Tuesday, September 08, 2009

(1) Elvis Presley's Old Shep - For Dog Lovers

Michael Jackson's Ben is about a large mouse, (just can't use the word 'rat' because of its negative connotation). Elvis Presley has a song about another animal. The words speak for themselves. Please take some time to read the lyrics.

1. When I was a lad/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/

2. I remember the time at the old swimmin' hold/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/

3. With hands that were trembling/I picked up my gun/And aimed it at Shep's faithful head/I just couldnt 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 that a man ever had/I cried so I scarcely could see/

4. 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. (By: Foley/Arthur.)

Image: Andy Lim Collection.

3 comments:

Teoh said...

Andy, this song really touches my heart. It describes such a strong bonding between a dog and its owner.

Whenever I listen to the line "I wish they would shoot me instead", there is always a tinge of sadness in my heart.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Yes, BC. It's one of my favourite too. I had a dog once and when we had to give it away, my heart broke. Dogs are wonderful animals.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

This LP was one of the first few I bought in the late 50s. It's still with me, old and faithful. And priceless too!