Hound Dog
The Willy Deville Acoustic Trio Lyrics
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Pryin' all the time.
You makin' nothin' but a hound dog, yeah
Pryin' all the time.
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit
and you ain't no friend of mine.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, they said you was high classed,
well, that was just a lie.
You ain't never caught a rabbit
and you ain't no friend of mine.
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Pryin' all the time.
You makin' nothin' but a hound dog, yeah
Pryin' all the time.
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit
and you ain't no friend of mine.
When they said you was high classed,
well, that was just a lie.
Well, they said you was high classed,
well, that was just a lie.
You ain't never caught a rabbit
and you ain't no friend of mine.
When they said you was high classed,
well, that was just a lie.
You know, they said you was high classed,
well, that was just a lie.
You ain't never caught a rabbit
and you ain't no friend of mine.
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Pryin' all the time.
You makin' nothin' but a hound dog, yeah
Pryin' all the time.
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit -
- You ain't no friend of mine.
The Willy Deville Acoustic Trio's song "Hound Dog" is a cover of the classic blues song originally written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and famously performed by Elvis Presley. The song is an insult directed at a person who is all bark and no bite, a dog that is all show and no hunting skills. The lyrics accuse this person of always prying and asking questions but never actually achieving anything, specifically referencing their inability to catch a rabbit.
The repeated line "You ain't no friend of mine" drives home the message that this person is not respected or valued by the singer. The verse "When they said you was high classed, well, that was just a lie" is likely referencing the person's perceived social status or reputation, which the singer dismisses as false. Overall, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the importance of substance over style and the frustration of dealing with someone who talks but doesn't deliver.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
You are not a loyal friend, just someone seeking information and benefits.
Pryin' all the time.
Always trying to get into others' business and secrets.
You makin' nothin' but a hound dog, yeah
All your efforts are just for your own advantage, just like a dog hunting for food.
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit
You have never accomplished anything significant or meaningful.
and you ain't no friend of mine.
Because of your self-centered personality, I cannot consider you as my friend.
When they said you was high classed,
When someone spoke highly of you,
well, that was just a lie.
It turned out to be untrue because of your true characteristics.
You know, they said you was high classed,
You've gotten the same compliment several times.
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit
But it doesn't change the fact that you've never achieved anything significant or meaningful.
and you ain't no friend of mine.
And because of that, you don't have my trust or respect.
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
I reiterate that you are not a loyal friend.
Pryin' all the time.
You are always trying to intrude into and control other people's lives.
You makin' nothin' but a hound dog, yeah
And you are making no significant contributions to society, just like a dog looking for food.
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit
You've never been successful in achieving anything meaningful or worthwhile.
You ain't no friend of mine.
And because of your nature, you cannot be considered a friend of mine.
Contributed by James W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Caitie Faulds
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