Hair Of The Dog

Nazareth's 'Hair Of The Dog' is a song that exudes a raw and rebellious energy, encapsulating a spirit of defiance and self-assertion. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has been warned about someone else's notorious reputation, with phrases like 'Heartbreaker, soulshaker' and 'Steamroller, Midnight Shoulder' suggesting a character who is powerful, irresistible, and potentially dangerous. The repeated line 'Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch' serves as a bold declaration of the speaker's own toughness and unwillingness to be taken advantage of.

The song's title, 'Hair Of The Dog,' is a colloquial expression that refers to the belief that the cure for what ails you, especially a hangover, is more of the same. This could metaphorically imply that the speaker believes in facing challenges head-on, with the same tenacity that caused the problem in the first place. The confrontational tone of the lyrics, combined with the hard rock sound that Nazareth is known for, creates an anthem of resilience and unapologetic strength.

Cultural references like 'Talkin' jivey poison ivy' and 'Mantaker, Born Faker' suggest a person who is deceitful and not to be trusted. The speaker's response to this person is one of resistance and a refusal to be ensnared by their manipulative ways. The song, with its gritty guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, embodies the classic rock ethos of the 1970s, where music was often used as a vehicle for expressing individuality and toughness in the face of adversity.