Uncovering the Heartwarming Story Behind Elvis’ Beloved Song ‘Old Shep’
Elvis old shep as the “King of Rock and Roll” and has left an indelible mark on music history. His voice, charisma, and iconic performances have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. But beyond his rockstar image, Elvis was also a sentimental and compassionate individual.
This can be seen in his love for animals, particularly dogs. One of his most beloved songs, ‘Old Shep’, tells a heartwarming story that reveals a softer side of Elvis. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the background of this iconic song and uncover the inspiration behind it.
Elvis old shep Love for Old Shep
Before we delve into the story behind ‘Old Shep’, it is important to understand Elvis’ deep love for animals, especially dogs. Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis had a dog named Getlow, who was his constant companion. When Elvis became famous, he continued to have a soft spot for dogs and often adopted strays or gifted them to others. It is said that he even had a special room in Graceland reserved for his canine companions.
One of Elvis’ most beloved dogs was a German Shepherd named Getlow Jr., who he affectionately called “Old Shep”. Elvis loved Old Shep so much that he considered him his best friend and even dedicated a song to him. This song became one of Elvis’ most treasured and emotional recordings – ‘Old Shep’.
The Story Behind Elvis’ Song ‘Old Shep’
‘Old Shep’ was originally written by country singer Red Foley in 1933 as a tribute to his childhood dog. However, Elvis’ version of the song is what made it a timeless classic. In fact, it was one of the first songs Elvis ever learned to play on the guitar. He would often perform it during his early years as a musician, even before he became famous.
The song tells the story of a boy and his loyal dog, Old Shep. The boy grows up with Old Shep by his side but is forced to put him down due to old age and illness. The lyrics are filled with poignant lines such as “When I was a lad and Old Shep was a pup” and “Now Old Shep is gone where the good doggies go”. It is a heart-wrenching tale that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever loved and lost a beloved pet.
How ‘Old Shep’ Became a Beloved Elvis Classic
‘Old Shep’ was first recorded by Elvis in 1956 during his early days with RCA Records. It was released as part of his debut album, ‘Elvis Presley’. However, the song did not gain much popularity until after Elvis’ death in 1977. As fans mourned the loss of their beloved idol, they turned to his music for comfort. ‘Old Shep’ quickly became a fan favorite and a symbol of Elvis’ love for animals.
In addition to its emotional lyrics, Elvis’ heartfelt rendition of the song is what truly made it a classic. His voice carries a sense of longing and sadness, making the song all the more powerful. It is a testament to Elvis’ vocal talent and his ability to convey emotions through his music.
Exploring the Meaning of Elvis’ ‘Old Shep’ Lyrics
The lyrics of ‘Old Shep’ may seem simple at first glance, but there is deep meaning behind them. The song reflects on the unconditional love and loyalty of a dog towards its owner. This is seen in lines like “And when all else fails and we’re feeling low / We can look at Old Shep and feel just fine”. It also touches on the pain of losing a beloved pet and the memories that remain.
Moreover, ‘Old Shep’ can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience. The boy’s journey with Old Shep from his youth to old age can be seen as a reflection of our own life stages. And just like Old Shep, we too must eventually say goodbye to this world. This underlying message adds another layer of depth to the song.
The Impact of ‘Old Shep’ on Elvis’ Career
While ‘Old Shep’ may not be one of Elvis’ most commercially successful songs, it had a significant impact on his career. It showcased his versatility as an artist, as he was able to deliver a heartfelt ballad just as effortlessly as he could rock out on stage. The song also cemented Elvis’ connection with his fans, who saw a more vulnerable side to him through this emotional performance.
Furthermore, ‘Old Shep’ helped solidify Elvis’ image as a heartthrob and a sensitive soul. His portrayal of a young boy mourning the loss of his dog struck a chord with audiences and made him even more relatable. It also highlighted his Southern roots and love for country music, which were integral parts of his identity.
Uncovering the Inspiration for Elvis’ ‘Old Shep’
Many fans have often wondered about the inspiration behind ‘Old Shep’. While Elvis never confirmed the exact source of his inspiration, there are a few theories. Some believe that he wrote the lyrics himself, while others speculate that it may have been written by his mother, Gladys Presley.
However, the most popular theory is that Elvis was deeply affected by the death of his childhood dog, Getlow Jr., who he considered his best friend. It is said that Old Shep was based on Getlow Jr. and Elvis used the song as a way to cope with his grief. This theory is supported by the fact that Elvis’ version of the song differs from the original in terms of lyrics and melody.
The Evolution of Elvis’ Performance of ‘Old Shep’
Throughout his career, Elvis performed ‘Old Shep’ numerous times, each with its own unique touch. In his early years, he would often perform it as a slow ballad, showcasing his vocal ability. However, as his style evolved, so did his performance of the song. In the 1970s, he would add a rock and roll twist to it, making it an upbeat number during his live shows.
One particularly notable performance of ‘Old Shep’ was during Elvis’ 1961 television special, ‘The Frank Sinatra Timex Show’. He sang the song while sitting on a stool, wearing a tuxedo, and accompanied only by his acoustic guitar. It was a simple yet captivating performance that touched the hearts of viewers.
Behind the Scenes of Recording ‘Old Shep’ with Elvis
To get a better understanding of the process behind recording ‘Old Shep’ with Elvis, let us take a look at the studio session for the song. It was recorded on September 2, 1956, at the RCA Victor Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Elvis was accompanied by his band members Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and DJ Fontana on drums.
According to accounts from those present in the studio, Elvis was deeply moved by the song and took multiple takes to get it right. He even asked for the lights to be dimmed to create a more intimate atmosphere. There are also reports of Elvis shedding tears while singing the song, which further adds to the emotional impact of the recording.
Remembering Elvis Through ‘Old Shep’
Even after his death, ‘Old Shep’ remains a poignant reminder of Elvis’ life and legacy. It serves as a tribute to his love for animals and a testament to his emotional depth as an artist. Fans often listen to the song as a way to remember and honor the King of Rock and Roll.
Furthermore, ‘Old Shep’ is also a part of Elvis’ enduring legacy. It has been covered by several artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Dolly Parton. It has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying its place in popular culture.
The Enduring Legacy of Elvis’ ‘Old Shep’
In conclusion, ‘Old Shep’ is not just a song but a heartfelt tribute to the bond between man and his loyal companion. It showcases a different side of Elvis that is often overshadowed by his larger-than-life persona. But through this song, we see the sensitive and compassionate soul that he truly was.
As we listen to the lyrics of ‘Old Shep’, we are transported back in time, to a simpler era when Elvis was just a young boy with a guitar and a dream. It is a reminder of the impact that our furry friends can have on our lives and how they stay with us even after they are gone. And for Elvis fans, it will always hold a special place in their hearts as a reminder of their beloved idol.
So the next time you hear ‘Old Shep’, take a moment to appreciate the story behind the song and the love and emotion that Elvis poured into it. It is a beautiful tribute to one of the most cherished relationships in life – the bond between a man and his dog.
