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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

The Beatles recorded this while they were filming the promotional video for "Lady Madonna." Since they had to be in a studio while filming, Paul McCartney thought they should record a song.

They started recording this as "Hey Bullfrog," but Paul barked at the end and made John Lennon laugh. They kept in the barking and changed the title, even though there is no mention of a bulldog in the verses or chorus. "Hey Bulldog" is chanted 4 times before John and Paul's playful banter and then twice during the fade-out.

This was the first recording session John brought Yoko to.

This was the last song The Beatles recorded before leaving for a retreat in India to study meditation with the Maharishi.

John Lennon called this "a good sounding record that means nothing." Musically, it has some interesting nuances. The middle part contains an interesting example of Lennon's polyphonic technique: The piano in the background does not follow the singer. Near the end of the song, Lennon talks while accompanied by the music, which could be considered a forerunner to Rap. In the climax, Lennon starts shouting, and the others follow. They scream like mad while the guitar in the background plays the same notes again and again, as if nothing has happened. (thanks to Johan Cavalli, who is a music historian in Stockholm)

The original title was "You Can Talk To Me."

The Beatles wanted to use this in the movie Yellow Submarine, but it didn't make the cut. When the film was re-released in 1999, the scene with this was included. The soundtrack was made up of songs that had been unreleased or previously released as singles. Going with the theme of the movie, the album cover contained psychedelic cartoon likenesses of The Beatles. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)

While John and Paul are yelling and barking towards the end, Paul can clearly be heard saying, "Hey, don't look at me man, I only have ten children." (thanks, Adrian - Wilmington, DE)

The official promo film for "Lady Madonna" (studio footage) is actually the recording session for this song. (thanks, Barry Kesten - Bellmore, Washington)

This was covered by Toad The Wet Sprocket and used in the 1997 film I Know What You Did Last Summer. (thanks, Erik - Fairfield County, CT)

The British Psychedelic Rock band The Gods covered this in 1969 and released it unsuccessfully as a single. The Gods featured 2 future Uriah Heep members Ken Hensley (guitar/vocals) and Lee Kerslake (drums). (thanks, Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England)

This song was also covered by former National Hockey League player and coach Jim Schoenfeld on his 1973 album Schony, which he recorded while he played for the Buffalo Sabres. Schoenfeld was named Assistant General Manager of the New York Rangers in 2007. (thanks, Randy - Buffalo, NY)

Comments:

I think John and Paul would be dissapointed to hear all of you bitching about what their songs meant. Why cant you just enjoy them? and if you have to have a meaning, pick the one you like and dont force others to beleive it means the same thing. Beleive what you want, but dont make others beleive the same if they dont want.
- Eryn, Carlisle, IA

I totally disagree Erick, it was the end of touring what kept them together 'cause even Paul realized it was dreadful and useless to do concerts where nobody could listen to what they sang not even themselves and it was because of this that they could focus into crazy experimental studio recording that is when, in my opinion, they finally become the greatest band of all time. Anyway, all things must pass...
- DnnZ, AQP, Peru

you do realize that we're talking about the beatles, right? wigwam probably means absolutely nothing in this song. but its fun, and it makes me think of a sloth.
- K, nowhere, ON

this is about brian jones whom john was tryin to help with his massive drug use to no avail. keith was always telling anyone who would listen,including lennon,thatbrian was a bulldog when the stones began, hence the title.
- rob, gloucester, MA

In my opinion, the breakup started well before everything mentioned above. It was the end of the touring that started the band towards breaking up. Paul wanted to press on with playing live, and the rest didn't, especially George. Then, after that last tour to promote "Revolver", they went their separate ways for a while. John did "How I won the War", George took his first trip to India, Paul worked on movie scores, and Ringo hung out with his family. After this period, neither John nor George ever felt comfortable as a Beatle again. John turned to drugs, George to India, and Paul basically kept the Beatles thing going. Every album after Revolver was either a concept of Paul's (ex. Sgt Pepper, Mystery Tour, Let It Be), or albums comprised of separate solo songs by each member (ex. White Album, Abbey Road, Yellow Submarine). All of the other issues mentioned contributed to the breakdown, but the end of touring started the ball rolling.
- Eric, Louisville, KY

