Hair Of The Dog

Guns N' Roses' rendition of 'Hair Of The Dog' is a powerful anthem of defiance and retribution. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who has had enough of deceit and manipulation. The opening lines, 'Heart-breaker, soul-shaker / I've been told about you,' set the stage for a confrontation with someone who has caused significant emotional turmoil. The use of terms like 'steam-roller' and 'midnight shoulder' suggests a person who is relentless and perhaps even predatory in their behavior.

The chorus, with its repeated declaration, 'Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch,' is a bold statement of self-assertion. It conveys a sense of empowerment and a warning to the antagonist that their actions will no longer be tolerated. This phrase is not just an insult but a proclamation of the protagonist's resilience and readiness to fight back. The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the intensity of the emotions involved and the determination to stand up against the wrongdoer.

The song also touches on themes of deception and false appearances. Lines like 'Talking jive and poison ivy / You ain't gonna cling to me' and 'Minute-taker, fall-faker / I ain't so blind I can't see' highlight the protagonist's awareness of the deceitful nature of the antagonist. The imagery of 'poison ivy' suggests something that is initially attractive but ultimately harmful, reinforcing the idea of being wary of false pretenses. Overall, 'Hair Of The Dog' is a raw and unapologetic expression of anger and the desire for justice, wrapped in the hard-hitting rock sound that Guns N' Roses is known for.