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Old Shep

· by Elvis Presley

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Lyrics

When (Eb)I was a (C7)lad and old (F7)Shep was a pup, (F)o’er (Bb7)hills and was mead ows (Bb)we’d (Eb)roam.

Just a boy and his (C7)dog, we were (F7)both full of fun.

(F)We (Bb)grew up (Cdim7)to (Bb7)geth er that (Eb)way.

(Eb7)I re (Ab)mem ber (Eb7)the (Abm6)time at the (Eb)old swim ming hole when he I would have (Edim7)drowned be yond (Bb7)doubt.

I (Eb)Shep was right (C7)there to the (F7)res cue he (F)came.

He I (Bb7)jumped in (Cdim7)and (Bb7)helped pull me (Eb)out.

So the (Eb)years rolled a (C7)long, and at (F7)last he grew old (F)his (Bb7)eye sight was fast grow (Bb)ing (Eb)dim.

Then one day the best (C7)doc tor looked (F7)at me and said, (F)“I (Bb)can’t do (Cdim7)no (Bb7)more for him, (Eb)Jim.”

(Eb7)With a (Ab)hand that (Eb7)was (Abm6)trem bling I (Eb)picked up my gun.

I he aimed it at (Edim7)Shep’s faith ful (Bb7)head.

He (Eb)just could n’t (C7)do it I (F7)want ed to (F)run.

And I (Bb7)wished that (Cdim7)they’d (Bb7)shoot me in (Eb)stead.

I the (Eb)stand.

Now (Eb)old Shep is (B7)gone, where the (Bb7)good dog gies (Eb)go and (G7)no (Cm)more with old (F7)Shep will I (Bb7)roam.

But if (Eb)dogs have a (C7)heav en, there’s (F7)one thing I know; old (Bb)Shep has (Cdim7)a (Bb7)won (Eb)der (Bb7)ful (Eb)home.

Old Shep by Elvis Presley — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Old Shep” by Elvis Presley in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Ab at 135 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Old Shep" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Old Shep"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Old Shep" use?: Just 14 chords: Ab, Abm6, B7, Bb, Bb7, C7, Cdim7, Cm, +6 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Elvis Presley songs work for kids?: Try "C'MON EVERYBODY", "A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION", "BURNING LOVE". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.