The "sheepdog, standing in the rain" was none other than Martha, Paul's beloved English Sheepdog (the inspiration for "Martha My Dear"). An offspring of Martha is seen on the cover of Paul's 1993 "Live" CD.
- john, Grand Island, NY

definitely the most underrated Beatles song
- Haris, flushing, NY

this song is hard to figure out im trying to decifer the guitar part its tough but what do you expect from them
- derek, shrewsbury, MA

and to add to julias explanation it was used my the wampanoag tribe neer plimouth (first thanks giveing)
- derek, shrewsbury, MA

A Wigwam was a type of Native American dwelling. It was usually a very low structure with a dome top and a dugout floor. These structures were also thatched with leaves and branches to keep out the weather.
- Julia, Richland, WA

does anybody know what a Whigwham is. it says it in the lyric " big man walking in the park. Whjgwham frightened in the dark"
- Shai, roswell, NM

My brother has a conspiracy theory about John's death. He thinks that Yoko set up the murder by telling the murderer to kill John. I personally think this too. Anyway, LOVE the song and "Think For Yourselves" people!!
- Julia, Richland, WA

For a song that supposedly means nothing, it sure says quite a lot. I guess what John was basically saying was that it was nothing for him to write great lyrics. :-p
- Adrian, Gettysburg, PA

i love how they laugh like lunatics and just mess around at the end. it really shows their personalities as individuals- fairly outrageous and a bit random.
- chloe, st. louis, MO

Great guitar lead. I dont think it was John's lead as previously stated.
- Rich, Livingston, NJ

Oh man I love this song! The opening is amazing and the end when they're all messing arond is hilarious.
- Rosario, Naples, FL

I like how John laughs like crazy. He's luke WAHAHAHAHAH YAHAHAHAHAHAH AH, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!! Love the movie! Yellow Submarine they're singing it to a three headed bulldog who works for the Blue meanies.
- Bianca Sanchez, Alburquerque, NM

It was said that the boys were pretty high at the time of the recording and they just let this song flow with some of the word choice they had, and imagery they give you
- Peter Boyko, Edmonton, Canada

at the end when Paul is telling John Quite you can hear john say OKay. I just thinks that's funny, I like how they play off eachother and didn't really care what they said when they were recording.
- Sam, Bowie, MD

You're right, he says "Hey man, I already have grandchildren!" Hard to tell because John is laughing like a lunatic at the same time.
- Peter Griffin, Quahog, RI

The trivia about the fadout is incorrect. Paul clearly says: "What do you mean man? I already have grandchildren!" It's just an example of the wacky stuff they would yell out to try and amuse each other.
- Lou, new york, NY

Oh man this is an awesome sock, rediculous but just awesome. I love it in their movie "Yellow Submarine" good stuff.
- Tristan, Philadelphia, PA

From what I understand the Beatles broke up long after they wanted to for contractual reasons. They had signed long term contracts that didn't really benefit them finacially in the long run, they probably didn't think they would make it as big as they did. There wer other reasons than Yoko, Paul was a control freak and pretty much bossed everybody else around toward the end, you can see Geaarge waling out of a seesion in Let It be becasue of Pauls nitpicking his playing. In the earlier days it was John and Paul but John kinda went off the deep end in the latter days of the group. I've always thought that if it weren't for Ringo and his comic relief they probably would have killed each other LOL I always liked Georges songs the best so I'm kinda glad they broke up though it was an end to something we'll never see again.
- wyatt, anywhere, United States

I think this song was aimed at serial killer Charles Manson. The year 1968 was near the time of the Manson killings.
- Nasser, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Other

This song is just so unique. I love they way John and Paul sing it. It just a fun song.
- Krissy, Boston, MA

