Released: 2001
Blake Shelton’s “Ol’ Red” is a classic tale of love, betrayal, and cunning escape. The song tells the story of a man who, after catching his wife with another man, ends up in prison. He cleverly uses the prison’s bloodhound, Ol’ Red, to orchestrate his escape.
The song kicks off with the protagonist catching his wife cheating, leading to a 99-year prison sentence. He’s stuck on a Georgia prison farm, close to the Florida line. After two years, he befriends the warden, who assigns him to care for Ol’ Red, the prison’s notorious tracking dog.
Ol’ Red is described as a top-notch bloodhound, capable of tracking anyone who tries to escape. The warden is confident that no one can get past Ol’ Red, and he often sings about the dog’s prowess, challenging inmates to try their luck against the hound.
The protagonist devises a plan by contacting his cousin in Tennessee, who brings a female blue tick hound to the prison. They pen her up in the swampland, just south of the prison gate. The protagonist uses Ol’ Red’s evening runs to introduce him to the female hound.
Ol’ Red becomes smitten with the female hound, and the protagonist uses this to his advantage. He keeps Ol’ Red away from her for a few days, building anticipation. When the time is right, he makes his escape while Ol’ Red is distracted by his newfound love.
As the protagonist makes his run for freedom, Ol’ Red is released to track him. However, instead of following the escapee, Ol’ Red heads south to meet his lady friend. The protagonist successfully escapes north to Tennessee, while Ol’ Red is preoccupied with love.
The song concludes with a nod to the irony of the situation. Love was the reason the protagonist ended up in prison, and it was also the reason he managed to escape. The tale is a clever mix of humor and wit, showcasing Shelton’s storytelling prowess.
