This song was written in the late 70's when I was in my early 20's. I was saddened by the direction of society following the 60's revolutions. I had hoped that the revolution would not only get us out of war, but also have society use modern technology to free men from spending a great deal of their time engaged in mindless physical labor.

When I wrote this song I wondered how long I could avoid having to work in factory or some other such drudgery and remain in charge of my time and the activities I chose to do.

How long can I play the rogue just bury my bones?
How long can I roam about just feast on song?

Soon the masters were sure to put me on their leash and no longer allow me to bury my own bones. And once in control of my time and energy they were sure to demonstrate their power by threatening me with unemployment and social alienation. After all, the anger towards us peace loving hippies never subsided and they would not be content with anything but total subservience.

If they don’t like the way you’re talking
They’ll just tighten up
They’ll have to teach you a lesson
So you’ll straighten up
It’s your job they say they’ll take away
So you pay and you shut-up today

The master isn't usually satisfied by just breaking your will, but they wanted you to beg for every morsel.

Throw out the meat to catch the dog
Whack him on the feet if he’s done something wrong
Being so discreet yet being so strong
Give him another biscuit for being such a good boy

Paychecks, the promise of benefits and the rewarding of abject subservience with occasional advancement become the way the master gets the most out of his slaves.

Catch the dog
Bait me, bait me
Catch the dog

Life gets a little rough, locked in a room
But don’t bark too loud or bay at the moon
For the master will give you many things
I’m sure you’ll love
And maybe one day you’ll be a master too

With the women's movement trading in its soul for the opportunity to acquire "economic freedom" through joining men in their prison of labor one could add:

The other dogs that stayed at home
Are out hunting the master is stronger
Throw the meat to catch the dog
Whack her on the feet is she’s done something wrong
Being so discreet yet being so strong
Give her another biscuit for being such a good girl

So, in this great new world of equal opportunity, we now both can go to the kennel each day and perform tricks for the master. Each year that passes the master just gets stronger and stronger, and increasingly ruthless whether the master be male or female.

Catch the dog
Bait me, bait me
Catch the dog