"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, 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 in which was released in the UK. In 1966, The Newbeats released a version of the song as a single. In 1975, English Glam rock band Mud recorded a cover of the song on their album Use Your Imagination which reached no. 33 on the UK charts. In 1978, the Bellamy Brothers, recorded a cover of the song which reached no. 86 on the Hot Country Singles chart.