Name: The Ballad of Rigger John (Not My Dog)
Duration: P00H03M31S
Description: Recently, I was asked to write a song about a family pet who grew on its initially resistant patriarch. I didn't begin writing it with the intention of making it available to the wider public, but after the teary reactions I got from people who heard it, I knew I had to give it more room to roam.

The Ballad of Rigger John (Not My Dog)

by Elijah Cross

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about

Recently, I was asked to write a song about a family pet who grew on its initially resistant patriarch. I didn't begin writing it with the intention of making it available to the wider public, but after the teary reactions I got from people who heard it, I knew I had to give it more room to roam.

lyrics

"Not my dog" — that's what I'd say.
I'd already been through this
Love and loss — I stayed away.
Can't teach an old heart new tricks,
Or so I thought
When I was being foolish.

"Not my dog" was my refrain –
I was not gonna do this.
But all along, you knew I'd cave.
Man's best friend is hubris,
Until it's not.
I'm glad I outgrew it.

What better way would I
Be spending all my time
Besides these walks and rides,
Now that you're here?
There's plenty I could lose —
A lot that I'm used to —
And somehow I'd get through
Without a tear…
But not my dog.

Now you've slowed — our yesterdays
Are most of the days we
Have, I know… But anyway…
Maybe I'm crazy
To know love again
And lose a new best friend,
But 13 years on
With old Rigger John...
Boy, when you're gone,
I'll be glad I knew it.

credits

released December 24, 2022
Written, performed, and produced by Elijah Cross

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about

Elijah Cross York, Pennsylvania

Elijah Cross was born in California, and attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts before moving to New York, then Florida, Georgia, and all of them again before settling in Pennsylvania. His new single, "(I Can't) Hide This Love Away", is out now.

Elijah and Macy K have recorded an EP as West & Ward, to be released in 2024. ... more

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