Come On Boys, Let's Go A-Huntin'

   One of our world famous Brew Pub songs is known variously as Let's Go Hunting (or Let's Go To Huntin', or Let's Go a Huntin'). A nice version appears on Youtube from Tim O'Brien.  

Lets go huntin

   Now, what the screw do the lyrics mean?  The first time I heard it, I had no idea what "your dog" and "my dog" were doing.  Say what?  Fortunately, I had the benefit of a lecture from Professor McManus who explained the meaning of the song very simply.  The song is about two guys who are out hunting, and arguing about whose hunting dog is the better one.  The job of the dog is to chase some raccoon or other tasty animal into a tree, so that the hunters can shoot it.    So, when your dog barks,  that "don't mean nothin'."  He's probably just goofing off. However, when MY dog barks, that means that he has done his job properly, and chased an animal into a tree.  One you've got that figured out, the song may start to make some sense! 

            Come on boys, let's go to huntin 
            Dog in the woods, he done treed somethin  

 

            Your dog barks, it don't mean nothin 
                     My dog barks, he done treed somethin

This is not quite the same as the version that Keith sings, but it's close enough to convey the idea.  If you want to see the rest of lyrics, you can check here:  

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=173907

This song is best enjoyed at the Brew Pub while sharing a dish of roast raccoon.  Wash the little critter down with a glass of beer!  Mmm, mmm!