The song was released on their 1969 soundtrack album Yellow Submarine. Credited to Lennon–McCartney but written primarily by John Lennon, it was finished in the studio by Lennon and McCartney. "Hey Bulldog" was recorded during the filming of the "Lady Madonna" promotional video, and, like "Lady Madonna", is one of the few Beatles songs based on a piano riff. It had a working title of "You Can Talk To Me".
Initially a relatively overlooked song in the Beatles' catalogue, "Hey Bulldog" has since been reappraised by a number of critics and musicians as one of the band's best rockers. In 2018, the music staff of Time Out London ranked "Hey Bulldog" at number 27 on their list of the best Beatles songs.
Lyrics
Sheepdog, standing in the rain
Bullfrog, doing it again
Some kind of happiness is
Measured out in miles
What makes you think you're
Something special when you smile
Childlike no one understands
Jackknife in your sweaty hands
Some kind of innocence is
Measured out in years
You don't know what it's like
To listen to your fears
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely, you can talk to me
Big man (yeah) walking in the park
Wigwam frightened of the dark
Some kind of solitude is
Measured out in you
You think you know me, but you haven't got a clue
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely, you can talk to me
Hey hey
Roar
Hey, bulldog (hey bulldog)
Woof
Hey, bulldog
Hey, bulldog
Hey, bulldog
Hey man
Whats up brother?
Roof
What do ya say
I say, roof
You know any more?
Ah ah (you got it, that's it, you had it)
That's it man, wo ho, that's it, you got it
Woah
Look at me man, I only had ten children
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ha ha ha ha
Quiet, quiet (ok)
Quiet
Hey, bulldog, hey bulldog
Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul Mccartney
Hey Bulldog lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
