#especially considering dogbird break up during this song

[ambriel-angstwitch]

DogBird is Zukka Coded

Sorry that I’m scared of thunder like a dog I know that you love rain

I’ve seen fics where Zuko loves the rainy season because it reminds him of his childhood but I raise you Zuko being afraid of storms due to trauma because what comes with thunder (lightning which two of his family members have tried to kill him) with each roll of thunder his scar burns. On the other hand I think Sokka would find the rain interesting coming from a place where it only snows, now that he doesn’t have to worry about camping in it he’d be able to see more of its beauty.

But I cry when something shakes the walls Tail between my legs I scratch while you relax Ruffling feathers watching storm clouds pass

Zuko has so many problems beneath the surface that come out at night as he can’t help but dream of them. Sokka to Zuko seems perfect, seems like he came out of this fine, relaxed he might even comfort Zuko when they happen. Zuko worries he’s ruffling Sokka’s feathers that he’s damaging him or at least inconveniencing him.

Hoping I’ll make you hate the thunder too Digging in my claws will make you hate me too

Zuko can’t help it though. He lashes out. He tries to make Sokka hate him sometimes because that’s what he deserves

I can’t stand you in my bed You’re too gentle I need you to hurt me back instead

Zuko’s not used to the gentleness that Sokka provides. He grew up in a household where hurt was common and love was less so. He knows he’s hurt Sokka and he doesn’t understand why Sokka won’t hurt him back. He needs Sokka to do it so things make sense.

I wish I could take you back to California Where you’ve never heard of creatures like me Little Bird won’t you fly away Little Bird won’t you fly away

Zuko doesn’t understand why Sokka sticks around with all that he’s done. He thinks it would better if he just stayed in the Water Tribe where he didn’t have to deal with any of the Fire Nation’s problems

And sorry that I roll over to my folks It’s not that I’m ashamed But they keep me on the leash to choke

Zuko feels bad that he keeps their relationship secret. He loves Sokka so much and he isn’t really ashamed of it. But years of his family and nation telling him that all this is wrong isn’t going to go away instantly. His advisors likely also urge him against making his relationship public as it would make his rulership even more unsteady.

I’m a hunting breed And bird is all they eat If they sniff you out, they gnash their teeth

The Fire Nation is a warring country. Zuko was taught for years to see Sokka as lesser, as something to be consumed to better the nation. He knows this aspect of his nation. Many of the Fire Nation nobles probably don’t respect Sokka.

I’m a coward scared of living outside Even if it means I crush you at my side

Being sent outside is a punishment used on misbehaving dogs which is the analogy used for the first lover (Zuko). Zuko’s afraid what the Fire Nation would do to him and Sokka if they found out about their relationship so he pushes Sokka away at social functions

When the bell rings My mouth waters I’m a habit That won’t alter

This lyric is so Genius it’s in reference to the Pavlov’s dog experiment. Zuko has behaviors that his dad instilled in him that are still there because they don’t just go away.

I’m an instinct Don’t you fear me? Hunting songbirds in my sleep

Zuko doesn’t understand how Sokka doesn’t fear him all the time despite what he’s done. This would be made worse if Sokka had nightmares about when Zuko hunted them (hunting songbirds in his sleep) Sokka doesn’t consciously fear Zuko but his subconscious still remembers being a kid who constantly feared sudden attacks.

Sorry that I don’t treat you like I should I only lick my wounds

Zuko feels bad because he can’t be everything that Sokka needs. He never really learned how to be soft and how to comfort Sokka. Sokka’s always there for Zuko after a nightmare but Zuko doesn’t know how to reciprocate especially considering he’s part of the cause. He only ever learned how to treat his own injuries which also makes it hard for him to accept when Sokka tries to help him.

Teeth bared, and snap “You’re all that’s good”

Zuko is convinced that Sokka is the only thing good in this entire relationship, the light of his life, he doesn’t bring anything good to the relationship, he’s nothing good

If I chase you away I’m back to chasing tail Running circles after what was real

If Zuko with all his jagged pieces convinces Sokka to leave him he’ll be back to chasing hopeless dreams of honor, and of earning love from everyone in his nation

And maybe one day I’ll catch it, and I’ll cry Wishing that little songbird was still mine

And maybe someday he will gain the love of all his nation, all the assassination attempts and the uprisings are over, but he’ll still have lost one of the only people who loved him unconditionally despite all his wrongdoings and harsh features

This song was too perfect for Zuko with its narrative of lashing out because of the homophobic household that Dog grew up in.