Call Me A Dog

Temple of the Dog's 'Call Me A Dog' is a song that delves into themes of loyalty, rejection, and self-worth. The lyrics suggest a relationship where the speaker has been demeaned and cast aside, likened to a dog, an animal known for its loyalty and often unconditional love for its owner. The song's opening lines, 'You call me a dog well that's fair enough 'Cause it ain't no use to pretend You're wrong,' indicate a resignation to the name-calling but also a refusal to accept the other person's judgment as correct.

The song continues to explore the dynamic of the relationship, where the speaker feels used and discarded, akin to an 'old winter coat.' Despite this, there's a sense of resilience and a higher moral ground taken by the speaker, who, even when it's their turn to retaliate ('throw the next stone'), chooses to see the beauty in the other person ('I'll call you beautiful, if I call at all'). This suggests a depth of character and an unwillingness to stoop to the level of pettiness or revenge.

The final verses of the song reinforce the idea of bad luck following the one who mistreats the speaker, especially if they continue to 'keep me on a leash and drag me along.' This metaphor extends the dog imagery to illustrate control and mistreatment, yet the speaker seems to rise above it, maintaining dignity in the face of adversity. The song, therefore, becomes a powerful statement about maintaining one's integrity and self-worth, even when others fail to recognize it.