Little Red Rooster
Willie Dixon Lyrics


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I'm a little red rooster,
Too lazy to crow for day
I'm a little red rooster,
Too lazy to crow for day
Keep everything in the barnyard,
Upset in every way

Dogs begin to bark now,
And the hounds begin to howl
Dogs begin to bark now,
And the hounds begin to howl
Watch out stray cat,
The little red rooster's on the prowl

If you see the little red rooster
Won't you please drive him home
If you see the little red rooster
Won't you please drive him home
Been no peace in the barnyard
Since that little red rooster's been gone

I'm a little red rooster,
Too lazy to crow for day
I'm a little red rooster,
Too lazy to crow for day




Keep everything in the barnyard,
Upset in every way

Overall Meaning

The Little Red Rooster is a blues song written by Willie Dixon, which is presented through the metaphorical image of a rooster in the barnyard. The lyrics explore the nature of the rooster and his place in the barnyard. The singer demonstrates the behavior of a lethargic rooster who doesn't crow for the day, which causes chaos in the barnyard. The lyrics present the rooster as a dominant and powerful figure, which is evident from the way the dogs bark and how the hounds howl. He's on the prowl and causing mischief in his absence.


The song highlights the underlying theme of power dynamics and control over others. The Little Red Rooster is a symbol of the dominant figure who holds supremacy over others in the barnyard. The reference to the stray cat depicts the defiance against the dominant figure, with the implication that even the smallest of creatures dare to stand up to him. However, this is short-lived since there's been no peace in the barnyard since the rooster's departure. The song ends with the rooster's return, with the singer once again emphasizing the rooster's power and the chaos he causes in the barnyard.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a little red rooster, Too lazy to crow for day
I am a rooster who is too unmotivated and indolent to call out during the day, signifying my lack of interest in my surroundings and my apathy.


Keep everything in the barnyard, Upset in every way
My inattention and lack of participation in the barnyard has caused all the animals to become agitated and disturbed.


Dogs begin to bark now, And the hounds begin to howl
The other animals have noticed my irritation and have begun to express their own warnings, evidenced by the barking of the dogs and the howling of the hounds.


Watch out stray cat, The little red rooster's on the prowl
The other animals should be wary of me, even the stray cat, because despite my lack of energy, I am still capable of asserting myself and being aggressive when necessary.


If you see the little red rooster Won't you please drive him home
If anyone spots me wandering outside of the barnyard or not participating in the daily routine, please bring me back to my place in the barnyard.


Been no peace in the barnyard Since that little red rooster's been gone
The barnyard has been in constant disarray since I haven't been around to fulfill my role as a rooster, signaling the start of a new day and keeping all the animals on schedule and in line.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Willie Dixon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@JimDixon55104

LITTLE RED ROOSTER
As sung by Willie Dixon on "I Am the Blues" (1970)

I had a little red rooster too lazy to crow for day.
I had a little red rooster too lazy to crow for day.
He kept everything in the barnyard either settin' or ready to lay.

You know the dogs begin to bark and the hounds they begin to howl.
You know the dogs they begin to bark and the hounds they begin to howl.
You know my little red rooster's gone; Lord, the little red rooster's on the prowl.

Now if you see my little red rooster, somebody please drive him home.
Now if you see my little red rooster, somebody please run him home.
There ain't been no peace in the barnyard since my little red rooster been gone.



All comments from YouTube:

@reuvenzadik2443

He inspired so many great people, from Mick Jagger to Jim Morrison..Many forgot him but without Blues, Rock would never been born...Classics..

@robertkang968

He wrote the songs we love. He was the blues.

@laroudoune

That’s the blues...
Thanks Willie...

@artistalisonwinfield-burns4455

the hands down best song ever recorded

@summeroflove394

Perfect to play in a dark country bar. Love the vibes

@murphymoe753

His voice is amazing really bluesy

@kimtatum8828

Mr. Dixon is The Music Man..
His music travels the World to this day.

Play on Mr. Music Master!

💯%🔥😎🎼🌟🏆

✌💜🙏🍑😽
🌻🇺🇸🌻

@xavierchallansonnex1299

Quel bonheur de pouvoir entrende Mr Willie!!!

@veroniquehecquet1347

Best MASTER....❤️❤️❤️
Un pur régal sans égal.. C'est Royal..🌌

@johnsullivan2652

Willie Dixon, Geno Washington, Rolling Stones all do this song justice

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