Old Blue: About the Song

In 19th century America, hunting was a way of life for many people who relied on game for food. From somewhere in the Mississippi Valley came this sentimental tribute to a beloved hunting dog.

Lyrics

chorus:
Yah, old Blue
You good dog, you

verses:
I had a dog and his name was Blue
And I betcha five dollars he’s a good dog, too
Come on, Blue
You good dog, you

I shouldered my gun and I tooted my horn
And I went to get a possum in the new ground corn
Come on, Blue
You can come too

Old Blue bayed, and I went to see
Blue had a possum in a ‘simmon tree
Come on, Blue
You good dog, you

That possum come out on a swinging limb
Blue barked at the possum, possum growled at him
Come on, Blue
You good dog, you

Blue grinned at me and I winked at him
I shook out the possum out, Blue took him in
Come on, Blue
You good dog, you

Baked that possum nice and brown
And I layed them sweet potatoes round and round
Come on, Blue
You can have some, too

Well, Old Blue died and he died so hard
He shook the ground in my backyard
Go on, Blue
You good dog, you

Dug his grave with a silver spade
Lowered him down with a golden chain
Go on, Blue
You good dog, you

When I get to heaven first thing I’ll do
Take my horn and blow for Blue
Go on, Blue
I’m comin’ too

Come on Blue, come on Blue
There’s a possum in Heaven for me and you
Go on, Blue
You good dog, you