The reason the Beatles broke up is has been explained at greath length many times by all the memebers of the band. It was nobody's fault - they all wanted out of the pressure cooker and get on with their personal lives. I mean they obviously enjoyed working together, but they'd been doing that since they were in their teens fer Pete's sake. They all had wanted to quit at one time or another. Face it...they had to become individuals. I only wish they could have taken a break and got together now and then like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young did. Both groups had a lot in common: vocal harmonies, consciencious, great song writing, both burned out on the Pop Music scene but loved maiking music the way they wanted to. CSNY got together when they felt like it in different groupings - sometimes 2 sometimes 3 sometimes all of them and they had their own projects etc. Wish Lennon, McCartney, Harrison & Starr could have done like likewise.
- Story, Alameda, DE

Another tidbit is that John played lead guitar on this song. Arguably the best 'obscure' Beatles song.
- Doug, Vernon, Canada

This was not Yoko's first attendance in the studio. Her first session was in fact for 'The Fool on the Hill' which took place on September 25, 1967. She would continue to attend a few more recording sessions for Magical Mystery Tour, invited by John himself. There is even proof in these pictures: http://www.nemsworld.com/beatles/fool/fool.htm
- Anonymous, Phoenix, AZ

The subject of Yoko and her negative influence could go on here for years, but let's suffice it to say that if it was just her coming into the studio occasionally there would have most likely been no problems with that from the other 3. But, for crying out loud, they had a BED put into the studio and Yoko would lay in the bed as if the recording studio was her HOME. It just sheds light on Lennon's state of mind (and drug use) during that time period. No one else in WORLD History ever attempted to have the audacity to move their Mistress into a recording studio ... let alone that of the greatest band the world has ever witnessed. How could that ever be expected to be tolerated by the others? Even if she had been the most congenial and sweet woman in the world, she would have been looked upon with resentment for being thrust upon them all that way ... and she certainly was not a congenial and sweet woman.
- Charlie, New York, NY

I saw the video paul and john smile a lot in it
- John Smith, Southington, CT

John of Texas you are right!!! Patti Boyd was Clapton's chick!!!! But George didn't mind, for some odd reason.
- Steven, West Carrollton, OH

Just for you guitarists out there: In the Beatle's promotional film of "Hey Bulldog", George Harrison is seen playing a cherry red Gibson SG Standard (actually a Gibson Les Paul "SG" Standard circa 1961-62). "Hey Bulldog", "Paperback Writer" and "Lady Madonna" all feature this guitar with it's full growling tone. O.K., are you with me? George later gave this guitar to Eric Clapton shortly after he formed Cream. Clapton had "The Fool" (a Dutch husband-wife artist collaborative) give the SG a full-blown psychedelic paint job. Clapton utilized it throughout Cream's existence. When you hear "Crossroads" on "Wheels Of Fire", you're hearing that guitar. Todd Rundgren now owns this very fabled instrument. Hmm... didn't George Harrison give Eric Clapton a wife as well? Ah well... enjoy the rich tone as well as the irony.
- John, Wimberley, TX

Cool intro, and a nice conversation.
- Nathan, Bruges, Belgium

This is my favorite Beatles song.
- Hannah, Indianapolis, IN

I've heard the reason George had a problem with Yoko was because it seemed like she was taking John away from spending time with him. George looked up to John like an older brother. With Yoko around, older brother John didn't have as much time for his little brother George than what he had before. And I can kind of understand why it ticked George off. But I still don't blame the breakup on Yoko. I'm pretty sure that I've heard that while George didn't like that Yoko, he wasn't the meanest to her. He tolerated her, but he wasn't happy with her. Paul wasn't very nice to the woman at all. And Ringo was the nicest to her, I think he was the only Beatle [besides John] to attend John and Yoko's wedding. George and John made up after a while.
- Brittany, Virginia

Dennsm I'm with ya on that one.
- Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC

We can say anything we like about Yoko, but John was THERE, and loved her, and found peace within himself with her that he never found in any other way. Yeah, she's weird, but so was John. The Beatles broke up because they needed to. John once said, "I formed the Beatles, I broke up the Beatles. End of story." (or something very close to that)
- Dennis, Anchorage, AK

This song has some killer solo parts on guitar
- Alisa, Franklin, WI

I love this song. Always make me smile when John and Paul gets so jolly in the end.
- Olle, Stockholm, Sweden

