Rock and roll duo Everly Brothers featuring Don Everly And Phil Everly pose for a portrait holding their acoustic guitars flanking band leader Johnny...

About the song

In the realm of rock and roll, there are a select few songs that have transcended time and genre, becoming anthems that continue to resonate with audiences across generations. “Bird Dog” by The Everly Brothers stands as one such iconic number, a captivating blend of infectious melody, playful lyrics, and the duo’s signature close harmonies that have cemented its place in music history.

Released in 1958, “Bird Dog” marked a turning point for The Everly Brothers, solidifying their status as rock and roll pioneers. The song’s success was immediate, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over two million copies, propelling the brothers into international stardom.

“Bird Dog” is driven by a simple yet irresistible guitar riff, instantly capturing the listener’s attention. The lyrics, penned by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, tell a lighthearted tale of a mischievous joker named Johnny, whose teasing of the narrator’s sweetheart earns him the label of a “bird dog.” The song’s playful nature is further enhanced by The Everly Brothers’ signature harmonies, their voices intertwining with a seamless blend of brotherly chemistry.

Beyond its catchy melody and charming lyrics, “Bird Dog” holds significance as a cultural touchstone. It was a staple of radio stations and jukeboxes, soundtracking the lives of teenagers and young adults during the burgeoning rock and roll era. The song’s popularity extended to the television screen, with The Everly Brothers performing it on numerous shows, including “American Bandstand” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

The impact of “Bird Dog” extended far beyond the 1950s. The song has been covered by countless artists across genres, from rockabilly legends like Carl Perkins and Ricky Nelson to pop icons like Cher and Madonna. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, further solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

“Bird Dog” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. Its infectious melody, playful lyrics, and The Everly Brothers’ captivating harmonies continue to captivate audiences of all ages, ensuring its place among the greatest rock and roll anthems ever recorded.

Key takeaways:

  • “Bird Dog” is an iconic rock and roll anthem by The Everly Brothers, released in 1958.
  • The song’s catchy melody, playful lyrics, and the duo’s signature harmonies propelled it to international stardom.
  • “Bird Dog” became a cultural touchstone, appearing on numerous radio stations, television shows, and covered by countless artists.
  • The song’s enduring popularity and influence cement its place among the greatest rock and roll anthems of all time.

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Lyrics

Johnny is a joker (he’s a bird)
A very funny joker (he’s a bird)
But when he jokes my honey (he’s a dog)
His jokin’ ain’t so funny (what a dog)
Johnny is a joker that’s a-tryin’ to steal my baby (he’s a bird dog)

Johnny sings a love song (like a bird)
He sings the sweetest love song (ya ever heard)
But when he sings to my gal (what a howl)
To me he’s just a wolf dog (on the prowl)
Johnny wants to fly away and puppy-love my baby (he’s a bird dog)

Hey, bird dog get away from my quail
Hey, bird dog you’re on the wrong trail
Bird dog you better leave my lovey-dove alone
Hey, bird dog, get away from my chick
Hey, bird dog, you better get away quick
Bird dog you better find a chicken little of your own

Johnny kissed the teacher (he’s a bird)
He tiptoed up to reach her (he’s a bird)
Well he’s the teachers pet now (he’s a dog)
What he wants he can get now (what a dog)
He even made the teacher let him sit next to my baby (he’s a bird dog)

Hey, bird dog get away from my quail
Hey, bird dog you’re on the wrong trail
Bird dog you better leave my lovey-dove alone
Hey, bird dog get away from my chick
Hey, bird dog you better get away quick
Bird dog you better find a chicken little of your own
He’s bird……

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