Meaning of "Ol' Red" by George Jones

The lyrics of "Ol' Red" tell the story of a man who is trapped in his circumstances but finds a way to overcome them through love. The narrator is in prison, feeling betrayed by his wife. However, he manages to make the best of his situation by befriending the warden and tending to the dangerous dog, Ol' Red. This dog represents the concept of imprisonment and the inability to escape one's past. The narrator realizes that Ol' Red is the key to his escape and devises a plan involving his cousin bringing a female dog to distract Ol' Red while he makes his getaway. The theme of love plays a significant role in the song, as it is the motivator for the narrator's actions. Love gets him into prison, as he caught his wife with another man, and love also gets him out, as he successfully escapes using his cousin's help. Overall, the lyrics illustrate the power of love and the determination to overcome obstacles.