I find it fairly underrated and unknown for it's musical complexity and excellence...#1 on my itunes top 25!
- Linus, Hamilton, ON, Canada

Manfred Mann's Earth Band covered this song on their 1986 album, "Criminal Tango". The title was changed to "Bulldog".
- Steve, Torrance, CA

How could they not put this song in the movie? The scene it's in Is SOOOO cool. Cool 101.7 finally played a song from yellow submarine at The end of this week's Beatle Years,which was about John Lennon.(I was this song.)
- Jonathan, Johnstown, PA

Adrian, how can an unspoken rule be heard, let alone respected? You sound very upset that John brought HIS wife to THEIR recording session THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO!
- lee, clearwater, FL

In the early years of the Beatles, I thought John had one of the best rock and roll voices I've ever heard (maybe the best), but for some reason he either lost it or stopped using it. Hey Bulldog was one of the last songs (recorded in 68) on which you could hear it. His solo "Rock and Roll" cd is pretty mediocre in my opinion, but would have been no doubt incredible if he had been able to record it in the early 60's.
- Steve, Fenton, MO

I think this is the "coolest" Beatle song in that the intro is like the Beatles answer to "Peter Gunn" and just the apparent good time they are having performing it. Great lyrics, too, even though they may be meaningless.
- Mike, Newark, ND

I personally don't have anything against Yoko, I think it was about time the Beatles broke up, not that their music was getting bad or anything but look at all the great solo stuff, especially George's that was never recorded by the Beatles. Anyway, I heard a funny story once, that sometimes when Yoko was in the studio singing John would pretend to drop something and bend down so she wouldn't see him laughing at her singing.
- Maureen, Minersville, PA

I think a lot of the lyrics in the song are references to Paul by John. The tensions between them were begining to rise at this time, and it is hardly beyond the cruelty of John to slip very critical psychological observations of Paul's charachter into a song (note also the solo song "How do You Sleep?"). It could also be a more generalised criticism of certain brash and brutish charachters who, inside, are covering their fears. Just a thought.
- Jimmi, Basingstoke, Finland

The recording of this song was something of a party. The Beatles' wives and various friends were present. Lot of people clapping and singing along off-mike. And present at the moment was John's new girlfriend, Yoko Ono. After the recording, she told John that the song was stupid.
- dirk, Nashville, TN

John always tried to play off the meaning of his songs. This song is about insecurity and how some people act big, tough or great, but are really scared little people inside. They end up isolating themselves in the end ("If you're lonely you can talk to me" - Jonh always felt that he was different than everyone else when he was little and was insecure ("No one I think is in my tree"). George was the meanest to Yoko. paul tolerated her because he loved John. The main reason that the Beatles broke up was the death of Brian. They all thought John would take over and lead the group with the help of Paul, but John was in his "lazy" phase. Paul tried to take over, but George (and eventually John) resented it. Paul got so frustrated that no one was showing up to the studio on time and started recording the songs himself. The others resented this. Paul finally hurt everyone when he used Linda's dad's law firm to represent himself without the other Beatles. Suddenly it was us vs. him and the Beatles never recovered. Paul recorded his first solo album. "maybe I'm amazed" was written for the Beatles. Imagine if that would have worked out..... All in all, Yoko was the sand in the ointment, but there were several other factors that
- Mick, Las Vegas, NV

One of The Beatles' biggest riffs.
- George, Itaberaba, Brazil

Mary: this song was written about 10 or more years before those killings took place.
- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

Now I don't know what time period the Son of Sam killings took place,but if this song was made after them,some of the lyrics look as if they are influenced by that event:the man who commited the crimes(i don't know his name) told police that his neighbor's dog told him to kill people-"you can talk to me,you can talk to me,if you're lonely you can talk to me." And the second verse"child like-no one understands/jacknife(even though he used a gun) in your sweaty hands" and then very end of that verse "You don't know what its like to listen to your fears"...and if this song was made before the killings then maybe the killer was influenced by them? just a thought.
- mary, medina, NY

This one got itself a place on the "Rock & Roll Music" LP's. It deserved it.
- Ben, Cheverly, MD

