Well, I don't want a thing to do with you kind
And I ain't got no time to kill on your dime
Strung up, hanging 'round
Looking like you're upside down

Well, I ain't wanting to shed no blood, that's your crime
And I ain't wanting to sling no mud, I clean it up
You ain't what I'd call a friend
I wouldn't even if I could pretend
Man, you ain't like anybody else

As night becomes the sun to rise
As dirt becomes the butterflies
As sure as though it always seems to stay the same
And I'll be waiting anxiously
And I'll be falling fast asleep
And I'll be dreaming of the day the dream died
Uh huh

No sticks, no stones could break my bones like you can
If I knew hate, I'd call it love for you, man
High up on the hill, cheaper than a dollar bill
Man, you ain't like anybody else

Should we pretend that it's the end?
Are you my curse or are you my friend?
And if we got hit to the end of the road
Will you be there to carry my load?

I'm getting it back with that terrible feeling
My vision is cracked, but it looks like it's healing
I'm getting it back like it's four in the morning
When the sun only shines as if it's giving a warning
I'm getting it back with the rest of the leap year
I'm keeping the rabbit, the bat, and the reindeer
I'm getting it out, whatever I've gotta keep in
I'm telling the truth, said it don't win with pretend
Should we pretend?
Should we pretend?
Should we pretend?



Lyrics submitted by sonicpudding

Track duration: 03:29


The Rabbit, the Bat, and the Reindeer song meanings
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23 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:Rabbit = Easter
    Bat = Halloween
    Reindeer = Christmas
    Flag belindaSton March 08, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song really reminds of feelings of perceiving some kind of entity and also really has a Jesus vibe. Dr. Dog are masters of writing songs that are vague and well written making them really accessible and open to interpretation.
    but seriously, Jesus references abound. They always write spiritual songs that aren't gospel. Also draw a pair of rabbit ears, bat wings and reindeer antlers. Damn I could write a thesis on this song.
    Flag parkerpathwalkeron December 13, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I'm getting it back like it's four in the morning
    When the sun only shines as if it's giving a warning = best line i love it love it love it
    Flag ShawneeChildon May 15, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is just such a great song. Dr. Dog write a great modern pop song in a way few are able to.
    Flag omnivoreronon March 22, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:In an interview, the lead singer said it was a hate song but he didnt have anyone or anything to hate so he thats why it sounds happy but im pretty sure there is no specific meaning other than a hateless hate song
    Flag Michael133on December 28, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:The little piano arpeggio at 0:55 is why I love Dr. Dog. All their songs are interspersed with so many perfect little notes that you only notice on the tenth listen.

    Or at 2:54, when the bass finally changes. Beautiful.
    Flag AlfieParkon September 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i think its about a faux news anchor.
    Flag bharlesson September 02, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:im sorry but i feel a need to make some corrections
    Well, I ain't wanting to shed no blood, that's your crime
    And I ain't wanting to sling no mud, I clean it up
    both wanting should say one
    And if we got hit to the end of the road
    hit should say hitched
    I'm telling the truth, said it don't win with pretend
    should say im tellin the truth that i dont when we pretend... and it only says should we pretend twice... not 3 times...
    Flag Stefawnduhon April 28, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It's about our ex-President George W. Bush.

    -most feel it speaks to egoism; check
    -"Well, I ain't wanting to shed no blood, that's your crime
    And I ain't wanting to sling no mud, I clean it up"; check
    -others spoke about alcoholism: "Strung up, hanging 'round
    Looking like you're upside down."; check, Bush struggled with alcoholism for years, some criticized him during his presidency claiming he was on the bottle again. I don't think he ways, but it was a cheap critique.
    -The rest of the song basically argues that Bush was a sham, and he knew it "should we pretend"? Of course not, it only gets us into trouble. This is why "Are you my curse or are you my friend?
    And if we got hit to the end of the road, Will you be there to carry my load?" No, he wouldn't. Should we pretend?
    Flag jbrown1106on April 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:maybe the rabbit the bat and the reindeer refers to the holidays that divorced parents are forced to split their kids up for...
    Flag pavement33on March 22, 2009   Link

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