Black Dog
Gambling with Destiny: Ray Wylie Hubbard's Old Black Dog
Lyrics
Old black dog when I'm gone, lord, lord
Refers to an old black dog, possibly symbolizing troubles or challenges.
Old black dog when I'm gone
Repetition emphasizing the significance of the black dog when the speaker is absent.
When I come back with a ten dollar bill
Returning with a ten-dollar bill, indicating a period of absence and financial return.
And it's, "Honey, where you been so long?"
Implies a questioning or longing response from a loved one about the speaker's whereabouts.
My daddy, he's a gambler
Introduces the speaker's father, who is a gambler, suggesting a background in risk-taking or unpredictability.
He taught me how to play
Describes the father's skill in gambling and passing on knowledge to the speaker.
Told me to bet my money
Encourages betting on specific card combinations (Ace, Deuce, Jack, and Tray).
On Ace, Deuce, Jack and Tray
Further elaborates on the father's gambling advice and strategy.
Old black dog when I'm gone, lord, lord
Reiterates the importance of the black dog during the speaker's absence.
Old black dog when I'm gone
Emphasizes the enduring presence of challenges or troubles when the speaker is gone.
When I come back with a ten dollar bill
Repeats the scenario of returning with money and facing inquiries about the absence.
And it's, "Honey, where you been so long?"
Highlights the recurring theme of questioning about the speaker's prolonged absence.
Been all around Kentucky
Mentions the speaker's extensive travels, particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee.
The state of old Tennessee
Specifically notes the speaker's connection to the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.
Anywhere I hang my hat
Expresses a sense of belonging wherever the speaker chooses to rest.
It'll be home sweet home to me
Emphasizes the idea that home is where the speaker feels comfortable.
Old black dog when I'm gone, lord, lord
Recalls the presence of the black dog during the speaker's absence, reinforcing its symbolic significance.
Old black dog when I'm gone
Reiterates the enduring nature of challenges or troubles when the speaker is not present.
When I come back with a ten dollar bill
Repeats the scenario of returning with money and facing inquiries about the absence.
And it's, "Honey, where you been so long?"
Highlights the persistent theme of questioning about the speaker's extended absence.
See the train a-coming
Observes the arrival of a train, possibly symbolizing change or a significant event.
She is packing my casket, lord
Suggests a connection between the approaching train and the speaker's mortality, using a casket metaphor.
Going to the graveyard
Indicates the destination of the train as the graveyard, reinforcing the theme of mortality.
Where the grave will be my home
Reflects on the grave as the speaker's final resting place, emphasizing the inevitability of death.
Old black dog when I'm gone, lord, lord
Recalls the presence of the black dog during the speaker's absence in the face of mortality.
Old black dog when I'm gone
Reiterates the enduring nature of challenges or troubles when the speaker is no longer present.
When I come back with a ten dollar bill
Repeats the scenario of returning with money and facing inquiries about the absence, now in the context of mortality.
And it's "Honey, where you been so long?"
Concludes with the recurring theme of questioning about the speaker's prolonged absence in the context of mortality.
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