Old Shep
Elvis Presley (Children's) Lyrics
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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
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
The song "Old Shep" by Elvis Presley (Children's) is a touching tribute to a beloved dog. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about his childhood, when he and Shep would spend their days exploring hills and meadows. As they grew up together, they formed a deep bond that would last a lifetime.
The song goes on to recount a particularly memorable experience at the old swimming hole, where the singer was saved from drowning by Shep's quick actions. The years go by, and Shep grows old and ill. Despite the singer's love for his faithful friend, he ultimately has to make the difficult decision to put him down. The song is a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship, even in the face of mortality.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a lad
When I was a young boy
And old Shep was a pup
And when my dog Shep was just a puppy
Over hills and meadows we'd stray
We used to wander together over hills and through meadows
Just a boy and his dog
It was just me and my faithful dog, Shep
We were both full of fun
We were full of energy and always playful
We grew up together that way
We matured and aged together in that way
I remember the time at the old swimmin' hole
I recall a time when we were swimming at the old hole
When I would have drowned beyond doubt
When I was in danger of drowning with no doubt
But old Shep was right there
My loyal Shep was right there with me
To the rescue he came
He came to rescue me
He jumped in and then pulled me out
He jumped in the water and pulled me out of danger
As the years fast did roll
As the years continued to pass quickly
Old Shep, he grew old
My dog Shep grew old with time
His eyes were fast growing dim
His eyes became dim and he lost his sight quickly
And one day the doctor looked at me and said
And one day the veterinarian looked at me and said
"I can do no more for him, Jim"
"I can't do anything else to help him, Jim"
With hands that were trembling
With my hands shaking
I picked up my gun
I picked up my firearm
And aimed it at Shep's faithful head
And pointed it at my loyal dog Shep's head
I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run
I just couldn't bring myself to do it, I wanted to run away
I wish they would shoot me instead
I wished that someone would shoot me in his place
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
And rested his old head on my lap
I had struck the best friend a man ever had
I had hurt the best friend a man could ever have
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 gone where all good dogs go
And no more with old Shep will I roam
And I won't be able to wander with my beloved dog Shep anymore
But if dogs have a heaven there's one thing I know
But if there is a heaven for dogs, there is one thing I am certain of
Old Shep has a wonderful home
My dog Shep is in a wonderful place now
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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).