This parody song is a transformative, non-commercial work created strictly for humorous and expressive purposes. It is a clear parody of Jelly Roll’s song “I need a Favor,” reimagined to support and expand the adventures of Gunther the Smallest Rottweiler, a character from the novel The Smallest Rottweiler.

No original tracks, recordings, or direct musical elements from the original song or artist are used. This is an entirely new vocal performance with new lyrics and arrangement that comments on and humorously transforms the original work.

The song is not monetized in any way, generates no revenue, and is hosted exclusively on my personal, non-commercial website. It is offered solely for the free amusement of readers and fans who wish to further explore the novel’s characters and world. The use of the original song’s themes is limited and transformative, advancing a new creative expression tied to the story rather than serving as a substitute for the original.

I am a huge admirer of the original artist and their work. This parody was created out of deep respect and affection, with full credit given to Jelly Roll (Jason Deford/Jelly Roll, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta) for their original composition. Far from intending any harm or embarrassment to the artist or their music, this parody is meant to celebrate their creativity. As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I hope listeners enjoy both the original song and this lighthearted parody version.

[Chorus]

I only talk to the voices when I’m in the dark,

Only hear the whispers when the odds are stark.

So who the hell am I, who the hell am I,

To expect a guiding light if I ignore the call?

But voices, I need a favor.

[Verse]

I was the runt, kicked low in the litter pen,

Doubted by all, said I’d never win.

But faith kept knockin’, even when I fell,

Dreams in the night, pullin’ me from hell.

Scars on my hide from storms and chases wild,

Duty called loud, I answered like a child.

Officer Laine, my brother through the fight,

We held the line, through the endless night.

[Chorus]

I only talk to the voices when I’m in the dark,

Only pray for strength when the path gets stark.

So who the hell am I, who the hell am I,

To expect a savior if I only call when lost?

But voices, I need a favor.

Amen, amen.

[Verse]

Yeah, I owe more than one, beggars can’t choose,

But I’ll pay with my life, every scar I accrue.

Just don’t let me lose this fire in my chest,

The fight that carried me, through every test.

Max and Smalls, they trembled, made amends,

Mother’s love forgave, brought family ’round bends.

Magnus in the wild, showed me the road,

Repaid the debt, lightened my load.

[Chorus]

I only talk to the voices when I’m in the dark,

Only hear the whispers when the odds are stark.

So who the hell am I, who the hell am I,

To expect a guiding light if I ignore the call?

But voices, I need a favor.

Amen, amen.

[Verse]

Now old bones creak, but pride still burns,

Teach the recruits what the heart has learned.

Persevere through pain, faith as your guide,

Never give up, let the inner fire ride.

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight,

But the size of the fight in the dog tonight.

From runt to legend, carved my own way,

Still talk to the voices, every single day.

[Chorus]

I only talk to the voices when I’m in the dark,

Only pray when I’m hangin’ by a spark.

So who the hell am I, who the hell am I,

To expect redemption if I only call in need?

But voices, I need a favor.

Amen, amen.

[Verse]

Hangin’ in there, barely, throwin’ up prayers like howls in the night,

If you’re still listenin’, guide me right.

Gunther’s legacy, in every pup’s eye,

Faith and duty, never say die.

I only talk to the voices…

[Chorus]

But voices, I need a favor.