John, as brilliant as he was, was also quite bitter and moody, and had a habit of f--king with people's minds (sometimes even the fans).So is it really surprising they broke up after only ten years. It couldn't be Yoko as much as some people would hope. They were all great musicians and artists, that wanted to do different things which is appearent by the fractured musical styles seen in later albums (Especially the White Album). Be happy, a decade of Beatles's music is worth a liftime of anything else.
- Nathan, Defiance, OH

It should be noted that George had attempted to leave the band during 67 and Ringo actually did quit for a short time. I think Paul filled in on drums on the song Birthday. By the way Lennon himself credited the break-up to "sheer boredom" so give Yoko a break.
- Nathan, Defiance, OH

eliot from Pennsylvania. i think I'd have to agree with you on that one. I don't get why people have to blame Yoko for everything that happened. But having her there didn't help things.
- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

This is a fun song, where John and Paul personalities come out.
- Steve, Troy, NY

I'm not big on riff-based songs, but this has some killer bass work.
- Nessie, Sapporo, Japan

The conversation at the end of the song goes like this: John/Paul: Hey Bulldog. . . Paul: Hey man John: What's that, boy? Paul: Ruff! John: Whaddya say? Paul: I say, ruff! John: Do you know any more? Paul: Wowowowoaaaaa! John: (Screams loudly) Paul: You got it, that's it, you hit it, that's it man, woop!, that's it you got it John: (Screams hysterically) Paul: Don't look at me man, I already have ten children Paul: Either Clap man, clap or Quite, boy quiet John: okay Paul: Either Clap! or Quiet!
- Cheyanne, Allegan, MI

After John sings "Big man. . ." Ringo says "yeah?"
- Cheyanne, Allegan, MI

There is something else in the end of "Hey Bulldog". You can tell they're fooling around because you can hear Paul saying "Quiet! Quiet! Hey, Bulldog!". Paul was trying to say "Hey Bulldog" but the others were fooling around not giving him a chance to say it.
- Stephen T., Alta Loma, CA

I agree with Webster. Okay. I don't listen to Yoko's music for pleasure or anything, but I don't blame her for breaking up the Beatles. I don't pinpoint the beginning of the end to the Maharishi really. I look at it more practically. 1. Brian Epstein dies. 2. Paul pretty much (consciously or not) forcing the band into his ideas: Sgt. Pepper (well, okay, that's pre-Brian Epstein dying), Magical Mystery Tour, Get Back. 3. The other Beatles get pissed. 4. They all play the Sue Me, Sue You Blues. Maybe Yoko didn't help things much, but why blame her? I'm guessing it's mainly a chauvinistic fear of powerful women that makes people put more blame on Yoko than on Paul.
- Elliott, Douglassville, PA

Hey, let's back back to the meaning of the song. As John said, "the song was about nothing". Generally speaking, I believe this is true. However, I do believe John slipped in a few zingers in the lyrics aimed at Paul (keep in mind that frustrations between them were building). Here's a few lyrics which I believe were intended for Paul....."what makes you think you're something special when you smile" ...."you don't know what it's like to listen to your fears"...."you think you know me but you haven't got a clue"...."you can talk to me"...."if you're lonely you can talk to me".
- The Great Wok, Longview, TX

Hey! you leave Paul alone!!! He wasn't the only one with the problem John has said it was George too. I don't like her and i do think it was her fault they spilt up but if she hadn't coe along Jon would probebly have ended up killing himself.
- Catherine, Glasgow, England

Now come on Brittanie, it's partially John's fault too. He should have respected the unspoken rules of the studio, but no, he HAD to bring Yoko to all the sessions for some ungodly reason.
- Adrian, Wilmington, DE

The death of Brian Epstien probably did more damage than the trip to India. But you CANNOT blame Yoko. If really research the band It seems like Paul did the most damage out of them all. Both John and George have pretty bad songs about him after the break up. The only one with a problem with Yoko was Paul.
- Webster, Kula, HI

Does anyone else think that the trip to India also helped to break apart the band? Everything suposedly got progressivly worse after they got back, if you'll notice. Cursed Yoko, that freak, I blame it partially on her whore self.
- Brittanie, Liverpool, England