The week’s theme for Song Lyric Sunday is Bird/Cat/Dog/Fish/Pet. And I have picked Get Down by Gilbert O’Sullivan.

This song reached number one on the UK singles chart in April 1973. The jury is out on whether this is an unreconstructed instruction to his lover or his dog to behave. The accompanying video from an episode of Top of the Pops goes for the dog angle.

You have to be British and of a certain age to appreciate the full horror of this dance routine. Pan’s People were renowned for their literal interpretation of songs.

The true meaning of these lyrics is forever lost to a generation of Brits because all we see in our heads are five pretty ladies prancing around a bunch of bored pooches.

Told you once before
And I won’t tell you no more
Get down, get down, get down
You’re a bad dog, baby
But I still want you around

You give me the creeps
When you jump on your feet
So get down, get down, get down
Keep your hands to yourself
I’m strictly out of bounds

Once upon a time, I drank a little wine
Was as happy as could be, happy as could be
Now I’m just like a cat on a hot tin roof
Baby, what do you think you’re doing to me

Told you once before
And I won’t tell you no more
So get down, get down, get down
You’re a bad dog, baby
But I still want you around, around
I still want you around
Hey hey hey

I don’t give a damn
And I’d like you, if you can
To get down, get down, get down
You’re a bad dog, baby
But I still want you around

Once upon a time, I drank a little wine
Was as happy as could be, happy as could be
Now I’m just like a cat on a hot tin roof
Baby, what do you think you’re doing to me

Told you once before
And I won’t tell you no more
So get down, get down, get down
You’re a bad dog, baby
But I still want you around, around
I still want you around, mmm

Songwriter: Gilbert O’Sullivan
© SME (on behalf of Sony Music UK)