It’s All About Dogs

Your faves have been singing about dogs this whole time.

[songs-about-dogs]

‘Nothing Feels Like You’ Is About a Dog: A Theory

You know that LM bop Nothing Feels Like You? I think it could be about a dog. Let’s look at the lyrics.

25 acres just to hold my diamonds and my pearls

Alright, so at first glance this line simply appears to be hyperbolic. BUT, if we pay attention to the 25 acres specifically, then the dog theory starts to make sense. Think about it, dogs, especially big dogs, are best suited living in homes that have large yards. So, I think maybe the girls are saying that along with tons of jewelry, they’d also like that space for a dog.

Not quite convinced yet? Okay, how about this:

If I had everything, it wouldn't mean a thing Cause nothing feels like, nothing feels like you No matter what they say can't take my love away Cause nothing feels like, nothing feels like you

So, petting...petting is a very tactile thing, and when you touch something, you feel it. And like, idk about you but I couldn't really name many things that resemble the feeling of my dog. Like, you can feel their hair, their paws, their noses (which are sometimes wet and sometimes dry), their tongues when they give you poochie smoochies, their teeth when they play bite. Like, can you name something else that can also feel like all those things? 

I think we can also all agree that ownership of ~fancy~ possessions (such as diamonds and pearls) could never be as great as having a dog. Material possessions don't mean a thing.

STILL don’t think this is about a dog?

Boys will be boys I've got plenty knocking at my door But none of them compare

I think the most important word here is BUT. “Boys will be boys” BUT dogs don't compare. “[Boys will be] knocking at my door]” BUT dogs won’t bang on doors because they don’t have fists.

And if that isn’t enough proof for you, then this verse should do it;

Cause I'm living in a fantasy Every time you're here with me

Okay, I mean some dogs are just SO DARN CUTE that you have to wonder if they’re even real. Like their cuteness is fantastical.

Kiss me if it's real Baby you were meant to keep

The important word here is ‘keep.’ Look, you don’t ‘keep’ people, like ever because they’re not possessions, people are their own beings. Now please don’t think I’m saying that dogs are not their own beings either, although I do realize it sounds that way. HOWEVER, dogs are much more dependant than humans, so saying you’re keeping a dog makes much more sense than saying you’re keeping a guy.

You bring out the best in me Now I know it's real

Have y’all ever seen how people are around dogs? Much the same way they are with babies and small children and it’s so pure and so sweet.

[songs-about-dogs]

‘Beautiful Soul’ Is About a Dog: A Theory

Let’s get right into it

I don't want another pretty face I don't want just anyone to hold I don't want my love to go to waste I want you and your beautiful soul

While dogs do have great faces and are perfect for holding, I think it’s safe to say that what truly makes dogs so great is their souls, their beautiful souls. Also, Jesse is saying here how he doesn’t want his love to go to waste and implies that that won’t be a problem with this beautiful soul. That’s about a dog because dogs, unlike humans, are never wasteful of love and affection

I know that you are something special

YES. DOGGOS ARE SO VERY SPECIAL

To you, I'd be always faithful

Okay, if this song was about another person, this line wouldn’t even need to be there because faithfulness should be a given in a romantic relationship. So, this is clearly about a dog because people can always have more than one pet or you can be out in public and see a random pup and wanna pet it and everything

I want to be what you always needed

Dogs are very needy, and that’s part of the reason we love them so much

Then I hope you'll see the heart in me

Dogs never judge us for what we look like, they only care about the hearts within us

You're the one I want to chase

Chasing is a dog activity. You throw the ball, they chase after it. Why? Because they love playing but also because they love that ball. So here, Jesse is trying to get this dog to understand that he loves said pup in a way that pup will understand, and pup will understand chasing

You’re the one I want to hold

Must be about a pequeño pup as they’re easier to hold

I won't let another minute go to waste

I believe this to be in reference to the fact that our canine friends unfortunately have shorter life expectancies :( so he can’t waste anytime not holding this precious pup

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This song is dedicated to all those people who can’t have dogs for whatever reason but would really love to have one

