I've Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with The Zoo Crew as we spin "I've Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be" by The Sheepdogs from their 2018 album Changing Colours. This track, the first single off the album, hit the airwaves on October 13, 2017, and quickly climbed to the top spot at rock radio, joining the ranks of the band’s other #1 hits like "Feeling Good" and "The Way It Is." The song’s infectious Southern rock vibe and soulful lyrics capture the essence of a restless, free-spirited lover, with lines like “I’m a part-time lover and an all-around guy” setting the tone. In a 2018 interview with Dine Alone Records, the band described the track as a raw, emotional outpouring, reflecting a character who’s always on the move but missing something deeper—hence the “hole” where their heart should be.

Another cool tidbit comes from a December 2017 recording session at the YouTube Creator Space in Toronto, where The Sheepdogs performed a live version of the song. Fans can still check out this gritty, stripped-down performance on YouTube, showcasing their signature three-part harmonies and dual guitar leads. The band also shared in a statement to Exclaim! that Changing Colours marked a shift with new member Jim Bowskill, whose mandolin and guitar wizardry added fresh textures to tracks like this one. They even ventured into new territory with instruments like trombone and clarinet on the album, but “I’ve Got a Hole” stays true to their bluesy, barroom swagger. DJ Lt Dan Buckley from Lightning 100 raved about the track in 2017, saying he’s “never met a Sheepdogs song [he] didn’t like,” a sentiment echoed by many Zoo Freaks out there.

Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs formed in 2004 when Ewan Currie (vocals/guitar), Ryan Gullen (bass), and Sam Corbett (drums) started jamming in their early 20s. According to their bio on Apple Music, their sound was dialed in from day one, blending Lynyrd Skynyrd’s punchy swagger with Allman Brothers’ boogie and The Band’s carnival-like energy. They honed their craft through relentless gigging, releasing their debut album Trying to Grow in 2006. Their big break came in 2011 when they won Rolling Stone’s “Choose the Cover” contest, landing them on the magazine’s cover and a deal with Atlantic Records. Their 2010 album Learn & Burn went platinum, and they’ve since racked up seven Juno Award nominations, including Rock Album of the Year for Changing Colours. With Shamus Currie (keys/trombone) and later Jim Bowskill (guitar/mandolin) joining the lineup, the band’s retro-modern rock revival continues to captivate.

Stay connected with The Sheepdogs through their official channels: their website at thesheepdogs.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also dive into the community on the Sheepdogs Fan Club Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share tour updates, merch hauls, and love for the band’s timeless sound. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the good vibes rollin’!