The Evolution of “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?”To A Song That Advocates for Adoption [with lyrics]
Rocky Kanaka
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In a local animal shelter, a shy dog named Paige silently observes the world from behind the window, her eyes gleaming with a blend of curiosity and apprehension. Her story, while uniquely hers, echoes the sentiments of a melody that has evolved with time – “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” and its later version, “Do You See That Doggie in the Shelter?” The original song, with its playful tune and catchy lyrics, has been a beloved classic since the 1950s. But how did this tune, originally centered around buying a pet, morph into a song advocating for adoption, and what threads connect it to our dear Paige, the dog who found a semblance of peace behind the glass?
The Lyrics: A Tale of Longing and Love
The lyrics of the song narrate a story of a little girl who spots a puppy in a store window and expresses her desire to purchase it. The chorus, “How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggly tail,” is not merely a query about the price but a reflection of a deeper longing for companionship. The song, while seemingly simple, touches upon the universal theme of love and belonging, which perhaps explains its enduring appeal.
A New Tune: Advocating for Adoption
In a heartwarming twist, Patti Page revisited her classic hit decades later, in 2008, transforming “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” into “Do You See That Doggie in the Shelter?” This updated version shifts the narrative from buying a pet to adopting one, aligning with the modern-day ethos of providing homes to shelter animals. The revised lyrics and melody, while maintaining the charm of the original, now serve to promote a message of love, compassion, and responsible pet ownership by advocating for adoption over purchase.
Page, who had been a beloved figure in the music industry, was not oblivious to the changing times and the growing awareness regarding animal rights and ethical treatment. The original song, while a hit in its time, had garnered criticism for promoting the sale of pets through pet stores, which often sourced animals from inhumane puppy mills. This criticism, coupled with the increasing advocacy for adopting pets from shelters, likely influenced Page’s decision to revisit and revise the classic.
Was There a Specific Dog The Song Was Written About?
While there are no records to suggest that a specific dog inspired Merrill to write the song, it’s tempting to imagine a little pup, much like our Paige, peering out through a shop window, sparking the creation of this timeless melody. The song, in its essence, is a reflection of the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives, making it a relatable tune for anyone who has ever experienced the love of a furry friend.
That being said, Patty Page made a cute little cocker spaniel famous when her song aired on national television. See video below.
The Origins: A Melody That Crossed Oceans
“How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” was popularized by Patti Page, an American singer, in 1952. However, the song’s origins trace back to Bob Merrill, an American songwriter, who penned down the lyrics. Merrill, known for his knack for creating tunes that resonated with the masses, crafted the song, drawing inspiration from a British song titled “(How Much is) That Doggie in the Window,” written by Tin Pan Alley songwriter Harry Warren.
Patti Page: The Voice Behind the Classic
Patti Page, born Clara Ann Fowler, lent her enchanting voice to the song, making it a hit that traversed generations. Page, with her melodious voice and charismatic stage presence, managed to turn the simple tune into a timeless classic. The song, with its light-hearted melody and playful lyrics, became synonymous with Page, earning her a distinctive place in the annals of music history.
Fun Facts: More Than Just a Song
- “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” was one of the first songs to be criticized for promoting the sale of pets through pet stores, sparking debates about ethical breeding and pet ownership.
- The song has been covered and parodied numerous times, reflecting its pervasive influence in popular culture.
- Patti Page later recorded a humorous sequel titled “Do You See That Doggie in the Shelter?” advocating for pet adoption, aligning with the modern ethos of adopting pets from shelters.
Paige: A Modern-Day Muse
As we circle back to Paige, the dog in the shelter, her story intertwines with the classic song, reminding us of the timeless appeal of melodies that speak to our shared experiences and emotions. Paige, with her gentle gaze and reserved demeanor, becomes a modern-day muse, symbolizing the countless pets in shelters awaiting a loving home.
In a world that often feels complex and daunting, the simple act of adopting a pet, like the little girl in the song wished to, becomes a beacon of love, hope, and companionship. Paige, much like the doggie in the song, represents not just a pet looking for a home but a companion who brings with her the promise of unwavering love and loyalty.
The timeless melody of “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” becomes a bridge connecting the past and the present, reminding us of the simple joys and profound bonds that unite us with our four-legged friends. May Paige, and many like her, find their forever homes, away from the window and into the warm embrace of a loving family.
The lyrics of “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?”
Verse 1 How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggily tail How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggie’s for sale
Chorus I must take a trip to California And leave my poor sweetheart alone If he has a dog, he won’t be lonesome And the doggie will have a good home
Verse 2 I read in the papers there are robbers With flashlights that shine in the dark My love needs a doggie to protect him And scare them away with one bark
Chorus How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggily tail How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggie’s for sale
Bridge I don’t want a bunny or a kitty I don’t want a parrot that talks I don’t want a bowl of little fishes He can’t take a goldfish for a walk
Chorus How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggily tail How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggie’s for sale
Do You See That Doggie In The Shelter? Lyrics
Do you see that doggie in the shelter the one with the take me home eyes
If you give him your love and attention he will be your best friend for life
In each town and city across the nation, there’s so many dogs with no home
Hungry with no one to protect them lost in this world all alone
Collies and beagles by the roadside puppies and dogs in the street
Once they are rescued by a shelter they’ll finally get something to eat
Doggies and kitties who are homeless with sad eyes and tails hanging down
Let’s do what we can to show them kindness and let them know that they’ve been found
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