Hair of the Dog by Nazareth Lyrics Meaning – Unleashing the Rebel Spirit of the 70s Rock Anthems

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Nazareth's Hair of the Dog at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Heartbreaker, soul shaker
I’ve been told about you
Steamroller, midnight shoulder
What they been sayin’ must be true

Red hot mama, velvet charmer
Time’s come to pay your dues

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Talkin’ jivin’ poison ivy
You ain’t gonna cling to me
Man taker, bone faker
I ain’t so blind I can’t see

Red-hot mama, velvet charmer
Time’s come to pay your dues

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch) now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch

Nazareth’s ‘Hair of the Dog’ is more than just a head-banging rock anthem; it’s a zeitgeist of 70s rebellion wrapped in a leather jacket of gritty, blues-influenced guitar riffs. Since its release in 1975, the song has cultivated a status as both a party favorite and a touchstone for those who resonate with its defiant attitude.

Despite its straightforward chorus, ‘Hair of the Dog’ possesses a depth that is often overshadowed by its more prominent hook, ‘Now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch’. The song weaves a tale of confrontation and stands as a totem of hardened self-assertiveness. Let’s dive into the layers beneath the surface of this classic track.

The Inescapable Hook: More Than Just a Catchphrase

The song’s chorus punches through the verses with an anthemic force that has reverberated through decades of rock ‘n’ roll. This chant-like refrain became an emblem of defiance, transcending the context of the song to become a cultural declaration of toughness and resilience.

But ‘Hair of the Dog’ is more than its famed chorus; its energy is fueled by the searing guitar work and aggressive vocal delivery, creating a hard rock masterpiece that invites listeners to share in its indomitable spirit.

Red-Hot Mama, Velvet Charmer: A Glimpse into the Song’s Fiery Characters

The opening lines present a gallery of personifications – ‘heartbreaker, soul shaker’ and ‘steamroller, midnight stroller’ – that set the stage for a confrontation with a potent figure. These descriptors sketch a charismatic yet dangerous siren, someone who is both alluring and devastating.

The repetition of ‘Red hot mama, velvet charmer’ signals the inevitable reckoning, a moment of truth for a woman who has captivated the narrator. The song’s character-driven narrative illustrates a dance of power and desire, meandering between admiration and warning.

The Hidden Sting: Dissecting ‘Hair of the Dog’s’ Illusive Title and Content

The title ‘Hair of the Dog’ is an idiomatic expression for an antique hangover remedy, stemming from the belief that to cure a bite from a rabid dog, one should apply the same dog’s hair to the wound. It’s a sly nod to the rough-and-ready remedies for life’s pains and an apt metaphor for the song’s theme of confronting the source of trouble head-on.

Amidst the gritty riffs and raucous shouts, there’s a layered message about dealing with the very thing that harms you – a visceral approach to life’s challenges, suggesting that sometimes the best way to overcome adversity is to face it squarely, with the same energy it presents.

Talkin’ Jive and Poison Ivy: The Lyrical Bite of Frontman Dan McCafferty

Frontman Dan McCafferty’s gravelly voice embodies the essence of the song, infusing the lyrics with a sense of danger and wild, unyielding strength. The verses ‘Talkin’ jive and poison ivy’ paint a picture of a treacherous antagonist while hinting at the narrator’s refusal to be subdued by their venom.

McCafferty’s impassioned performance elevates the simple yet biting lyrics, giving voice to those who refuse to be tangled in the web of others’ deceit, thus amplifying the song’s overarching narrative of untamed defiance and self-preservation.

Why ‘Hair of the Dog’ Remains a Battle Cry for Rock’s Defiant Hearts

Nazareth’s ‘Hair of the Dog’ strikes a chord with the rule-breakers and the convention-defiers. The song’s message resonates with anyone who’s faced down a challenge with a sneer and a clenched fist. It’s a timeless rock battle cry, uniting generations of listeners in a chorus of solidarity against life’s pitfalls.

The reason ‘Now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch’ remains a memorable line is due to its unapologetic proclamation of self. It serves as a warning to all that the narrator, and by extension the listener, is not a force to be underestimated, making ‘Hair of the Dog’ an enduring mantra for finding one’s strength and standing ground.