Old Shep Lyrics - San Francisco Bay Blues Live - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

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 

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 

With hands that were trembling 

I picked up my gun 

And aimed it at shep's faithful head 

I just couldn't 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 

for ol shep he knew he was going to go 

for he reached down and licked at my hand 

then he looked up at me just as much as to say 

we're parting but i understand 

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