Southern Dreaming
The Sheepdogs Lyrics


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I've looked on down, now baby it looks nice
You don't have to tell me more than once or twice

I've kept all the things, you found my walking shoes
I found out a way to rig it so I can't lose

Now I said darling
Would you keep on pushing?
Would you keep on riding?
All you love is down
But I can't leave town
No, I guess I'll spend my days
Southern dreaming

I fight through this haze, baby
Fight through the malaise
I'll live down there til my dying days

I see when I sleep, baby, through my dreams
That I've read in the pages of books and magazines

Now I said darling
Would you keep on pushing?
Would you keep on riding?
All you love is down
But I can't leave town
No, I guess I'll spend my days
Southern dreaming
Now I said darling
Would you keep on pushing?
Would you keep on riding?
All you love is down
But I can't leave town




No, I guess I'll spend my days
Southern dreaming

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Sheepdogs' song Southern Dreaming paint a vivid picture of a longing to escape to Southern America. The song's repetitive beat and simple, yet effective lyrics create an atmosphere of steady determination to fulfill a dream, as the lyrics emphasize the singer's stubborn position of staying in town, while still dreaming of a better life in the South.


The opening lyrics "I've looked on down, now baby it looks nice / You don't have to tell me more than once or twice" suggest a longing to leave their current situation behind and start anew in the South. The lyrics "I've kept all the things, you found my walking shoes / I found out a way to rig it so I can't lose" serve as confirmation of the determination of the song's protagonist to see the dream to fruition.


The chorus of the song highlights this determination, as the lyrics repeat "Would you keep on pushing? / Would you keep on riding?" The last lines of the chorus "All you love is down / But I can't leave town / No, I guess I'll spend my days / Southern dreaming" indicate that the singer is unable to leave their current situation behind but is content to dream of a better life in the South.


Line by Line Meaning

I've looked on down, now baby it looks nice
I've seen what's ahead of us and it looks good


You don't have to tell me more than once or twice
I already trust you and believe you


I've kept all the things, you found my walking shoes
I've held onto everything you've given me, including things that might be useful for a fresh start


I found out a way to rig it so I can't lose
I've devised a plan to make sure I come out on top


Now I said darling
I'm asking my significant other


Would you keep on pushing?
Will you work hard with me?


Would you keep on riding?
Will you stay with me no matter what?


All you love is down
We're starting from scratch and we don't have much at the moment


But I can't leave town
We have to start where we are and make the best of it


No, I guess I'll spend my days
I've accepted my current situation


Southern dreaming
Imagining a better future in the South


I fight through this haze, baby
I'm pushing through the difficulties and persevering


Fight through the malaise
Overcoming feelings of being stuck or unmotivated


I'll live down there til my dying days
I plan to stay in the South forever


I see when I sleep, baby, through my dreams
I dream about a better future for us


That I've read in the pages of books and magazines
Inspired by stories I've read about other people's successes in the South




Contributed by Stella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Olivier Paillé

When you listen to Led Zep, The Doors, Creedence Clearwater Revival and others for years and hope you hear a band that will bring back real rock and you find Sheepdogs, YOU YELL LIKE HELL.

Victoria Champion

Check them out live! The sound is even better(if possible) and they put on a killer show! There aren't many artists these days that can actually put on a good show with a decent sound. These guys rock it!

Barbara Terrell

You guys are amazing!! You guys are the best modern rock band there is!

GulfCountyFL

We had the honor of having these guys play at our 2012 PoJo Live Music Fest the very month they were on the cover of the Rolling Stone! I personally had the honor of hanging out that night with them at a bonfire on the beach.....great guys..super great tunes!

Jamie S

I love this band. It's like if CCR and Lynard Skynard has a love child, it would produce this glorious noise <3

anthony maida

These guys are just awesome! i love itt

Rosie Wilcox

Saw them live. Man, the bass player's like Jesus. He's got the hair, the beard, the really tight jeans...

Peter Griffin

No apology needed. Canadians are epic, so are Americans. It doesn't matter where a band is from, it just matters that they ROCK :)

CKGM990

Rock is making a comback we must fight to keep it that way!

Edward Shavelson

All Bands have influences clearly this has a Dickey betts feel to it. Sounds great. Finally a band that plays some great music and not that sugar coated pop or rip off riff rap

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