Cracker Jack.

Lyrics and Vocals: American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and business woman, the late, great Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean (née Parton), [1946–2026].

A song for all you dog lovers everywhere; the late Dolly Parton’s “Cracker Jack” is a tender tribute to the scruffy stray she once befriended as a child and remembered as her loyal playmate and best friend.
Recorded in 1973 but unreleased until the 2007 reissue of “Jolene”, this bittersweet country story celebrates the unconditional love of a cherished pet and the memories that endure after they are gone.

Cracker Jack.

Once I had a little dog, I called him Cracker Jack.
He had a spot around one eye that looked just like a patch.
His legs were way too long and he was awkward as could be.
He wasn’t much to look at but he looked alright to me.
I found him by the river bank just wandering about.
He was cold and hungry and his ribs were sticking out.
I snapped my fingers, whistled, when he came, I picked him up.
I was just a kid and Cracker Jack was just a pup.
I took him home and fed him ’til he couldn’t eat no more.
I took him to my room and put a blanket on the floor.
After that beside my bed is where he’d always sleep.
Each night in my prayers I’d pray the lord his soul to keep.

Chorus.

Cracker Jack,
The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack,
But he was more than that,
A playmate, a companion,
He was love and understanding,
That was Cracker Jack.
The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack,
But he was more than that,
Everything a kid could want I had in Cracker Jack.

Cracker Jack would run to meet me after school each day.
He’d jump and wag his tail and look at me as if to say,
“I love you and I’ve missed you and I’m glad you’re home again”.
I knew just how he felt ’cause me and Cracker Jack was friends.
Through the woods and fields we would often roam about,
And when we got in trouble we would help each other out.
I could run almost as fast as Cracker Jack could run,
We had a lot in common and we had a lot of fun.
He was always with me when I was growing up.
We shared each other’s good times and we shared each other’s love.
He only lives in memories now but often I think back,
To the days of childhood, the days of Cracker Jack.

Repeat Chorus.

END.