Song meaning of The Red Rooster by Howlin' Wolf

The lyrics of "The Red Rooster" by Howlin' Wolf depict a lazy and laid-back rooster that refuses to crow during the day. The repetition of this line emphasizes the lack of motivation and energy in the rooster's behavior. This indolent rooster, however, has a significant impact on its surroundings. The lyrics suggest that the rooster's laziness disturbs the harmony of the barnyard, causing unrest among the animals.

The dogs' barking and howling symbolize the distress caused by the rooster's absence. The line "watch out strange kind people, cause little red rooster is on the prowl" indicates that the rooster's laziness might lead to unforeseen consequences, affecting not only the animals but also those observing from the outside. This line may metaphorically suggest that when individuals become neglectful or apathetic, it can have widespread repercussions and disturb the equilibrium in their environment.

The plea to "drag him home" implies that the speaker, likely the narrator, wants the rooster to return and restore peace in the barnyard. However, the repetition of the line "There ain't no peace in the barnyard since the little red rooster been gone" suggests that the absence of the rooster has created an ongoing disruption.

Overall, the lyrics of "The Red Rooster" convey a message about the consequences of laziness and the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant actions or lack thereof can have a significant impact on those around us.