A Hot Dog in a Cold Town

It was colder than a banker's heart. And I was just another mutt, sniffin' out a clue. Somewhere in this icebox, a fire was burnin'. And I had a hunch it was trouble. She stepped outta the shadows, cool as ice, Lips like a promise, eyes full of vice. She said, "You look like a dog who knows the score…" I said, "Lady, I've been playin' since '44." She dropped a match, lit up the scene, Said, "My man skipped town, took my last tin of sardines." I laughed, "That all? Just a runaway fish?" She leaned in close—"There's more to the dish." I'm a hot dog in a cold town, Snoopin' where I shouldn't, but I can't back down! The ice is thick, but I play it cool, Got a nose for trouble and a knack for fools! I followed the scent to a dockside dive, The kind where a dog's got to fight to survive. The bartender growled, said, "Beat it, pup, You're scratchin' at doors better left shut." But I ain't the type to heel or beg, So I pulled up a stool, crossed one leg. Said, "I'm lookin' for a fish thief, six foot two," He poured me a drink and said, "Buddy… so are you." I'm a hot dog in a cold town, Snoopin' where I shouldn't, but I can't back down! The ice is thick, but I play it cool, Got a nose for trouble and a knack for fools! Maybe I should quit, hang up my coat, Find a warm lil' bed and a softer note. But when danger calls, I can't say no, I got a tail that wags at the scent of woe. I'm a hot dog in a cold town, Snoopin' where I shouldn't, but I can't back down! The ice is thick, but I play it cool, Got a nose for trouble and a knack for fools! The case cracked wide, the dame got her fish. And me? I got a headache and a half-paid dish. But hey… that's life in the cold, cold city. And this dog's still got plenty of tricks.