In 1945, when Elvis was 10 years old he performed this song at a state fair in which he came in fifth place and won $5 along with some ride tickets.
In Only Fools and Horses, this is said to be Del-Boy's favourite song, and in one episode, Del-boy has Old Shep as his on-hold music on his mobile phone.
Old Shep
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And old Shep was a pup
Over hills and meadows we'd stray
Just a boy and his dog
We were both full of fun
We grew up together that way
I remember the time at the old swimmin' hole
When I would have drowned beyond doubt
But old Shep was right there
To the rescue he came
He jumped in and then pulled me out
As the years fast did roll
Old Shep, he grew old
His eyes were fast growing dim
And one day the doctor looked at me and said
"I can do no more for him, Jim"
With hands that were trembling
I picked up my gun
And aimed it at Shep's faithful head
I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run
I wish they would shoot me instead
He came to my side and looked up at me
And laid his old head on my knee
I had struck the best friend a man ever had
I cried so I scarcely could see
Old Shep, he has gone where the good doggies go
And no more with old Shep will I roam
But if dogs have a heaven there's one thing I know
Old Shep has a wonderful home
Elvis Presley's song Old Shep is a heart-touching story of a boy and his dog. The song is a tribute to a loyal and beloved dog named Shep, who grows old and eventually passes away. The lyrics begin with the singer reminiscing about his childhood with Shep – they would wander over hills and meadows together, two inseparable friends having fun. The singer shares a memory of a time when he almost drowned at a swimmin' hole, but Shep came to his rescue and saved him from certain death.
As time passes, Shep the dog becomes old and its health deteriorates. The singer takes Shep to a doctor who tells him there is nothing more he can do for the beloved pet. With a heavy heart, the singer picks up the gun to put Shep out of his misery, but he cannot bring himself to do it. In the end, Shep dies peacefully, and the singer says goodbye to his loyal companion.
The song is a poignant reminder of the love and devotion that dogs can share with their human companions. It also touches on the difficult decision that pet owners may have to make when their beloved animal is suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a lad
During my childhood
And old Shep was a pup
And my dog Shep was just a young pup
Over hills and meadows we'd stray
We used to wander around together over the hills and meadows
Just a boy and his dog
My only companion was my dog
We were both full of fun
We used to have a lot of fun together
We grew up together that way
We both matured together
I remember the time at the old swimmin' hole
I have a fond memory of our time at the swimming hole
When I would have drowned beyond doubt
During a time when I almost drowned
But old Shep was right there
My dog Shep quickly came to my rescue
To the rescue he came
He saved me from drowning
He jumped in and then pulled me out
Shep saved me by jumping into the water and pulling me out
As the years fast did roll
As time quickly passed by
Old Shep, he grew old
My dog Shep grew old with time
His eyes were fast growing dim
His eyes were getting weaker with age
And one day the doctor looked at me and said
One day the vet said to me
"I can do no more for him, Jim"
"I can't do anything further for him, Jim"
With hands that were trembling
My hands were shaking
I picked up my gun
I picked up my gun
And aimed it at Shep's faithful head
And pointed it at Shep's loyal head
I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run
I couldn't bring myself to do it and I wanted to run away
I wish they would shoot me instead
I regretted having to make that decision to put my dog down
He came to my side and looked up at me
Shep came to my side and looked up at me
And laid his old head on my knee
He put his old head on my lap
I had struck the best friend a man ever had
I had hurt the best friend I ever had
I cried so I scarcely could see
I cried so much that I could barely see
Old Shep, he has gone where the good doggies go
My dog Shep has passed away to where good dogs go
And no more with old Shep will I roam
I won't wander around with Shep anymore
But if dogs have a heaven there's one thing I know
If dogs have a heaven, I'm sure of one thing
Old Shep has a wonderful home
Shep is in a happy place now
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ARTHUR WILLIS, CLYDE J. FOLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J. Bruce Fox
One of his saddest but most beautiful renditions of a song.
D Doeser
Vindt het zo prachtig doet je wat ❤🇳🇱🙏
Tony Morph
Can’t believe this has so few views. My dad sung this to me when I was a little boy. I love you dad and Elvis. Miss you.
Kane
@currenbj This is my earliest memory too. Dad perched on the end of the bed with a Takamine. An Australian summer wind whistling outside. I think I was four. I’d give everything I’ve got to be back there again.
Olof Lehrberg
The most viewed versions have around 900 000 views.
currenbj
One of my very earliest memories was my father singing this to us as my sisters and I cried. I am 73 now so that would be almost 70 years ago. This is a beautiful rendition.
Ellen R.
What a beautiful voice Elvis had. This is such a sad song. After I lost my last dog, I knew I could never go through such a loss again, and I haven't.
Zowie
I agree agree, worst pain I've felt loosing my dog, my soul mate.
Xvier Fernandez
Elvis was a beautiful soul. Great song.
patrick ryan
Hard to attempt to sing without filling up. I understand it took Elvis several takes to get this down. It's a stellar performance, timeless in its effect on the listener (no matter how many times heard). Old Shep did have a Heaven, and both He and Elvis now have a wonderful home (not to worry).