Meaning of "Who's The King?" by Dog Eat Dog

The lyrics of "Who's The King?" delve into the concept of kingship and explore different figures who are considered kings in their respective fields. The song starts by questioning who the true king is and raises the idea that the king is someone who possesses qualities like the ability to sing like the king of rock 'n' roll and being filled with soul. However, it also suggests that being a king can lead to a downfall, symbolized by Elvis Presley's own "Graceland" where his body was never found.

Shifting focus to societal issues, the lyrics mention a rat, possibly alluding to betrayal, in the back and criticize Donnie for letting his "main man" rot in prison while he grows rich. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the corruption and injustices prevalent in the system. The reference to Rodney King, who was brutally beaten by the police, highlights the mistreatment of individuals by those in power. The lyrics question why society can't "get along" with the police, who often treat people poorly.

The song also touches upon the influence of popular culture figures. It mentions the daredevil Evel Knievel, who took risks and gained fame, and the patriotism associated with the red, white, and blue. However, it doesn't shy away from criticizing the system, as exemplified by the line, "Jumping high with pride...they beat you like a dog." This suggests that even those who proudly represent their country can still face mistreatment from authorities.

The final verse introduces a Jamaican influence, with Jamaican Patois being used in the lyrics. It names Michael Jackson as the king of pop, Don King as the boxing king, Elvis Presley as the king of rock, and Run-D.M.C. as the kings of hip-hop. Dog Eat Dog positions themselves as the cream of the crop within their genre. The mention of Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia revered as a spiritual figure, further adds to the cultural and religious references in the lyrics.

In summary, "Who's The King?" addresses themes of kingship, critiquing the treatment of individuals by those in power, and making references to prominent figures in various fields of entertainment. It aims to highlight injustices while showcasing the band's own place within their genre.