Halsey - Dog Years Lyrics

Song Words
Dog Years by Halsey[Verse 1]
They said I have a universal blood type
Hints at her unique, adaptable nature, able to give to others easily.

I can give to anyone in need
Shows her generosity, the willingness to help others freely.

But only receive from someone exactly like me (Mm)
Conveys a limitation; she can only be fulfilled by someone who shares her depth or understanding.

And I'm trying to be positive
A double meaning: both trying to stay optimistic and referencing blood type B+ (be positive).

But oh, it's really hard
Shows the struggle in maintaining positivity despite challenges.

I'm a loner, I'm a loser
Self-identifies with labels of isolation and inadequacy, reflecting self-doubt.

Won't you shoot me in the yard?
Expresses a yearning for release from suffering, even if harshly phrased.

Put me down like a lame horse
Draws a comparison to an animal in distress, indicating a sense of helplessness.

Or send me to the farm
Where all the dogs go (Oh)
Uses the comforting idea often told to children about pets, imagining herself in this context of “going to the farm” or heaven.

[Chorus]
I've been a really good dog, can I come inside?
Seeks comfort and belonging, likening herself to a loyal pet wanting to be let in.

Yeah, I've been such a good girl, can we go for a ride?
Continues the metaphor, asking for validation and closeness like a beloved pet.

I'm on a real short leash, but I like it tight
Implies comfort within boundaries or restrictions, perhaps finding security in them.

You know, I'm such a sweet girl, but I can really bite
Warns that beneath her sweetness lies strength and resilience, maybe even anger.

[Verse 2]
'Cause my dog died last year
Recalls her loss, a deeply personal connection, and source of pain.

He fell asleep in my embrace
Remembers the intimacy of her last moments with her pet, showing tenderness.

And the very last thing I told him
Was, "See you soon and we can race"
Reflects a hopeful farewell, as though they might reunite someday.

You know a mercy kill is what I seek
Yearns for a peaceful release from her own suffering, mirroring what was given to her pet.

I didn't ask to live, but dying's up to me
Expresses a struggle with existence, emphasizing a sense of agency over her life.

[Chorus]
I've been a really good dog, can I come inside?
Yeah, I've been such a good girl, can we go for a ride?
I'm on a real short leash, but I like it tight
You know I'm such a sweet girl, but I can really bite

[Post-Chorus]
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
The repetitive sounds here add a haunting, plaintive layer, echoing a cry for connection.

[Verse 3]
Well, they say all dogs go to Heaven
References the comforting belief about pets, questioning if it applies to her.

Well, what about a b**ch?
What about an evil girl
Left lying in a ditch?
Challenges the notion of redemption, wondering if someone as flawed as she perceives herself can find peace.

Tell the three people who asked that I am in a better place
Suggests a sarcastic view of how few might care, but humorously imagines them reassured of her happiness.

With lots of trees and lots of grass
And lots of, lots of chocolate cake
Conjures an idyllic, childlike vision of heaven, comforted by simple pleasures.

[Bridge]
'Cause I'm not old, but I am tired
Expresses exhaustion that feels beyond her years, indicating emotional weariness.

I'm not strong, I'm very weak
Admits vulnerability, contrasting a common need to appear tough.

I'm not old, but I am tired
I'm not here, I'm somewhere else
Mentally detached, her spirit feeling distant from her physical presence.

I'm not old, but I am tired
I'm one hundred ninety-six in dog years
Implies that she feels aged, weighed down by the emotional toll of her experiences.

I have seen enough
I've seen it all
Conveys a sense of disillusionment, as if she's experienced more than she wished to see.

[Chorus]
I've been a really good dog, can I come inside?
Yeah, I've been such a good girl, can I go for a ride?
I'm on a real short leash, but I like it tight
You know I'm such a sweet girl, but I can really bite

[Outro]
Down like a lame horse
Or send me to the farm
Where all the dogs go
Ends on a somber note, returning to the imagery of release and the “farm” where pets are said to find peace.