Search results
May 3, 2023 · A list of the most astounding lyrical observations from the songs of the Grateful Dead, featuring Robert Hunter, John Perry Barlow, and other writers. From 'Cassidy' to 'Box of Rain', discover the poetry and psychedelia of the Dead's lyrics.
- “Truckin'” (1970) “Truckin’, got my chips cashed in. Keep truckin’, like the do-dah man. Together, more or less in line, just keep truckin’ on.” “Truckin'” is a representation of the nomadic and rebellious spirit of the band.
- “Ripple” (1970) “Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow.” “Ripple” is an acoustic folk song with philosophical underpinnings.
- “Touch of Grey” (1987) “I will get by, I will get by, I will get by, I will survive.” From the song “Touch of Grey,” these lyrics encapsulate a sense of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity.
- “Scarlet Begonias” (1974) “She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes. And I knew without askin’ she was into the blues.” This lyric from “Scarlet Begonias” reflects the Grateful Dead’s keen observational eye and their ability to convey vivid images and characterization through their lyrics.
Jan 13, 2024 · A list of the best Grateful Dead songs ranked by a fan and a critic, with commentary on the lyrics, music and history of each track. Find out which songs made the cut and why, from "Scarlet Begonias" to "Touch of Grey".
- “He’s Gone,” ‘Europe ’72’ (1972) Like everyone in the Dead organization in 1970, Garcia was shocked when t heir manager, Lenny Hart — who also happened to be Mickey’s father — absconded with more than $150,000 of the band’s earnings.
- “New Speedway Boogie,” ‘Workingman’s Dead’ (1970) The disastrously violent Altamont Speedway Free Festival of December 1969 deeply affected the Dead, who helped organize the event but ended up not taking the stage after the chaos turned decidedly ugly.
- “Doin’ That Rag,” ‘Aoxomoxoa’ (1969) On which Garcia reinvents the past: When he was in the pre-Dead jug band Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions, Garcia played the Memphis Jug Band’s 1928 “Lindberg Hop (Overseas Stomp),” whose central chord progression he mutated into this woozy tribute to the ragtime sound (with free-associative lyrics by Hunter).
- “Might as Well,” ‘Reflections’ (1976) This jaunty Garcia solo track immortalizes the Dead’s time on the Festival Express tour, the legendary rail trek through Canada during which they shared stages, alcohol and train cars with Janis Joplin, the Band, Delaney and Bonnie, and others.
People also ask
What is a Grateful Dead song?
Who wrote the Grateful Dead song lyrics?
Which Grateful Dead song has Merl Saunders?
Is uncle John A Grateful Dead song?
- Sterling Whitaker
- "Casey Jones" From: 'Workingman's Dead' (1970) The opening line of "Casey Jones" is iconic to even non-Dead fans. This track was ostensibly inspired by the actual train engineer Casey Jones, but there is no historical evidence to suggest that Jones was actually "Driving that train, high on cocaine."
- "Truckin'" From: 'American Beauty' (1970) "Truckin'" was the Grateful Dead's highest-charting single prior to the surprise performance of "Touch of Grey."
- "Touch of Grey" From: 'In the Dark' (1987) After a career of decades spent as perpetual music business outsiders (albeit with a huge following), the Grateful Dead surprised everyone, including themselves, by placing a hit single in the mainstream charts.
- "Friend of the Devil" From: 'American Beauty' (1970) Another classic from American Beauty, "Friend of the Devil" is a relatively simple acoustic story song.
Mar 30, 2023 · A list of the best Grateful Dead songs based on their studio and live recordings, with brief descriptions and videos. Find out which songs made the cut and why they are so iconic.
Aug 6, 2021 · A list of the best Grateful Dead songs from their classic albums and live recordings, with commentary on the lyrics and music. Explore the band's versatility, experimentation and legacy with tracks like Help Is On The Way, Dire Wolf and Ramble On Rose.
