent like a dog. The line "you can look to the future when you're confident" hints at the importance of self-belief for personal growth. The following stanzas raise questions about deception and uncertainty, particularly mentioning a "red herring" and "smoke screen." These lines suggest that there may be trickery disguised as truth or misdirection intended to create confusion.
The chorus focuses on the importance of confidence in the future and being innocent. The lyrics "And all religions are the devil's pacts" may be interpreted as a critique of organized religious institutions, suggesting that they are not inherently good. The final stanzas speak of the idea that nothing has a definitive answer and that all confusion can be embraced with confidence. The last line "I'm in my element" hints at the performer's comfort and familiarity with the themes explored.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the nature of truth, deception, and the importance of self-belief. The lyrics are cryptic yet thought-provoking, and the melody carries a sense of urgency that adds to the overall impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Ever been alone, ever been alone
Have you ever been truly alone and isolated?
As we stand we are innocent dog
All of us, including dogs, are inherently innocent and blameless in our natural state.
You can look to the future
When your confident
Having confidence and certainty allows you to look ahead and plan for the future.
What does a red herring mean?
Don't know, don't know
How stable is smoke screen?
Don't know, don't know
We may not always understand the tactics or strategies used to mislead or deceive us.
You ever seen a snow job in the snow?
No, oh no
Where does a false trail go?
Don't know, don't know
We may not always recognize false or misleading information or the paths it leads us down.
Dog
You can look to the future
When your confident
Despite the uncertainties and confusion in the world, we can still strive to be confident and optimistic about the future.
Nothing has an answer and that's a fact
And all religions are the devil's pacts
And one step forward is two steps back
And you know and I know and that's a fact
There are no ultimate answers or truths, and all religions are suspect in their claims. Progress can sometimes feel like a struggle or setback, but this is a universal fact that we all understand and accept.
And as we stand, we are innocent
Adam and Eve are innocent
And all mankind is innocent
We can all do without judgment
All humans are inherently innocent and should not be judged or held accountable for actions beyond their control.
And all confusion is confident
You can look to the future
When your confident
Even seemingly chaotic or confusing situations can be navigated with confidence and foresight.
I, I, I, I, I, I
Nothing has an answer
And that's a fact
This repeated 'I' signifies the universality of the human experience of uncertainty and lack of ultimate answers.
I am innocent
Good doggie, dog
I'm in my element
The singer asserts their own natural innocence and playfulness in a world that can be cruel and confusing.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN LYDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind