Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Do You Know The Weird Story Behind Blake Shelton’s “Ol’ Red”?

Blake Shelton's "Ol' Red"
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Blake Shelton’s “Ol’ Red” will take you for a distinct narrative spin in the most interesting place – the jail. No, this is not being sarcastic. It’s true; the song would drag you in the story about a prisoner and a dog which pokes our interest.

The song was not originally recorded by Shelton but was included on his self-titled debut album back in 2002. James “Bo” Bohan, Don Goodman, and Mark Sherrill were the writers, while George Jones was the original singer for “Ol’ Red” in 1990. 

Fairly enough, when Shelton released his version, it didn’t hit much on the charts. However, it became the most common request during his concerts to consider it his signature song.

“Ol’ Red” is like a short story piece starting with a man who is sentenced to 99 years or basically a lifetime jail time. He catches his wife with an affair with another man and decides to do the most brutal crime imaginable. This earned him a spot on the prison cell.

In prison, he befriends the warden, who has a dog called Ol’ Red, with uncanny ability in tracking down inmates who successfully escapes. The narrator thought of escaping the situation he’s in. His main target is the dog, and they planned to keep his attention somewhere else. So, they found a dog and tried to lure him into it.

His cousin brought a female dog in the nearby swampland near the prison for Ol’ Red. They want him to mate with the dog and expose him to her as often as possible. The narrator made the dog not see his newfound lover for three to four days to make him restless and aroused. 

The day came when he let the dog met his mate. As the dog got preoccupied with his lover, the narrator tried to escape and successfully does so. He then mocked his escape by the lyrics, “love got me here, and love got me out.”

Blake Shelton‘s “Ol’ Red” is one of that country music that takes you in with its story and not necessarily the melody. It would be best if you listened to it over and over again to really appreciate it. Maybe that’s why fans request it every time he has a concert.

If you want to hear it, click on the video below.

Trending

Latest Stories

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Vince Gill performing 'The Price of Regret,' conveying a heartfelt message of unity, compassion, and healing, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.

Vince Gill’s “The Price of Regret” Is a Timeless Call for Unity

In 2019, Vince Gill once again proved why he’s a cornerstone of country music with his powerful single “The Price of Regret” from the album Okie. Known for his ability ...

George Jones delivering his final performance of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in 2013, a heartfelt farewell from a country music legend filled with raw emotion.

George Jones’ Last Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Unforgettable

George Jones, lovingly known as “The Possum,” gave the world one last gift with his final performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on April 6, 2013. Captured during his ...

Blake Shelton performing a lively cover of 'Footloose,' inspiring Texas Roadhouse staff to create a viral line dance that blends music, fun, and energetic dining vibes.

Texas Roadhouse Staff Goes Viral Dancing to Blake Shelton’s “Footloose”

In 2015, Texas Roadhouse became more than just a restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks and buttery rolls—it became the stage for a viral moment with everyone tapping their feet. The reason? ...

George Jones and Dolly Parton’s Breathtaking Duet of “The Blues Man”

In 2005, country legends George Jones and Dolly Parton teamed up for a stunning rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man.” The collaboration marked the first time these two ...

Scotty McCreery Stuns With “That’s All Right, Mama” on American Idol

In 2011, a skinny, baseball-loving teen from North Carolina stepped onto the American Idol stage and turned the country music world on its ear. Chris Piner of American Songwriter recalls ...

Scotty McCreery performing 'Hello Darlin'' at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, paying tribute to Conway Twitty and honoring the roots of country music.

Scotty McCreery Honors Conway Twitty with Moving “Hello Darlin'” at the Opry

In 2015, Scotty McCreery stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with a reverence few performers could match. Four years after his American Idol win, McCreery proved he wasn’t just ...

Alex Miller performing on stage with his signature cowboy hat, showcasing his classic country charm and journey from American Idol to the Grand Ole Opry.

Alex Miller’s “Silver Wings” Performance Earns Grand Ole Opry Invite

For many artists, the Grand Ole Opry is a stage where dreams are made. It’s where legends are born and where country music’s history comes alive. For Alex Miller, a ...