Story Behind The Song

The song reminds us that sometimes animal instinct trumps our ability to make the right call about the people in our lives. In this case, an old hound dog can tell if a person is going to be good company or not.

Song Description

The song is a Country Rock/Alt-Country tune about a guy whose hound dog can see through any pretense, which keeps him from getting misled by people in his life. It features outstanding lap steel guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, drums and B3 performances.

Lyrics

AIN'T NO FOOLING THAT HOUND
Mark Patterson © 2025

I brought him home from the shelter and in less than a year
He could crack the cooler and fetch me a beer
Like a radio picking up all the little signals we send
Should have seen him growl and bare his teeth
When we ran into my ex with my ex best friend

That old hound has a way of operatin'
He can size you up with just one sniff
And see right through your masqueradin'
I'm telling you man the dog's got a gift

So don't let the sad face fool ya'
Yeah he may be getting long in the tooth
But don't let his sleepy look confuse ya'
Nobody's faster at tracking down the truth
With those sorrowful eyes and big old ears hanging down
There just ain't no fooling that hound

Man's best friend faithful to the end
He can smell trouble from way across town
And when I bring home a new lady friend
He can tell right off if she's the kind to roam around

So don't let the sad face fool ya'
Yeah he may be getting long in the tooth
But don't let his sleepy look confuse ya'
Nobody's faster at tracking down the truth
With those sorrowful eyes and big old ears hanging down
There just ain't no fooling that hound

He's a livin' lie detector but unlike a machine
He's the best judge of character that I've ever seen
With a nose for who's real and who's the devil in disguise
He'll give me a look or sound off to let me know
That's how he keeps me from fallin' for the lies

We've had some good times together believe me
We've both been known to howl at the moon
And when a politician comes on the TV
He just groans to himself and leaves the room

So don't let the sad face fool ya'
Yeah he may be getting long in the tooth
But don't let his sleepy look confuse ya'
Nobody's faster at tracking down the truth
With those sorrowful eyes and big old ears hanging down
There just ain't no fooling that hound

With those sorrowful eyes and big old ears hanging down
There just ain't no fooling that hound