Some years ago---like maybe 25 or 30---I walked into a music store in Skokie, Ill. and there, behind the counter, sat Jethro Burns. He was leaning his chair back on two legs and absent mindedly strumming chords on one of the proprieter's stock mandolins. In the course of our conversation I asked him if he knew the words to Red Foley's classic tune "Old Shep." His expression changed and his eyes got big, *"OLD SHEP???"* he exclaimed, and nearly fell off his chair laughing. He couldn't believe anyone was actually looking for the words to that song.

I think this is a faithful reproduction. Please correct them if it is not.

OLD SHEP
(written by Red Foley and Willis Arthur, 1933)

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 so full of fun,
We grew up together that way.
(bridge)
I remember the time at the old swimming hole,
When I would have drowned beyond doubt,
But old Shep was right there, to the rescue he came,
He jumped in and helped pull me out.

The years fast did roll and 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."
(bridge)
With hands that were tremblin, I picked up my gun,
And aimed it at Shep's faithful head,
I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run,
I wished they would shoot me instead.

He came to my side and looked up at me,
And laid his old head on my knee,
I stroked the best friend a man ever had,
I cried so I scarcely could see.
(bridge)
Now old Shep he is gone where the good doggies go,
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.



I'm sure this is available on record by a number of people but I think Red Foley's is the original. Elvis Presley put this song on what I belive was his first LP album ("Elvis") along with a rocked-up version of Bill Monroe's classic "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again."

- Mark