In the late 70's
Graham Parker was one of the
angry young men of British rock. But the years passed, he grew older, more mature, and was
Struck By Lightning -- not literally, but figuratively.
Struck By Lightning is the title of his 1991 release and it refers to being
married with children.
Perhaps the best example off this album of the changes wrought in life by having little rugrats under foot is Children and Dogs. The song has a swaying country-rock tempo and Parker sings the lyrics with a wry grin - with an obvious reference the old W.C. Fields line. But for all of his droll complaints Parker can't hide the obvious love he has for both his children and their pets.
There is a nice touch at the very end as the final chorus is echoed by a small children's choir. A beautifully humorous little song - especially for those of us who have been struck by stork-lightning.
Children and Dogs
She said she just wanted a friend
And then she'd be good
Something to play with now again
And give lots of food
We've got a yard that's big enough
She says he's like a dream
But they've got us running 'round in circles
Like a pair of clowns it seems
Children and dogs will always win
Everyone knows that
I won't work with either one again
It's not in our contract
Children and dogs
Now I'm outside freezing to death
Just walking the dog
Instead of throwing myself at my wife
I'm throwing logs
We haven't slept for two nights
He howls out at the moon
The kid says sometimes he bites
Can you bring a bunny rabbit home soon
Children and dogs will always win
Everyone knows that
I won't work with either one again
It's not in my contract
Children and dogs, children and dogs
Make you trip over your ankles
Do all kinds of things that rankle
Make you wanna go and drink a tankful
And remember when you were single
Children and dogs
The bedroom's got two carpets
And one sticks to your clothes
Let's take a photo of all of us
Fixed grins in a family pose
Children and dogs will always win
Everyone knows that
I won't work with either one again
It's not in our contract
Children and dogs (la, la la la, la)
Children and dogs (la, la la la, la)
Children and dogs (la, la la la, la)
Children and dogs (la, la la la, la)