The musicologist Robert "Mack" McCormick opined that Hopkins is "the embodiment of the jazz-and-poetry spirit, representing its ancient form in the single creator whose words and music are one act".
Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas, and as a child was immersed in the sounds of the blues. He developed a deep appreciation for this music at the age of 8, when he met Blind Lemon Jefferson at a church picnic in Buffalo, Texas. That day, Hopkins felt the blues was "in him".[citation needed] He went on to learn from his older (distant) cousin, the country blues singer Alger "Texas" Alexander. (Hopkins had another cousin, the Texas electric blues guitarist Frankie Lee Sims, with whom he later recorded.) Hopkins began accompanying Jefferson on guitar at informal church gatherings. Jefferson reputedly never let anyone play with him except young Hopkins, and Hopkins learned much from Jefferson at these gatherings.
Hopkins's style was born from spending many hours playing informally without a backing band. His distinctive fingerstyle technique often included playing, in effect, bass, rhythm, lead, and percussion at the same time. He played both "alternating" and "monotonic" bass styles incorporating imaginative, often chromatic turnarounds and single-note lead lines. Tapping or slapping the body of his guitar added rhythmic accompaniment.
Much of Hopkins's music follows the standard 12-bar blues template, but his phrasing was free and loose. Many of his songs were in the talking blues style, but he was a powerful and confident singer.[citation needed] Lyrically, his songs expressed the problems of life in the segregated South, bad luck in love and other subjects common in the blues idiom. He dealt with these subjects with humor and good nature. Many of his songs are filled with double entendres, and he was known for his humorous introductions to songs.
Hopkins died of esophageal cancer in Houston on January 30, 1982, at the age of 69. His obituary in the New York Times described him as "one of the great country blues singers and perhaps the greatest single influence on rock guitar players.".
Let Me Play with Your Poodle
Lightnin' Hopkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't get mad, I don't mean no harm!
I want to play with your poodle
I want to play with your poodle
I want to play with your poodle
I mean your little poodle dog!
Yes, that little poodle got a long shaggy tail
Can I play with your poodle?
Can I play with your poodle?
Can I play with your poodle?
I mean your little poodle dog!
Oh, when I went down to town with my hat in my hand
I was lookin' for a woman, didn't have no man!
I want to play with your poodle
I want to play with your poodle
I want to play with your poodle
I mean your little poodle dog!
Yes, two old maids that were layin' in a bed
Well, one turned over, this is what she said
Can I play with your poodle?
Can I play with your poodle?
Can I play with your poodle?
I mean your little poodle dog!
Now Lily ol' woman, what you tryin' to do?
Tryin' to lower my brother and lower me too!
Wanna play with your poodle
I wanna play with your poodle
I wanna play with your poodle
I mean your little poodle dog!
Play it loud!
At first glance, "Play With Your Poodle" by Lightnin' Hopkins may seem like a straightforward song about wanting to play with a poodle. However, upon deeper interpretation, the lyrics suggest a sexual innuendo. The phrase "play with your poodle" can be interpreted to mean having sexual relations with a woman, as the term "poodle" is sometimes used as slang for female genitalia. This is emphasized by lines such as "I was lookin' for a woman, didn't have no man" and "Lily ol' woman, what you tryin' to do? Tryin' to lower my brother and lower me too!"
Additionally, the lyrics suggest a playful and flirtatious tone, as the singer is asking permission to "play" with the poodle. The line "Don't get mad, I don't mean no harm!" may also indicate that the singer is aware of the suggestiveness of his request and is trying to assure the listener that it is all in good fun.
Overall, "Play With Your Poodle" can be interpreted as a playful and suggestive blues song about sexual desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Now lend an ear folks while I sing this song
Listen to me while I sing this song
Don't get mad, I don't mean no harm!
Please don't get upset, I don't intend to cause any harm
I want to play with your poodle
I want to spend some time with your cute little poodle
I mean your little poodle dog!
I'm specifically talking about your small and adorable dog
Yes, that little poodle got a long shaggy tail
Your small dog's tail is impressively long and shaggy
Well I tried to buy him but he wasn't for sale!
I attempted to purchase your dog from you, but you declined to sell
Can I play with your poodle?
May I please spend some time with your poodle?
Oh, when I went down to town with my hat in my hand
When I went to town in search of something I needed
I was lookin' for a woman, didn't have no man!
I was hoping to find a female companion
Yes, two old maids that were layin' in a bed
I saw two unmarried women that were resting in a bed
Well, one turned over, this is what she said
When one of the women rolled over, she made this statement
Now Lily ol' woman, what you tryin' to do?
Lily, what is your intention?
Tryin' to lower my brother and lower me too!
Are you attempting to belittle us or our family?
Wanna play with your poodle
I'd like to spend some time with your poodle
I mean your little poodle dog!
Specifically, I'm referring to your small and adorable dog
Play it loud!
Please play the music loudly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HUDSON WHITTAKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffreyboone2932
One of the greatest. Doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Just ask Hank Jr
@coravisser727
I find this one super good.
@vishalrustogi1612
what a poodle of a song....GREAT!
@messthetics
Everyone says this song is full of innuendo but Lightning Hopkins actually dig love petting and playing with dogs.
@truthtellerbelievethat1813
messthetics he wasnt talking about no dog though
@jmproducermoore5569
Yeah Right!
@brianbaldwin9402
Dogs...Pussycats...They all need a little play.
@divebomber101
WOAH, what about BB King, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, and whole heap of more.... those three inspired so many! You gotta add those to any list.
@rickybritt2012
WCS but there is only 1 Lightnin
@johnnyvlimki2389
My feets can´t stand s-s-s-still,this is R-r-r-rock n R-r-r-roll. go L