Ramblin' Jack Elliott - Old Shep lyrics

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