Let Me Play with Your Poodle
Lightnin' Hopkins Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now lend an ear folks while I sing this song
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
Well I tried to buy him but he wasn't for sale!
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!

Overall Meaning

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
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Comments from YouTube:

@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

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