"Little Red Rooster" (or "The Red Rooster" as it was first titled) is a blues standard credited to arranger and songwriter Willie Dixon. The song was first recorded in 1961 by American blues musician Howlin' Wolf in the Chicago blues style. His vocal and slide guitar playing are key elements of the song. It is rooted in the Delta blues tradition and the theme is derived from folklore. Musical antecedents to "Little Red Rooster" appear in earlier songs by blues artists Charlie Patton and Memphis Minnie.
Lyrics
I am the little red rooster
Too lazy to crow for day
I am the little red rooster
Too lazy to crow for day
[Verse 1]
Keep everything in the farm yard upset in every way
Watch out strange cat people
Little red rooster's on the prowl
[Chorus]
If you see my little red rooster
Please drive him home
If you see my little red rooster
Please drive him home
[Outro]
I had no peace in the farm yard
Since my little red rooster's been gone