"...an artist of such raw talent, ambition and good will... Phillips' main attraction is still his voice. Reedy and flexible, with a remarkable falsetto, it is a potent dramatic instrument. " that's what Rolling Stone Magazine had to say about Shawn Phillips, a musician whose work literally fits into no category.
Shawn Phillips has almost twenty albums to his credit (of which millions have been sold) and a host of associations with some of the most respected names in the industry including Donovan, Paul Buckmaster, J Peter Robinson, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and many others, yet he is virtually forgotten except by his cadre of loyal fans. The Texas-born singer/songwriter was called "The best kept secret in the music business," by the late rock impresario Bill Graham.
Beginning in the 1960s, Phillips made noteworthy contributions to popular music. He performed at the "Isle of Wight" festival and was cast to play the lead in the original production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (he had to withdraw due to his heavy recording and touring schedule.)
Throughout the 60s Phillips worked the folk music scene in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, New York's Greenwich Village, and London. In 1967 Phillips moved to Positano, Italy, where he remained throughout the 1970s, writing some of his most well known work. This period produced the albums 'Contribution', 'Second Contribution', 'Collaboration' and 'Faces".
Four of his albums "Faces," "Bright White," "Furthermore" and "Do You Wonder" made it into the Billboard Top 100. In addition, the singles, "Lost Horizon," "We" and "Woman" made Billboard's top 40. One of the most sought after Christmas songs is Phillips' 1970 45rpm release of "A Christmas Song" on A&M 1238. The track is now available on the re-issue of Faces.
His latest album, 'No Category' featuring his longtime collaborators Paul Buckmaster and Peter Robinson was released in 2002.
Today Shawn lives in Port Elizabeth, South Africa dividing his time between writing, touring, and his work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter.
Official Shawn Phillips website : www.shawnphillips.com
Shawn Phillips Merchandise can be purchased here: http://www.zazzle.com/shawnphillips_emh
Old Blue
Shawn Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Betcha five dollars he’s a good dog too
Well, I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Betcha five dollars he’s a good dog too
I’m cryin’ yah there Blue
Good dog, you
Blue looked at ‘possom, ‘possom looked at me
Said, I chased that ‘possom up a ‘simmon tree
Blue looked at ‘possom, ‘possom looked at me
I’m cryin’ yah there Blue
Good dog, you
Well, I baked that ‘possom good and brown
Served sweet taters all around
Said, I baked that ‘possom good and brown
Served sweet taters all around
I’m cryin’ yah there Blue
Good dog, you
Old Blue died and he died so hard
Shook the ground in my back yard
Old Blue died and he died so hard
Shook the ground in my back yard
Well, I dug his grave with a silver spade
Let him down with a golden chain
I dug his grave with a silver spade
Let him down with a golden chain
Cryin’ yah there Blue
Good dog, you
Cryin’ yah there Blue
Good dog, you
When I get to Heaven first thing I’ll do
Grab my horn and blow for Blue
When I get to Heaven first thing I’ll do
Grab my horn and blow for Blue
I’m cryin’ yah there Blue
Good dog, you
The lyrics of Shawn Phillips's song "Old Blue" narrate the story of a man and his beloved dog named Blue. Throughout the song, the singer reminisces about the adventures he had with his pet, from chasing a possum up a tree to cooking it for dinner, and expresses his love and admiration for him. However, the song takes a somber turn when Blue passes away, and the singer mourns his death by digging his grave with a silver spade and letting him down with a golden chain. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer envisioning a reunion with Blue in heaven, where he will play his horn for him.
The song "Old Blue" is a classic folk tune, and its origins can be traced back to the Appalachian region of the United States. It was often performed by traveling musicians in the early 20th century, and its lyrics were adapted and changed over time. Shawn Phillips's version of the song stays true to the original spirit of the tune, while adding his own distinctive style and interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I had an old dog and his name was Blue
The singer had an old dog named Blue
Betcha five dollars he’s a good dog too
The singer believes that Blue is a good dog and bets that he is
I’m cryin’ yah there Blue
The singer is calling out to Blue and expressing his emotions
Good dog, you
The singer is acknowledging that Blue is a good dog
Well, I chased that ‘possom up a ‘simmon tree
The singer chased a possum up a tree
Blue looked at ‘possom, ‘possom looked at me
Blue and the possum made eye contact
Said, I chased that ‘possom up a ‘simmon tree
The singer repeats that he chased a possum up a tree
Well, I baked that ‘possom good and brown
The singer cooked the possum until it was brown
Served sweet taters all around
The singer served sweet potatoes to everyone
Old Blue died and he died so hard
Blue died suddenly and with force
Shook the ground in my back yard
The impact of Blue's death shook the ground
Well, I dug his grave with a silver spade
The singer dug Blue's grave with a silver spade
Let him down with a golden chain
The singer lowered Blue into his grave with a golden chain
When I get to Heaven first thing I’ll do
The singer thinks about what he will do when he gets to Heaven
Grab my horn and blow for Blue
The first thing the singer will do in Heaven is play his horn for Blue
Contributed by Muhammad F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ladyhobbscatz5381
Someone at a party put on Shawn Phillips record and when I heard his voice and his music I stopped everyone from talking so we could listen. Have been following him for 50 years as well; saw his in Boston and quite a few years ago in Austin, Tx. I read he is 80 years old and still has a beautiful voice, amazing messages, and is a truly gifted musician with an amazing range.
@stevendruschitz6062
Saw him do this song live 2 nights ago on his "farewell tour" date in chicago. It's still a beautiful song and at 75, he still has the voice. Been a fan for nearly 50 years now and he is still making wonderful music. Truly one of our national treasures - and that is not "fake news"!
@dotrezniam8475
Lemme guess
He played at
Fitzgeralds in Berwyn?
I'd seen him there twice
@stevendruschitz6062
His last appearances in the area were at Evanston SPACE. I did see him at Fitzgerald's a number of times as well. He said he enjoyed playing the Evanston club much more then Fitzgerald's. A better venue for the performer (he actually called Fitzgerald's a s--- hole which kind of surprised me).
@lisasattinger8144
His voice is so beautiful it penetrates into your soul like no other voice on the planet. He’s profound.
@giovanninatale7075
Such an amazing voice,, person, such talent! Shawn's performance and presence is like a balm to one's soul!
@danielacarlotti5360
Verissimo
@ScottCharlesR60
Such a beautifully written and performed song. Those high notes are magnificent Love this guys lyrics and music.
@rietsteen960
Mesmerizing. A great troubadour for our times.
@BearBull86
When people ask me who he is...I tell them he's the greatest voice you've never heard. Amazing musician, singer, songwriter; a thinking man's artist.