Old Shep
A Lifelong Bond: Old Shep's Tale of Friendship and Farewell
Lyrics
When I was a lad and Old Shep was a pup
Reflecting on childhood when the narrator was young and his dog, Old Shep, was a puppy.
O'er hills and meadows we'd stray
Describing their adventures through hills and meadows.
Just a boy and his dog, we were both full of fun
Highlighting the joyful relationship between the boy and his dog, both full of fun.
We grew up together that way
Emphasizing that they grew up together in a close bond.
I remember the time at the old swimmin' hole
Recalling a specific memory at an old swimming hole.
When I would've drowned beyond doubt
Describing a moment of danger where the boy could have drowned.
Shep was right there, to the rescue he came
Old Shep came to the rescue, saving the boy from drowning.
He jumped in and helped pulled me out
Expressing the loyalty and protective nature of Old Shep.
So the years fed along and at last he grew old
Passage of time, acknowledging that Old Shep has grown old.
His eyesight was fast growin' dim
Noting the decline in Old Shep's eyesight due to aging.
Then one day the doctor looked at me and said
Recounting a moment when the doctor declares inability to do more for Old Shep.
"I can't do no more for him, Jim"
Quoting the doctor's words to the narrator, named Jim.
With a hand that was trembling I picked up my gun
Describing the narrator's emotional struggle as he contemplates euthanasia.
I aimed it at Shep's faithful head
The narrator raises a gun to Old Shep, intending to end his suffering.
I just couldn't do it, I wanted to run
Expressing the narrator's internal conflict; he couldn't bring himself to do it.
And I wished that they'd shoot me instead
Wishing that someone else would take the difficult decision instead.
I went to his side and I sat on the ground
The narrator goes to Old Shep, sitting beside him.
He laid his head on my knee
Old Shep rests his head on the narrator's knee, symbolizing comfort.
I stroked the best pal that a man ever found
The narrator reflects on the deep bond, calling Old Shep the best pal.
I cried so I scarcely could see
The narrator is overcome with emotion, crying at the impending loss.
Old Sheppie he knew he was going to go
Old Shep senses his impending death, showing awareness by licking the narrator's hand.
For he reached out and licked at my hand
Describing Old Shep's final moments, reaching out in acknowledgment.
He looked up at me, just as much as to say
Old Shep looks up at the narrator, expressing understanding of their parting.
"We're parting, but you understand"
Implies a silent communication between the narrator and Old Shep.
Now Old Shep is gone where the good doggies go
Old Shep has passed away, and the narrator reflects on his absence.
And no more with Old Shep will I roam
Expressing the end of their companionship; the narrator won't roam with Old Shep anymore.
But if dogs have a heaven, there's one thing I know
The narrator wonders if dogs have a heaven, expressing hope for Old Shep's well-being.
Old Shep has a wonderful home
Believing that, if a dog heaven exists, Old Shep is in a wonderful home there.
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