Barking good dog -themed playlist 🐕
Midweek Crisis #19
Henlo frens,
Let’s listen to some dog-themed songs today, shall we? 🐾
Here are the links to Midweek Crisis #19 playlist:
Listen on Spotify | Listen on YouTube
Today’s issue comes also with a surprise for my Polish-speaking readers! 🇵🇱
Special thanks to @bg.mchl, who recommended I check out the polish band Jerz Igor. Their sweet songs: “Pies” (polish word for “dog”) and “Pies i ja” (meaning “dog and me”) inspired me to make both mixes. This extra one contains songs in Polish language only: Pies, piesek, psiak i pieskowa playlista 🐕🇵🇱
If you decide to stay with me, grab your favorite cup of hot beverage, and let’s begin today’s walkthrough 🚶♀️🐕🎶.
First of all, I’d like to explain why I’ve chosen the doggo topic.
As some of you may know, I’m a huge dog lover. For as long as I can remember, living with a dog was a dream of mine. Dogs were a significant part of my life since my earliest childhood. I’ll never forget these four-legged friends who taught me how to build a good human-doggo relationship. Here's to the Ralf, Kropka, Czang, Milan, Atos, Kubuś, Lucky, Dżeki and Pestka! 🍻
It was the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic when my dream came true. Together with my husband we decided to adopt a young black mutt named Gonzo. From the first glance in his dark brown eyes, we knew that was IT 👀. It has just magically clicked between us.
We experienced his awesome transformation from the sad and scared ball of fur ☹️ to the silly, happy woofer 🤪. This crazy dog brought a ton of energy, fun, and excitement to our lives. It feels like he’s been with us forever. Adopting him for sure was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
As a dog guardian, I’m moved by almost everything that’s dog-related. That’s why when I hear the word “dog” in a song, I just have to Shazam it, and Google the lyrics. This habit played a big role in building today’s playlists.
Ok, so without further ado, let’s jump on to the couple of songs that I’ve picked for you.
🐕 LOBO - “Me And You And A Dog Named Boo”
As an opening track, I’ve picked a big 70's hit and a perfect road trip song 🛣. It wakes a huge wanderlust in me, every time I hear it.
Original Boo from the title was the singer’s beloved German Shepherd, and it was him who inspired the song.
“Me and you and a dog named Boo
Travellin' and livin' off the land”
“Lobo”, means "Wolf" in Spanish 🐺, and it’s the stage name of Roland Kent LaVoie, an American singer-songwriter.
🐕 Yusuf / Cat Stevens - “I Love My Dog”
Almost every single dog-themed playlist begins with this song. And it’s absolutely understandable because it’s a simply adorable one. The lyrics are simple, catchy, and resonate with every dog owner out there.
“All he asks from me is the food to give him strength
All he ever needs is love and that he knows he'll get”
And above all, the artist’s stage name has a cat 🐈 in it, for g sake! It’s quite funny, don’t you think? Btw, if you wonder why is that, I hasten to explain. This British artist’s real name is Steven Demetre Georgiou, which makes it hard to remember. He picked the “Cat” part of his stage name, partly because his girlfriend said he had eyes like a cat 👀. Musician himself said one time: "I couldn't imagine anyone going to the record store and asking for 'that Steven Demetre Georgiou album'".
🐕 Dolly Parton - “Cracker Jack”
I love this song by the one and only “Queen of Country” - Dolly Parton. It’s heartwarming, unlocks childhood memories, and simply makes the day brighter.
Cracker Jack was Dolly’s dog. She rescued him when he was a little pup, and she was a little girl. They grew up together and formed the special bond that inspired the song.
“Cracker Jack
The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack
But he was more than that
A play mate, a companion
He was love and understanding
That was Cracker Jack
The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack
But he was more than that
Everything a kid could want I had in Cracker Jack”
🐕 Dolly Parton - “Gypsy, Joe And Me”
It’s a melodramatic ballad that tells the story of the miserable young woman who can’t live with the loss of her boyfriend Joe and her dog Gypsy, so she jumps off a bridge.
“While standin' here on the edge of this bridge lookin' down I see
The face of Joe and Gypsy, lookin' back at me
And somewhere in the distance I can hear them callin' me
Tonight we'll be together again Gypsy, Joe and me”
Many of Dolly’s songs are packed with human tragedies. As she said herself in a book “Songteller” - “I've killed a lot of puppies and kids and ladies in my songs". I don’t know how about you, but I personally adore this contrast of sweet appearance and vocals with dreadful stories.
🐕 Pink Martini - “Lilly”
Every time I hear this groove, it makes me wanna move! 💃🎶🕺 There’s no way to stay still with this energetic song by Pink Martini. A danceable, Latino beat, a vibrant chorus, and funny lyrics - “Lilly” has it all.
“Lilly comes when you stop to call her
Lilly runs when you look away
Lilly leaves kisses on your collar
Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly, stay!”
It’s a true earworm 👂🐛🎶. It’s this kind of song that you just can’t get out of your head. If you’re not familiar with it, prepare for humming “Lilly” all day long.
Ok, consider yourself warned.
🐕 Nellie McKay - “The Dog Song”
It’s the last song that I’ve prepared for today. I came across it randomly on YouTube. TED video with such a title, immediately held my attention.
The song conquered my heart with its perky piano chords, weird dog sound-like making, touching words, and jazzy vibe 🎹🎶✨.
Inspiration for this song came to Nellie one day when she was staring at dog-walkers in New York City at dawn. The memories of her dog Joey came back to her, and she decided to make a tribute song to honor him.
What makes this song special is its authenticity, emotional load, and final message.
“If you need a companion
Why just go on by the pound
And find yourself a hound
And make that doggie proud
'Cause that's what it's all about
That's what it's all about
That's what it's all about
That's what it's all abow-wow-wow”
McKay has a love for animals in her blood. Her mother helped found the “Voices for Animals”, an advocacy group famous for the protests about the use of animals in circuses. Nellie herself is a proud supporter of PETA and a volunteer.
You’ve reached the end of today’s issue.
Have a great listening session with today’s playlist (Spotify | YouTube)
*Bonus 🇵🇱PL only playlist: Pies, piesek, psiak i pieskowa playlista 🐕🇵🇱
Don’t hesitate to share your faves, or some dog-related memories of yours in a comment section.
Enjoy your Wednesday! ✨
Yours,
Stygi
Definitely my favorite is your Gonzo🐕🦺🤗
'Martha My Dear' from the Beatles' 'White Album' is a favourite of mine. Pure McCartney pop and a beautiful brass break in the middle.