The lineup of the Los Angeles, California, indie-pop quartet that dog. repr… Read Full Bio ↴The lineup of the Los Angeles, California, indie-pop quartet that dog. represented the flowering of a second generation of musical luminaries: singer/guitarist Anna Waronker was the daughter of famed producer and Warner Bros. head Lenny Waronker, while violinist Petra Haden and her sister bassist Rachel Haden were two of the triplet daughters born to jazz titan Charlie Haden. Friends since high school, the trio first began playing music together in Waronker's bedroom in the early 1990s, with original drummer Maya Rudolph on board until she had to move away for college. Rudolph was replaced by drummer Tony Maxwell in 1992, that dog. issued their debut double seven-inch on the tiny Magnatone Records, quickly becoming a staple of the L.A. club circuit; a flurry of label interest followed, and the group signed with DGC in 1993. that dog.’s self-titled debut LP appeared in 1994; an energetic and quirky punk-pop effort highlighted by sunny harmonies and the intriguing use of violin and cello, the record became a college radio hit, and the light-hearted video for the lead single “Old Timer” even garnered some MTV airplay. The follow-up, Totally Crushed Out!, was issued a year later; a concept album wittily exploring the teen angst of unrequited love (packaged to recall a Sweet Valley High romance novel), the record marked a significant maturity in Waronker’s songwriting, evidenced by tracks like “Ms. Wrong” and “He's Kissing Christian.” A planned Waronker solo project was scheduled to follow, but instead her more pop-oriented material became the basis for the third that dog. record; co-produced by Brad Wood, the stellar Retreat from the Sun appeared in 1997. The band’s breakup was announced that September.

The band reunited in 2017, minus Petra. The reformed group released Old LP in 2019, with original drummer Maya Rudolph rejoining the group as a background vocalist.

Sites: YouTube and Facebook

Old Timer
that dog. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey old timer, can I ask you a question
While you're standing at the buffet?
Is this your first or second helping?
Why'd you come here anyway?
Hey old timer, why ya drinkin' the wine at Shakeys?
Hey old timer, I can tell your feet get achey.
Was it the ?? special that got you?
Did you cut your coupons in the Sunday Times?

You got your chili, don't forget your cornbread.
I can tell you come here all the time.
Did your friends say they couldn't make it?
Did you come here all alone?
Two-for-one's a stretch, you'll have to fake it.
Maybe we can share, I'm on my own.
Hey old timer, why ya drinkin' the wine at Shakeys?
Hey old timer, I can tell your feet get achey.

Hey old timer. Hey old timer. Hey old timer.
Hey old timer.

Overall Meaning

The song "Old Timer" by that dog. is a reflection of a young person's curiosity towards an elderly person who they see standing alone at a buffet. The young person is intrigued by the old timer's presence at Shakeys, a pizza chain known for its bargain deals, and wonders if it is their first or second helping. They also question why the old timer is drinking wine and notice that they seem to be in pain, possibly due to the physical strain of standing for a long time. Despite the age gap, the young person tries to connect with the old timer and asks if they cut coupons from the Sunday Times and if they came alone because none of their friends could make it. They even offer to share a table since they too are alone. The song's upbeat tempo, simple guitar riffs, and the lead singer's carefree voice add a touch of lightness to the lyrics, making it a catchy and enjoyable song.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey old timer, can I ask you a question
As you stand at the buffet, may I inquire about something?

While you're standing at the buffet?
As you remain at the food station?

Is this your first or second helping?
Is this your initial or subsequent serving?

Why'd you come here anyway?
What motivated you to come to this place?

Hey old timer, why ya drinkin' the wine at Shakeys?
I'm curious, why are you consuming wine at Shakeys?

Hey old timer, I can tell your feet get achey.
Based on your appearance, it seems like you have sore feet.

Was it the ?? special that got you?
Did you come for the enticing ?? special?

Did you cut your coupons in the Sunday Times?
Did you utilize the discounts from the Sunday Times?

You got your chili, don't forget your cornbread.
You already got your chili, remember to get your cornbread.

I can tell you come here all the time.
Based on your routine, it's apparent that you frequent this establishment.

Did your friends say they couldn't make it?
Did your companions indicate their absence?

Did you come here all alone?
Did you come to this place unaccompanied?

Two-for-one's a stretch, you'll have to fake it.
The two-for-one offering may not work for you, you may have to pretend.

Maybe we can share, I'm on my own.
Possibly we can split food, I'm also by myself.

Hey old timer.
Hey, Old Timer.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANNA JEANETTE WARONKER, ANTHONY MAXWELL, JENNIFER KONNER, PETRA HADEN, RACHEL HADEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS