"I Wanna Be Your Dog" by The Stooges is a quintessential track that helped … Read Full Bio ↴"I Wanna Be Your Dog" by The Stooges is a quintessential track that helped shape the punk rock genre. Released in 1969, its raw energy, distortion-heavy guitar, and taboo lyric themes made it a revolutionary song. The track's fusion of psychedelic sound with a punk attitude, coupled with the collaboration of John Cale from the Velvet Underground, created a unique sound and rebellious spirit. Iggy Pop's lyrical inspiration adds depth to its interpretation, making it a song that challenged societal norms and continues to inspire musicians.

I Wanna Be Your Dog
The Stooges Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So messed up, I want you here
In my room, I want you here
Now we're gonna be face-to-face
And I'll lay right down in my favorite place

And now I wanna be your dog
And now I wanna be your dog
And now I wanna be your dog

Well, come on

And now I'm ready to close my eyes
And now I'm ready to close my mind
And now I'm ready to feel your hand
And lose my heart on the burning sands

And now I wanna be your dog
And now I wanna be your dog
And now I wanna be your dog

Well, come on

Woo

Uh
Uh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Stooges's "I Wanna Be Your Dog" exude an intense desire for submission and unconditional love. The singer is so "messed up" that they want the object of their affection to be with them always, even in their bedroom where they are at their most vulnerable. They want to be close, to be face-to-face, and they express their willingness to be utterly subservient by proclaiming that they want to be the other person's dog. The repetition of this line throughout the song is a clear indication of their desperation for the other individual's acceptance and control.

Line by Line Meaning

So messed up, I want you here
My emotions are in disarray, but I desire your presence

In my room, I want you here
I desire your company in my personal space

Now we're gonna be face-to-face
We will be in close proximity

And I'll lay right down in my favorite place
I will be in a comfortable position

And now I wanna be your dog
I desire to be your loyal companion

And now I'm ready to close my eyes
I am willing to let go and surrender to you

And now I'm ready to close my mind
I am willing to set aside my thoughts and concerns for you

And now I'm ready to feel your hand
I am prepared to experience your touch

And lose my heart on the burning sands
I am willing to take risks and expose myself to harm in pursuit of you

Well, come on
Let's proceed

Woo
Expression of excitement or enthusiasm

Uh
Expression of acknowledgement or agreement

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Alexander, Ronald Asheton, Scott Asheton, James Osterberg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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