Old Salty Dog
Flatt And Scruggs · Other Songs - Flatt And Scruggs
Salty Dog Blues - Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
[G] Standin on the corner with the low down blues
[A] Great big hole in the bottom of my shoes
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
CHORUS
[G] Let me be your [E]Salty Dog
Or [A]I won't be your man at all
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
[G] Listen here Sal, well I know you
[A] Run down stockin' and a worn out shoe
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
chorus
[G] Down in the wildwood sitting on a log
[A] Finger on the trigger and eye on the hog
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
chorus
[G] Pulled the trigger and they said go
[A] Shot fell over in Mexico
[D] Honey let me be you Salty Dog.
[G] Standin on the corner with the low down blues
[A] Great big hole in the bottom of my shoes
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
CHORUS
[G] Let me be your [E]Salty Dog
Or [A]I won't be your man at all
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
[G] Listen here Sal, well I know you
[A] Run down stockin' and a worn out shoe
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
chorus
[G] Down in the wildwood sitting on a log
[A] Finger on the trigger and eye on the hog
[D] Honey let me be your Salty Dog.
chorus
[G] Pulled the trigger and they said go
[A] Shot fell over in Mexico
[D] Honey let me be you Salty Dog.
Old Salty Dog
Flatt and Scruggs' 'Old Salty Dog' stands as a quintessential example of bluegrass storytelling, blending traditional Appalachian balladry with the band's signature acoustic instrumentation. The song captures the weary spirit of a traveler, using the metaphor of a weathered dog to evoke themes of hardship and endurance. Recorded in the mid-20th century, the track exemplifies the group's mastery of the mandolin and banjo, delivering a narrative that resonates deeply within the folk and bluegrass traditions. Its enduring popularity highlights the band's ability to preserve and elevate regional musical heritage while maintaining a universal emotional appeal.