Song meaning of Hound Dog by Odetta

The song "Hound Dog" by Odetta tells the story of a person who is facing hardship and feeling abandoned by their faith and luck. The lyrics convey a sense of despair and frustration in the face of various difficulties. The hound dog serves as a metaphor for the singer's constant struggle, as it bays at the moon, representing an unfulfilled longing or plea for relief.

The song highlights the narrator's distress caused by the lack of rainfall, resulting in a dry well and unproductive chickens. The mention of fish not biting and rotten food symbolizes the overall scarcity and decay of their resources. The lyrics also suggest that the narrator's community, represented by the kinfolk, have shared in their hardship and consumed whatever was left, making the situation even more desperate.

The final lines of the song express physical pain and weariness, with references to aching belly and back. Despite the hardships and the feeling of being forsaken, the hound dog's continuous baying at the moon conveys a sense of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Overall, "Hound Dog" communicates a message of struggle and resilience in the midst of difficult circumstances. It portrays the harsh realities of life and the longing for relief, while also emphasizing the importance of endurance and determination.