My life is brilliant My love is pure I saw an angel Of that I'm sure She smiled at me on the subway She was with another man But I won't lose no sleep on that 'Cause I've got a planYou're beautiful You're beautiful You're beautiful, it's true I saw your face in a crowded place And I don't know what to do 'Cause I'll never be with youYes, she caught my eye As we walked on by She could see from my face that I was Flyin' high And I don't think that I'll see her again But we shared a moment that will last till the endYou're beautiful You're beautiful You're beautiful, it's true I saw your face in a crowded place And I don't know what to do 'Cause I'll never be with youLa-la-la-la La-la-la-la La-la-la-la, laYou're beautiful You're beautiful You're beautiful, it's true There must be an angel with a smile on her face When she thought up that I should be with you But it's time to face the truth I will never be with you

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TRY AND TELL ME THIS SONG ISN’T ABOUT A DOG. 

PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH DOGS THEY DON’T KNOW ALL THE TIME. GO ON ANY SHELTER’S WEBSITE AND LOOK AT THE DOGS UP FOR ADOPTION AND TRY NOT TO FALL IN LOVE. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE. AND IF THAT’S NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU, THERE’S THE LINE “I THINK I’VE FOUND MY BEST FRIEND.” DOGS ARE SO OFTEN DESCRIBED AS BEST FRIENDS. 

[songs-about-dogs]

‘Woman’ is About a Dog: A Theory

Right, so this one isn’t as obvious as the other songs I’ve theorized about but I took a close look at the lyrics and have come up with this theory that I will now share with you. 

Don’t let the word ‘woman’ throw you off. It’s very possible that the song is about a female dog but titling it “Bitch” would cause the album to have an explicit rating which would in turn, negatively affect the sales of it. And “female dog, la la la la la la la la” just doesn’t flow that well. 

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s look at the actual lyrics:

I'm selfish, I know I told you, but I know you never listen

The key word here is “listen.” It’s important to note the difference between “hearing” and “listening” in order to get this. Dogs hear us, very well in fact, but they don’t really listen to us. Of course, they do listen when we’re offering things they like i.e treats or going for walks. But that wouldn't be the case here because Harry’s described himself as selfish, which means he’s gonna keep the pupperoni all to himself, therefore giving the dog no reason to listen to him.

I hope you can see the shape that I'm in While he's touching your skin He's right where I should, where I should be But you're making me bleed

I think in this verse, Harry’s singing about this dog snuggling with another male (he doesn't specify whether it’s a human male so it could also be another dog) when he wants to be snuggling with the female dog. And the bleeding thing is probably referring to a time the dog bit him. 

Promises are broken like the stitches

Stitches he had to get after being bitten by the dog.

This thing upon me, howls like a beast

This is the strongest piece of evidence to suggest that this song is truly about a dog. There are TWO key words here: ‘howl’ and ‘beast.’ On its own, ‘beast’ wouldn’t really be particularly relevant, but paired with the word ‘wolf,’ (EDIT: I meant to type “howl” instead of “wolf” lol. But I guess that just furthers my point because my subconscious made the link between those words and dog so quickly that it tried to use ‘howl’ and ‘wolf’ interchangeably) it becomes clear that this is referring to a canine. 

Doggo

Doggo

La la la la la la la la

D-doggo

Doggo

Doggo

Doggo

La la la la la la la la

D-doggo

Doggo

[songs-about-dogs]

Songs That Are Definitely NOT About Dogs

Who Let the Dogs Out - Baha Men

Wolves - One Direction

Hound Dog - Elvis Presley

Wolves - Marshmello & Selena Gomez

Black Dog - Led Zeppelin

Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran

We Some Dogs - Method Man

Dog In Heat - Missy Elliott

She Wolf - Shakira

[songs-about-dogs]

‘Stay Stay Stay’ is About a Dog: A Theory

I know Taylor Swift is a cat person and all but people never command their cats to “stay,” that’s usually reserved for dogs.

Shall we take a closer look at the lyrics? Of course we shall!

I threw my phone across the room at you I was expecting some dramatic turn-away But you stayed

She was expecting a ‘dramatic turn-away’ because generally, if you throw anything in a dog’s direction, they think you’re trying to start a game of fetch and therefore turn away, in the direction the object will be thrown in.

