You Can Leave Your Hat On
Three Dog Night Lyrics


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Baby, take off your coat...(real slow)
Baby, take off your shoes...(here, I'll take your shoes)
Baby, take off your dress
yes, yes, yes
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
You can leave your hat on
Go on over there and turn on the light...no, all the lights
Now come back here and stand on this chair...that's right
Raise your arms up in to the air...shake 'em
You give me a reason to live
You give me a reason to live
You give me a reason to live

Suspicious minds are talking
Trying to tear us apart
They say that my love is wrong
They don't know what love is
They don't know what love is
They don't know what love is




They don't know what love is
I know what love is

Overall Meaning

The song "You Can Leave Your Hat On" by Three Dog Night is a classic blues song that employs a lot of suggestive language and innuendo. The lyrics are in the form of a seduction, with the singer urging his lover to undress before him, emphasizing his physical attraction to her excellent features while making her feel empowered to leave her hat on. The song starts with the singer asking her to take off her coat slowly, which is usually associated with a suggestive strip tease. The lyrics go on to entice her to take off her shoes, her dress, and anything else that may be in her way as the singer assures her that she can leave her hat on.


The central theme of the song is the power dynamic between two people in a relationship. The singer is urging his partner to embrace her sexuality and express herself freely by removing her clothing. He emphatically reiterates that she can leave her hat on, which is often seen as a symbol for people to feel more comfortable and confident, even though they are exposed in front of others. The singer gives the woman the agency to make decisions for herself and act on them, making her feel more empowered and confident in her sexuality.


In essence, the song is an ode to the power and beauty of sexuality and expression, especially for women. The lyrics advocate for a society where people are free to express themselves in any way they see fit, regardless of societal expectations or gender roles. The song has been popular since its release, and it is still played in clubs and on radio stations.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby, take off your coat...(real slow)
Slowly remove your coat, my love


Baby, take off your shoes...(here, I'll take your shoes)
Let me take your shoes off for you


Baby, take off your dress yes, yes, yes
Undress yourself completely, eagerly


You can leave your hat on You can leave your hat on You can leave your hat on
Leave your hat on while you undress, it's sexy


Go on over there and turn on the light...no, all the lights
Turn on every available light in the room, my darling


Now come back here and stand on this chair...that's right
Come back to me and stand on this chair as I instructed


Raise your arms up in to the air...shake 'em
Raise your arms and shake them seductively


You give me a reason to live You give me a reason to live You give me a reason to live
My love for you gives me purpose to exist


Suspicious minds are talking Trying to tear us apart
There are people who doubt our love and try to separate us


They say that my love is wrong They don't know what love is They don't know what love is They don't know what love is I know what love is
Those who criticize our love don't truly understand it, but I do




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Randy Newman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Christine Shire


on My Impersonal Life

Who sang vocals for this

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