The Meaning Behind The Song: Bird Dog by The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, were one of the most successful sibling duos of all time. With their fusion of rock ‘n’ roll and country music, they became pioneers of a new sound that would, in turn, influence generations of musicians. One of their most popular songs, “Bird Dog,” released in 1958, is a classic example of their blending of genres.

The Lyrics

The opening lines of “Bird Dog,” set against a catchy, twangy guitar riff, introduce the central characters of the song:

“Johnny is a joker, he’s a bird
A very funny joker, he’s a bird”

The song goes on to describe Johnny’s wandering eye, as he flirts with every girl he sees, causing heartache for his long-suffering girlfriend, the titular “bird dog”:

“When he gets the bird, the bird will fly
Whoo-ooh-ooh, bird dog”

The Meaning

At its core, “Bird Dog” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of infidelity. Johnny is depicted as being unable to resist the charms of other women, despite the fact that he has a faithful girlfriend waiting for him at home. The phrase “bird dog,” which serves as the song’s chorus, is typically used to describe a hunting dog that specializes in flushing out birds. In this case, however, it refers to Johnny’s girlfriend, who is always on the lookout for other women who might catch his eye.

The Inspiration

The song was written by Boudleaux Bryant, who is best known for his collaborations with his wife, Felice. The couple wrote many of the Everly Brothers’ most famous songs, including “Bye Bye Love” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream.” Bryant reportedly wrote “Bird Dog” about a friend of his who had a habit of cheating on his girlfriend. In an interview with NPR, Bryant’s son Del said that the friend in question was a “ne’er-do-well character” who “hurt a lot of people along the way.”

The Reception

“Bird Dog” was a hit for the Everly Brothers, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958. The song was notable for its catchy melody and twangy guitar riff, which helped define the Everlys’ signature sound. Despite its success, however, some critics took issue with the song’s lyrics, which many felt were sexist and objectified women. Others defended the song, arguing that it was simply a lighthearted tale of romantic misadventure.

The Legacy

“Bird Dog” remains a beloved classic of the early rock ‘n’ roll era, and a staple of oldies radio. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Wanda Jackson and the Muppets. It has also been referenced in popular culture, from the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy” to the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

The Message

Despite its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, “Bird Dog” ultimately delivers a message that is still relevant today. The song reminds us that infidelity can cause real pain and heartache, and that fidelity and commitment are noble virtues. By listening to the tale of Johnny and his bird dog, we can learn the importance of treating our partners with respect and love.

The Influences

The blend of rock ‘n’ roll and country music that the Everly Brothers pioneered was hugely influential, and helped pave the way for many other artists. Their harmonies, in particular, were noted for their complexity and beauty, and have been cited as an influence by musicians as diverse as the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel. The Everlys’ style helped bridge the gap between different genres of music, and made it possible for country artists to achieve mainstream success.

The Criticisms

Like many songs of its era, “Bird Dog” has been criticized for its treatment of women. The central female character in the song is reduced to little more than a jealous, possessive girlfriend, while Johnny is depicted as having all the power and control. Some have argued that the song reinforces harmful gender stereotypes, and that it perpetuates the idea that women are disposable objects to be picked up and discarded at will.

The Takeaway

Despite its flaws, “Bird Dog” remains a classic of the rock ‘n’ roll era, and a testament to the power of the Everly Brothers’ unique sound. The song teaches us the importance of fidelity and commitment, and reminds us of the pain that infidelity can cause. By listening to the tale of Johnny and the bird dog, we can learn valuable lessons about love and relationships that are still relevant today.

The Questions

1. Who wrote “Bird Dog,” and what inspired the lyrics?
2. When was “Bird Dog” released, and how did it perform on the charts?
3. What is the song’s central message?
4. How did the Everly Brothers’ unique sound influence other artists?
5. Why have some critics taken issue with the song’s lyrics?
6. What is the meaning behind the phrase “bird dog” in the song’s chorus?
7. How has “Bird Dog” been referenced in popular culture?
8. What is the meaning behind the line “When he gets the bird, the bird will fly”?
9. How did the Everly Brothers’ harmonies contribute to their success?
10. What lessons can we learn from the tale of Johnny and his bird dog?
11. Has “Bird Dog” been covered by any other artists?
12. What is the significance of the blending of rock ‘n’ roll and country music in the Everly Brothers’ style?

The Answers

1. “Bird Dog” was written by Boudleaux Bryant, who based the lyrics on a friend of his who had a habit of cheating on his girlfriend.
2. “Bird Dog” was released in 1958, and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
3. The song’s central message is that infidelity can cause real pain and heartache, and that fidelity and commitment are important.
4. The Everly Brothers’ unique sound blended elements of rock ‘n’ roll and country music, and their harmonies were noted for their complexity and beauty. Their influence can be heard in the music of many other artists, including the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel.
5. Some critics have criticized the song’s lyrics for perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and objectifying women.
6. In the song’s chorus, the phrase “bird dog” refers to Johnny’s girlfriend, who is always on the lookout for other women who might catch his eye.
7. “Bird Dog” has been referenced in popular culture, from the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy” to the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
8. The line “When he gets the bird, the bird will fly” means that when Johnny cheats on his girlfriend, she will leave him.
9. The Everly Brothers’ harmonies were a major part of their success, and their complex vocal arrangements influenced many other artists.
10. The tale of Johnny and his bird dog teaches us the importance of fidelity and commitment, and reminds us of the pain that infidelity can cause.
11. “Bird Dog” has been covered by many other artists, including Wanda Jackson and the Muppets.
12. The blending of rock ‘n’ roll and country music in the Everly Brothers’ style helped bridge the gap between different genres of music, and made it possible for country artists to achieve mainstream success.