Bird Dog (song)

"Bird Dog" is a song written by Boudleaux Bryant and recorded by the Everly Brothers. It was released in 1958 and was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Chart for six weeks. The song also hit No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (stalled behind Domenico Modugno's "Nel blu, dipinto di Blu (Volare)" and Tommy Edwards' "It's All in the Game"), as well as peaking at no. 2 for three weeks on the R&B charts.

Background

The song deals with the singer's dismay that a boy, by the name of Johnny, is trying to take his girlfriend away. The singer calls him a bird dog as a result of his behavior.

The musical structure is relatively unusual in that it has a 12 bar blues stanza and an 8 bar blues chorus.

Personnel

• Don Everly – vocals, guitar
• Phil Everly – vocals, guitar
• Floyd "Lightnin Chance – double bass

Charts

All-time charts

Cover versions

• In 1958, Morris And Mitch recorded a version which was released in the UK.
• In 1966, The Newbeats released their rendition of the song as a single.
• In 1975, English Glam rock band Mud recorded a cover on their album Use Your Imagination which reached No. 33 on the UK charts.
• In 1978, the Bellamy Brothers recorded it, reaching No. 86 on the Hot Country Singles chart.

References