Do the Dog
Sesame Street Lyrics

Well, I got a little dance to tell you about
Introducing a new dance.

A dance to make you bark, not scream and shout
A dance that's fun for kids and dogs alike.

You ask what kind of dance can it possibly be
Describing the unknown dance.

I'll show you with the kids and Barkley
Inviting audience members to learn the dance.

It's called the dog
The dog is the name of the dance.

(Ruff, ruff)
Mimicking a dog's bark.

Yeah, get down on all fours and do the dog
The first step of the dance which involves getting down on all fours.

Now scoot around on the floor and do the dog
The second step of the dance which involves moving around like a dog.

Pretend your name is Rover
Encouraging the audience to imagine themselves as a dog.

And when you do the dog, you gotta roll over
Adding a fun element to the dance.

Now pretend that you're a dog and that you have fur
Continuing to encourage the audience to imagine themselves as a dog.

But you're not a cat, so don't meow or purr
Clarifying the type of sounds the audience should make.

Just sound like a doggie and you'll have fun
Emphasizing that the dance is meant to be enjoyable.

You can bark, bark, bark 'till this song is done
Encouraging the audience to keep barking like a dog throughout the song.

You can let out a growl and do the dog
Encouraging the audience to add a growling sound to the dance.

Now let me hear you howl and do the dog
Encouraging the audience to add a howling sound to the dance.

The dance that no one can match
Branding the dance as unique and unmatched by others.

Now pretend that you have fleas and scratch
Adding a comical element to the dance.

If you're feeling tired and pooped is what
Addressing the possibility of fatigue.

You're getting
Acknowledging that fatigue can happen.

And you're not in the mood for any playing or petting
Recognizing that the audience may not always be in the mood for dancing.

Just lay on down
Providing an alternative to dancing.

But before your eyes are shut
Adding a step to the alternative to dancing.

Turn around three times like that great big mutt
Describing a playful action to do before sleeping.

Oh, do the dog
Encouraging the audience to continue doing the dog dance.

(Ruff, ruff)
Mimicking a dog's bark.

Ruff ruff ruff ruff
Adding repetition to the dog barking sounds.

Ruff!
Ending the song with a final bark.