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 your dog

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

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

RCA LPM-1382, 1956, Elvis

Radio Recorders, Hollywood, September 2, 1956

Red Foley and Willis Arthur wrote Old Shep in 1933. The song was about Foley's 19-year-old German shepherd dog, Hoover, who had been poisoned. It wasn't until 1940 that Foley recorded his song. Old Shep (Decca 46052) was reissued in 1947.

Old Shep was the song Elvis sang to win fifth prize at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show in 1945 - his first public singing appearance. Later, in 1953, Elvis sang the song at the Humes High School Minstrel Show.

On September 2, 1956, at Radio Recorders, Elvis recorded several takes of Old Shep, all featuring him on piano. Take #5 was released by RCA on record. An alternate take (#1), however, was on the first pressing of the British LP, Elvis Presley Nยบ. 2 (HMV - CLP-1105).