This parody song is a transformative, non-commercial work created strictly for humorous and expressive purposes. It is a clear parody of Nickelback’s song “When we Stand Together” 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 Nickelback (Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger, and Joey Moi) 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.
[Lyrics to When we Stand Together]
[Verse]
One dog can stand alone
But one dog with fire in his soul
Can light the way for the whole damn pack
When we join together
Gunther was the runt, pushed to the edge of the pen
They laughed at his size, said he’d never win
But that heart kept poundin’, never gave in
He rose from the shadows, let the legend begin
[Chorus]
When we join together
There’s a fire that can’t be tamed
When we work together
Every scar tells the same
From the litter to the line
Through the storm and the pain
When we stand together
Nothing’s ever the same
[Verse]
Mama Millicent cried when the storm took her son
Thought Gunther was gone, her little one
But faith held her steady till he came back home
Love never faltered, she wasn’t alone
Laine by his side, brother through every fight
They chased down the dark, brought back the light
Rescues in rain, pursuits in the night
Bond forged forever, holdin’ on tight
[Chorus]
When we come together
We break every chain
When we work together
We rise through the rain
[Verse]
Max and Smalls found grace, Millicent’s love won
Lynda opened doors, the family begun
Magnus wild guided when the path disappeared
Gunther repaid the debt, no trace of fear
Ty Clan alpha bears Gunther’s name clear
Old blue eyes proud, still standin’ here
Old dog now, medals glint in the sun
Tellin’ recruits how the battle’s won
“Persevere when the night tries to win
It’s the fight in your heart that lets you begin”
Not the size of the dog in the fight, that’s the truth
It’s the size of the fight in the dog, every proof
[Chorus]
When we join together
We carry the flame
When we work together
We honor the name
When we fight together
Gunther’s legacy lives on
When we stand together
The fire keeps burnin’ strong