The duo started performing together in Toronto in 1959. By 1962, they were living in New York City, where they caught the attention of manager Albert Grossman, who managed Peter, Paul and Mary and would soon become Bob Dylan's manager. Grossman secured them a contract with Vanguard Records and they released their first album late in the year.
Four Strong Winds, their second album, featured title song "Four Strong Winds", written by Ian Tyson. "Four Strong Winds" was a major hit in Canada and ensured their stardom. Years later, the song was named as the greatest Canadian song of all time by the CBC-Radio program 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version.
Their third album, Northern Journey, featured the song "Someday Soon", a composition by Ian Tyson that would rival "Four Strong Winds" in its popularity.
Their fourth album, Early Morning Rain, introduced the work of the couple's fellow Canadian songwriter and performer Gordon Lightfoot through the title song and "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me".
In 1969, Ian & Sylvia formed the country rock group Great Speckled Bird.
By 1975, Ian & Sylvia had stopped performing together and soon afterwards were divorced.
In 1992, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
In 1994, they were both made Members of the Order of Canada.
Old Blue
Ian & Sylvia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bettin' your life he's around here too
Blue, Old Blue
Every night just about good dark
Old Blue went out and began to bark
Blue, Old Blue
Old Blue treed a possum up the white oak bush
Blue, Old Blue
Chased him out on the end of a limb
Old Blue sat down, and he talked to him
Blue, Old Blue
Blue got sick, sick and very sick
Called for the doctor to come right quick
Blue, Old Blue
Doctor come, and he come in a run
He says, "Old Blue, your huntin's done."
Blue, Old Blue
Old Blue died, and he died mighty hard
He dug little holes all around the yard
Blue, Old Blue
When I get to heaven, I know what I'll do
I'll take my horn, and I'll blow for Blue
Blue, Old Blue
Blue, Old Blue
In Ian & Sylvia's classic folk song "Old Blue," the duo sings about a beloved canine companion who was a loyal and skilled hunting partner. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Old Blue's personality and hunting expertise. The song begins with the line "Had an old dog and his name was Blue/Bettin' your life he's around here too," setting the stage for the rest of the lyrics to unfold. Old Blue was so well-known and well-loved that it's assumed he's still around even though he's no longer physically present.
The second stanza continues to describe Old Blue's hunting habits, with the line "Every night just about good dark/Old Blue went out and began to bark." The imagery of a faithful hunting dog barking in the darkness sets the stage for the rest of the song, with descriptions of Old Blue chasing a possum up a tree and even sitting down to talk to it.
However, as the story of Old Blue progresses, it becomes clear that the beloved canine eventually became sick and died. The line "Blue got sick, sick and very sick/Called for the doctor to come right quick" suggests that Old Blue was more than just a dog; he was a beloved family member who deserved the best medical care. Ultimately, despite the doctor's best efforts, Old Blue passed away. The final stanza of the song expresses the singer's grief and love for his loyal companion, promising to remember him in the afterlife by playing his horn for him.
Overall, "Old Blue" is a poignant tribute to the deep love and connection between humans and their animal companions. Its lyrics accurately capture the unique personalities and behaviors of dogs, particularly those that are skilled hunters and loyal friends.
Line by Line Meaning
Had an old dog and his name was Blue
There was an aged dog and it was named Blue
Bettin' your life he's around here too
If you bet your life, you'll be sure that Blue is also around here
Every night just about good dark
Almost every night as it gets dark
Old Blue went out and began to bark
Blue went out and started barking
Everything was just in a rush
Everything was happening very fast
Old Blue treed a possum up the white oak bush
Blue chased a possum up a white oak bush
Chased him out on the end of a limb
Blue chased the possum to the end of a branch
Old Blue sat down, and he talked to him
Blue sat down and conversed with the possum
Blue got sick, sick and very sick
Blue fell ill, extremely ill
Called for the doctor to come right quick
Summoned the doctor to come immediately
Doctor come, and he come in a run
The doctor arrived in a hurry
He says, "Old Blue, your huntin's done."
The doctor said, "Blue, your hunting days are over."
Old Blue died, and he died mighty hard
Blue passed away, and it was a challenging death
He dug little holes all around the yard
Blue dug tiny pits all over the yard
When I get to heaven, I know what I'll do
When I make it to heaven, I already have a plan
I'll take my horn, and I'll blow for Blue
I'll take my instrument, and I'll play it for Blue
Blue, Old Blue
Referring to Blue
Blue, Old Blue
Referring to Blue
Contributed by Oliver T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tomtribuzio69
They were absolutely the greatest of the 60's Folk groups, period.
@johncoleman8174
Too many emotions when I hear this...they were so good and those were such good years.
@Bayard-gh9ci
Depended on what your draft number was
@BuddyHolly4
What voices. Crystal clear, perfect. I always found them among the best that music can offer.
@wyheadintx
First song of theirs I ever heard. Always makes me tear up. Sing this around a campfire & any dogs around are 99% sure to howl along. My favorite duo ever (& I’m a big Judds fan.)
@jimball4354
Still the best! Incredible group!
@bobbywok
By far the best version of this song ...
@michaelhayde6221
This is from HOOTENANNY (ABC-TV), U.S. airdate June 1, 1963. Taped at Penn State University in April 1963.
@k4elv
Just so beautiful! Such memories. Thanks for the post.
@macpduff2119
Wow
Thanks for the old TV visual. Much better than an album cover pic.
I attended college near the Canadian border in upstate NY.
A highlight was when Ian and Sylvia performed in the 60's.