Good Understanding
Willie Dixon Lyrics


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Now, when you see two women
Runnin' hand in hand
And neither one a-worried
About the other one's man

They got a good understandin'
Yes, a good understandin'
You know a good understandin
Can make ev'rything alright

Now, when you see two dogs
Nawin' on the same bone
It ain't no growlin'
An a-fightin' goin' on

They got a good understandin'
Yes, they got a good understandin'
You know a good understandin
Can make ev'rything alright

Now, when the lamb and the lion
Can lay side by side
An rover lick the tom cat
In his eye

They got a good understandin'
Yes, they got a good understandin'
You know a good understandin
Can make ev'rything alright

Yes, a good understandin
Can-a make ev'rything alright

Overall Meaning

The song “Good Understanding” by Willie Dixon is a blues classic that speaks about the importance of a good understanding between individuals or groups. Dixon uses vivid imagery involving different pairs of creatures to illustrate his point. At the beginning of the song, he sings about two women running hand in hand, knowing that they do not have to worry about the other's man. This image suggests a solidarity and trust between women, which allows them to be happy and carefree. Similarly, when two dogs are seen gnawing on the same bone, there is no growling and fighting involved, as they have a shared understanding of resource sharing. The final image in the song is of a lamb and a lion lying side by side and a rover licking a tom cat in his eye, which implies that even the fiercest of animals can coexist in peace and harmony when there is a good understanding between them.


The overall theme of the song is that a good understanding can make everything alright. Dixon is suggesting that by finding common ground, respecting each other's boundaries and preferences, and establishing a sense of solidarity, individuals and groups can create a positive and peaceful environment. The song is, therefore, a call to action for human beings to find ways to connect with each other and establish bonds of trust and understanding, both within and outside their communities.


Line by Line Meaning

Now, when you see two women Runnin' hand in hand And neither one a-worried About the other one's man
When you witness two women happily walking together without jealously or insecurity about each other's partners, it is a symbol of a strong understanding and trust between them.


They got a good understandin' Yes, a good understandin' You know a good understandin Can make ev'rything alright
This repeated phrase emphasizes the power of having a harmonious and empathetic relationship with others, as it can bring positivity and peace to all facets of life.


Now, when you see two dogs Nawin' on the same bone It ain't no growlin' An a-fightin' goin' on
Observing two dogs sharing a bone without any aggression towards each other signifies a mutually respectful and cooperative dynamic between the two animals.


Now, when the lamb and the lion Can lay side by side An rover lick the tom cat In his eye
When traditionally prey and predator species, such as a lamb and a lion or a dog and a cat, can peacefully coexist and display affection towards each other, it showcases the possibility of mutual understanding and acceptance in unlikely circumstances.


Yes, a good understandin Can-a make ev'rything alright
This line reinforces the central theme of the song, which is the transformative power of fostering positive relationships based on empathy and respect.




Contributed by Violet N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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