Like A Dog
Powderfinger Lyrics


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In all that he takes in all that he shows
The higher the stakes the lower the blows
And all the mistakes that he's never known
Whatever it takes he'll be stealing the show

Now he nervously shakes as we rattle his stage
But he's happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days
Now we're trying hard to reconcile a history of shame
But he reinforced the barriers that keep it the same

If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and shame
But it's a fine fine time for the people in the lucky land

If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage




I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and rage

Overall Meaning

The first verse of "Like a Dog" by Powderfinger sets up the contrast between the singer's aspirations and the reality of his situation. He is ambitious and eager to impress ("whatever it takes he'll be stealing the show"), but the more he invests in his dream, the harder he falls ("the higher the stakes the lower the blows"). He is acutely aware of the mistakes he has made along the way but does not dwell on them.


The second verse describes the singer's current situation with a mix of resignation and nostalgia. He is on stage, but he is "nervously" performing, and he longs for a past where he was more comfortable ("happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days"). This is contrasted with the struggle of those around him to come to terms with their history of "shame" and the barriers that prevent progress. The chorus is a declaration of the singer's frustration and anger at being treated poorly ("like a dog"). He feels trapped and unable to reach his potential, and this causes him to react with "aggravation and rage."


Overall, "Like a Dog" is a powerful commentary on ambition, success, and the struggle to overcome personal and systemic obstacles. The singer represents anyone who has faced discrimination or oppression and is fighting to break free. The song shows how difficult this can be and how important it is to keep fighting.


Line by Line Meaning

In all that he takes in all that he shows
The performer takes in everything from the audience and displays it back to them through his performance.


The higher the stakes the lower the blows
As the pressure increases, the performer is susceptible to more criticism and negativity.


And all the mistakes that he's never known
The performer does not realize or acknowledge his mistakes.


Whatever it takes he'll be stealing the show
The performer will do whatever it takes to captivate the audience and keep them engaged.


Now he nervously shakes as we rattle his stage
The performer is anxious and uneasy as his performance is being scrutinized.


But he's happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days
The performer is content to relive his glory days, despite the criticisms he receives.


Now we're trying hard to reconcile a history of shame
We are attempting to come to terms with a past that is shameful and difficult to reconcile.


But he reinforced the barriers that keep it the same
The performer reinforces the obstacles that prevent any progress or change from taking place.


If you treat me like a dog
The performer feels dehumanized and mistreated.


And keep me locked in a cage
The performer feels trapped and confined.


I'm not relaxed or comfortable
The performer is not at ease or content in this situation.


I'm aggravation and shame
The performer is aggravated and ashamed of the way he is being treated.


But it's a fine fine time for the people in the lucky land
While the performer is suffering, those who have luck and privilege are enjoying themselves.


I'm aggravation and rage
The performer is also filled with anger in addition to shame.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DARREN STUART MIDDLETON, IAN DAVID HAUG, JOHN ANDREW COLLINS, JONATHAN ROBERT COGHILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

pink_eyed_ rubberduckie

lyrics
In all that it takes in all that it shows
The higher the stakes the lower the blows
And all the mistakes that he's never known
Whatever it takes he'll be stealing the show
Now he nervously shakes when we rattle his stage
But he's happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days
Now we're trying hard to reconcile a history of shame
But he reinforced the barriers that keep it the same
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and shame
If you treat me like a dog
Yeah you treat me like a dog
But it's a fine fine time for the people in the lucky land
In all that it takes in all that it shows
The higher the stakes the lower the blows
Now he nervously shakes when we rattle his stage
But he's happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days
Now we're trying hard to reconcile a history of shame
But he reinforced the barriers that keep it the same
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and shame
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and rage
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and rage



All comments from YouTube:

nato neeto pateeto

I was an extra in this video! It was filmed in the old Festival Hall in Brisbane, Australia. The shoot took the better part of a day and then the guys took us all to a pub and treated us to pizzas and beer afterwards. I ended up working in that pub for about 5 years. Good times!

pink_eyed_ rubberduckie

lyrics
In all that it takes in all that it shows
The higher the stakes the lower the blows
And all the mistakes that he's never known
Whatever it takes he'll be stealing the show
Now he nervously shakes when we rattle his stage
But he's happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days
Now we're trying hard to reconcile a history of shame
But he reinforced the barriers that keep it the same
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and shame
If you treat me like a dog
Yeah you treat me like a dog
But it's a fine fine time for the people in the lucky land
In all that it takes in all that it shows
The higher the stakes the lower the blows
Now he nervously shakes when we rattle his stage
But he's happy to be stuck back in his halcyon days
Now we're trying hard to reconcile a history of shame
But he reinforced the barriers that keep it the same
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and shame
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and rage
If you treat me like a dog
And keep me locked in a cage
I'm not relaxed or comfortable
I'm aggravation and rage

Meana Beana

fantastic sound... love the off time half beat dirty drumming and the use of right left music... holy crap you effing rock.

PUNJA73

has to be my favourite song by the Finger!

Fume Z

This song is way underrated.

Viv G

Just. Brilliant.

JaredTheBum

after randomly, and very drunkenly googling "like a dog", I came upon a song, band, and music video that I like quite a bit. I just hope I remember this in the morning. It's hard to find bands that are still cool with just rocking and rolling these days. I hope Powderfinger finds the success they are looking and dreaming for. an awesome, kick ass rock n roll band through and through. I wish you the best of luck chasing your dreams. rock on brothers, rock on.

Marek Bage

The song is 16 years old. Powderfinger formed in 1989 and disbanded in 2010. And yes, they were hugely successful. ;-)

JaredTheBum

+marekbage 16 years old is still pretty new.

michael bagwill

@Marek Bage i see them at the cambridge newcastle in 1989-90 i made the statemet this band will be huge, i was right

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