And I said, Stay, stay, stay I’ve been lovin’ you for quite some time, time, time You think that it’s funny when I’m mad, mad, mad But I think that it’s best if we both stay

Notice how she says “stay” 3 times in a row. Dogs have very short attention spans, especially when they’re excited, which is why Taylor would have to give the command thrice. And I think “funny” here is used as in “strange” and not comedic, in which case, it would make sense for her to be talking about a dog. Dogs can sense the emotions of their human companions and, I think it’s an undisputed fact that people with dogs are generally happier so for sure a dog would find it funny to see their dog-mom mad. As for the bit about them both staying, I think Taylor is saying that it’s in the dog’s best interest to obey her command, and for herself to stay in the dog’s company (especially since she’s upset. Her pup can cheer her up!)

Before you, I’d only dated self-indulgent takers That took all of their problems out on me But you carry my groceries, and now I’m always laughin’ And I love you because you have given me no choice but to

Tay-tay finally realized she didn’t need no man and got herself a great pup that could always make her laugh. Here’s a pic

You took the time to memorize me My fears, my hopes, and dreams I just like hangin’ out with you, all the time All those times that you didn’t leave It’s been occurring to me I’d like to hang out with you, for my whole life

This kinda goes back to what I was saying about dogs understanding their humans’ emotions. Dogs also thrive on routines so maybe this is what Taylor is referring to when she says the doggo “took the time to memorize [her].” And who wouldn’t like hanging out with a dog? Especially one that’s so loyal they’ll never leave your side?

[songs-about-dogs]

‘You and Me’ is About a Dog: A Theory

Yes, even Niall Horan writes songs about dogs. Here are some lyrics from this song and why they might be about a woof.

‘Cause we’re two kids Trying to start a fight Niall is one of the kids obviously, the other must be a puppy! He says they’re ‘trying’ to start a fight. Now the word ‘trying’ is important here because it implies that this fight is very much intentional which can only mean one thing…PLAY FIGHTING! And we all know dogs love play fighting.

All I’m asking for A bit of patience, please

So, we’ve already established that the dog in question here is a puppy. This line here can be one of two things; he’s either asking his higher power  to grant him patience, which he would need in abundance in order to train his new puppy OR, Niall is asking his puppy to be patient with him while he trains the dog. I mean, training a dog is never quick, it can be very time consuming (but it’s also rewarding.)

Time’s never been on our side So would you wait for me?

It’s really obvious, I think, that this line is about how dogs have a shorter life expectancy than their human counterparts and that’s very sad and Niall doesn’t want his dog to age faster than him because he wants them to be together forever (no I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING)

I lead a selfish life 'Cause that’s what I need What do I have to do To make you believe? It’s all for you and me

This is about how Niall is often on the road for his career, doing what he wants to do but also making that $$$$$$$ to take care of him and his pup. It’s all for man and his best friend. 

From a distance I can hear you cry

Have y’all ever heard a dog crying for attention? They can be VERY loud. 

Well don’t you worry darlin’ Don’t lose sleep tonight I can promise it I can guarantee At the end of the road I see you with me

Coming home to the pup who may or may not have separation anxiety at the end of tour.

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‘Shape of You’ is About a Dog: A Theory

I’d like to start this one off by saying that I believe this song is specifically about a dachshund as they have a very distinct shape. 

Now let’s take a closer look at the lyrics.

‘The club isn’t the best place to find a lover’ This is especially accurate when talking about dogs. If you wanna get a pup, you won’t be looking in a club.

‘Come on now, follow my lead

Come, come on now, follow my lead’ I think it’s really clear that Ed is referring to leash training here. He’s asking the dog to follow his lead instead of pulling the leash. 

 ‘We push and pull like a magnet do’ Now, this could still be referring to the leash training OR maybe….just maybe one of these guys

‘And last night you were in my room

And now my bedsheets smell like you’ Oops, I think Ed let the pup sleep in his bed and she wasn’t housebroken yet and relieved herself on his sheets. (I’m confident that this dog is a she because Ed says “girl” in the song a few times.

‘I’m in love with your body

Oh—I—oh—I—oh—I—oh—I I’m in love with your body Oh—I—oh—I—oh—I—oh—I I’m in love with your body Oh—I—oh—I—oh—I—oh—I I’m in love with your body’

Just look at that body! I feel you, Ed, I feel you.

