When I was a lad
An’ old Shep was a pup
Over hills and meadows we’d stray
Just a boy and his dog
We were so full of fun
We grew up together that way
I remember the time
By the old swimmin’ hole
When I would have drowned beyond doubt
Ah but Shep was right there
To the rescue he came
He jumped in and helped pull me out
The years rolled along
And old Shep he grew old
His eye-sight was fast growing dim
Then one day the doctor
Looked at me and said
“I can’t do no more for him Jim”
With a hand that was trembling
I picked up my gun
I aimed it at Shep’s faithful head
But I just couldn’t do it
I wanted to run
I wish that they’d shoot me instead