After the success of “All I Have to do Is Dream,” the boys released “Bird Dog” which was their second number one in succession. The song was written by Boudleaux Bryant who along with his wife had written “All I Have To Do Is Dream.” “Bird Dog” was another big hit for the Everly Brothers.

This is one of those songs that really doesn’t have a story. It was written, sung and recorded and became a hit. The Everlys are apparently singing about a competitor, Johnny, who is after his girlfriend. The term “bird dog” has come to mean several different things over the years, but in this case it means a guy who is attempting to steal another guy’s girlfriend. The boys sing, “hey, bird dog, keep away from my quail.” meaning stay away from my girl. In England, a girl is sometimes referred to as a “bird” and so a “bird dog” is the guy who’s after the bird.

“Bird Dog” hit all three major charts in 1958. It reached number one on the country chart and number two on the R&B chart. It hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100, but number one on the BestSeller chart, which is why it’s included in this collection.

The flip side of the record also charted. “Devoted to You” is a fairly famous Everly Brothers song and was on the B-side of “Bird Dog.” It reached number ten on the pop chart.

“Bird Dog” entered the chart on August 11, 1958 and stayed at number one for just one week.

Next: “It’s All in the Game” – Tommy Edwards