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'Attention’ is About a Dog: A Theory

I mean, have you ever known anyone who wanted attention more desperately than a dog? Do I even need to say anymore?

Let’s just look at this line to further my point: you’ve been runnin’ round, runnin’ round, runnin’ round

Dogs run around and around and around all the time. 

And this one: Maybe you just hate the thought of me with someone new

Those of us who live with dogs know how they can get when other dogs are around. Puppers can get quite jealous. My dog will bark at us if we’re simply watching a video of another dog. 

Idk but it seems to me like it’s a song about a dog (probably a female because mentions of a dress. have you ever seen dogs in clothes??? they’re soooooo cute i’m dying just thinking about it!!! my dog has an adidog track suit and it’s FRICKIN CUTE, OKAY?) and he gave up this pup (why Charlie why????) and the doggo just wants Charlie’s undivided attention.

That’s all I got.

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A very strong point

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'Attention’ is About a Dog: A Theory

I mean, have you ever known anyone who wanted attention more desperately than a dog? Do I even need to say anymore?

Let’s just look at this line to further my point: you've been runnin' round, runnin' round, runnin' round

Dogs run around and around and around all the time. 

And this one: Maybe you just hate the thought of me with someone new

Those of us who live with dogs know how they can get when other dogs are around. Puppers can get quite jealous. My dog will bark at us if we’re simply watching a video of another dog. 

Idk but it seems to me like it’s a song about a dog (probably a female because mentions of a dress. have you ever seen dogs in clothes??? they’re soooooo cute i’m dying just thinking about it!!! my dog has an adidog track suit and it’s FRICKIN CUTE, OKAY?) and he gave up this pup (why Charlie why????) and the doggo just wants Charlie’s undivided attention.

That’s all I got.

[leclurking]

‘What Makes You Beautiful’ is About a Dog: A Theory

I was listening to WMYB the other day when this thought came to me. Let’s look at the lyrics.

“You’re turning heads when you walk through the door” I mean, think about it. Imagine you’re at a gathering or whatever at a friend’s house and the dog walks into the room. Who wouldn’t notice an adorable pup?

“Don’t need make-up, to cover up” Dog makeup isn’t even a thing. Plus their faces are already covered in doggy hair so they couldn’t even wear makeup in any case. IT MAKES SENSE. 

“Everyone else in the room can see it Everyone else but you” There’s no way a dog would be able to see “it” because they can’t even recognize their own reflections in the mirror. But humans are totally capable of recognizing doggos. 

Onto the chorus, 

“Baby you light up my world like nobody else” Dogs make people happy. It’s science.

“The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed” Have you ever watched a dog do that thing where they just kinda shake their heads and flip their ears? IT’S ADORABLE, right??? One might even say it’s overwhelming.

“

But when you smile at the ground it ain’t hard to tell

” So, when my dog walks around the house, he usually does so with his head down (because he’s snoofing around). I mean, dogs don’t really

smile

per se, but they definitely don’t hate sniffing around for food. If anything, hunting (even if it’s for crumbs), makes them happy as it’s in their nature, and happiness can be equated with smiling, ergo smiling at the ground. Not every line in a song is going to be literal. 

“

You don’t know you’re beautiful If only you saw what I can see You’ll understand why I want you so desperately Right now I’m looking at you and I can’t believe You don’t know, oh oh You don’t know you’re beautiful, oh oh

That’s what makes you beautiful” Again, dogs do not recognize themselves in reflections so there’s no way a precious pup could know how beautiful they are. Not only that, but they’re also somewhat “colour blind.” This is important when we look at the “if only you saw what I could see” because while dogs do see, they definitely do not see things as humans do.

Lastly, we have this, which I consider to be the strongest proof to suggest this song is about a woof, we have

“I don’t know why, you’re being shy and turn away when I look into your eye eye eyes” In general, eye contact, to a dog, is a show of intimidation or a challenge. A dog may turn their head away from you when making eye contact out of shyness or even respect. So, I mean, when you think about it and look at the facts, it adds up. 

In conclusion, What Makes You Beautiful is a song about a dog, possibly a dog named Baby. Or baby could just be a pet name and the song is just about dogs in general and just written in a way that they’re talking to them individually to make them feel special.