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May 23, 2017 · Written by: Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. With perfectly wry lyrics, the Dead’s only top 10 single was still a source of musical conversation when played live. Most Dead songs underwent their...
- Pitchfork
- 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.
Jan 13, 2024 · From "Casey Jones" to "Dark Star" to "Ripple," take a look at Paste's picks for the 20 greatest Grateful Dead songs of all time.
- Joe Tiller
- Ripple (from ‘American Beauty’, 1970) A simple thing of generous, transcendent beauty, Ripple is a calming, zen-like meditation for the ages. Topping our list of the best Grateful Dead songs, it’s music to soothe the soul, with lyrics delivered by Garcia in his most peaceful croon.
- Bird Song (From ‘Reckoning’, 1981) First released on Jerry Garcia’s highly recommended debut solo album, 1971’s Garcia, Bird Song soon became a de facto Dead number, a centrepiece of their shows and a highlight of the group’s 1981 acoustic live album, Reckoning.
- Terrapin Part 1 (from ‘Terrapin Station’, 1977) Taking up the entire second side of the Dead’s 1977 album, Terrapin Station, Terrapin Part 1 is a 16-and-a-half-minute suite comprising seven parts.
- Uncle John’s Band (from ‘Workingman’s Dead’, 1970) Another song that is almost a call to arms for the Dead, Uncle John’s Band is an outsider’s anthem – an idealistic ballad depicting a singer gathering a motley crew of outcasts and misfits together.
- Top Grateful Dead Songs of All Time
- “Stella Blue”
- “Franklin’s Tower”
- “Scarlet Begonias”
- “Touch of Grey”
- “Wharf Rat”
- “The Wheel”
- “Dark Star”
- “Bertha”
- “Eyes of The World”
“Stella Blue”“Franklin’s Tower”“Scarlet Begonias”“Touch of Grey”“Stella Blue” is undoubtedly one of the Grateful Dead’s greatest hits. This melancholic and heart-wrenching song speaks to the soul of many listeners, featuring vocals that are both haunting and beautiful. Its unique blend of rock, folk, and blues creates a sound that is instantly recognizable as being a Grateful Dead classic. The lyrics are simple...
“Franklin’s Tower” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved tunes, with its infectious reggae-inflected groove and its spirited lyrics. The song first appeared on the band’s 1975 album Blues for Allah, and it has been a fan favorite ever since. The lyrics explore themes of rebirth and renewal, taken from a traditional American folktale about an o...
“Franklin’s Tower” showcased the Grateful Dead’s signature sound, and their ability to evoke emotion with a powerful blend of rock and blues. Yet another iconic song of theirs, “Scarlet Begonias”, is no different. A jubilant track with an upbeat tempo, this song has become one of the defining anthems for the band. The band expertly blends together ...
“Touch of Grey” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved songs. It encapsulates everything the band stands for a free-spirited and positive attitude, upbeat energy, and a unique melding of folk, rock, and blues. The song’s catchy melody and sing-along chorus have made it an enduring favorite among fans. Its lyrics are uplifting and offer a sense ...
“Wharf Rat” is an iconic Grateful Dead song, and it’s easy to see why. The song paints a vivid picture of outcasts and misfits seeking solace in the arms of friends, and Jerry Garcia’s passionate vocal delivery sells the scene perfectly. It’s an emotional roller coaster that never fails to move listeners, making it one of the band’s most beloved wo...
A song that will certainly stand the test of time is “The Wheel”. With its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, it’s easy to understand why this song has become so beloved over the years. The lyrics are both thoughtful and evocative, telling the story of a man who finds himself stuck in life, searching for renewed purpose. While “The Wheel” may not be...
“Dark Star” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most revered songs and for good reason. It’s an experimental psychedelic masterpiece that combines elements of folk, rock, and jazz to create something truly unique. The song features a mesmerizing guitar solo by Jerry Garcia and intricate drumming by Mickey Hart. Bob Weir’s haunting vocals add a sense of m...
“Bertha” is undeniably one of the greatest Grateful Dead songs of all time. From the opening electric guitar licks to the signature organ-driven chorus, this track captures the essence of the legendary band. Jerry Garcia’s masterful guitar playing is on full display throughout, as he weaves in and out of Phil Lesh’s intricate basslines. The upbeat ...
Few Grateful Dead songs are as beloved and cherished as “Eyes of The World”, a fan favorite from their 1973 album Wake of the Flood. Jerry Garcia’s soulful vocals, Bob Weir’s signature guitar licks, and Phil Lesh’s thunderous bass lines combine to create an unforgettable musical experience. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of hope in the face of dar...
Mar 30, 2023 · Sugar Magnolia. Taken from 1970’s American Beauty, Sugar Magnolia ranks as one of the Grateful Dead’s best-known and most popular songs. Combining a rich texture with expert delivery, it has all the shimmering sweetness and feel-good vibes of the Dead at their hippie best.
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Nov 6, 2020 · ‘Wharf Rat’. Taken from the band’s 1971 self-titled LP, this track, perhaps more than most, offers the key to unlocking the wonderful partnership between Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. Taken from their second live album Skull and Roses, ‘Wharf Rat’ depicts and down and out man only a few steps away from desperation.
