Grateful Dead — Box Of Rain
Album: American BeautyAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1629
Length: 5:14
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Look out of any window
Any morning, any evening, any day
Maybe the sun is shining, birds are winging
No rain is falling from a heavy sky
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
For this is all a dream we dreamed
One afternoon long ago
Walk out of any doorway
Feel your way, feel your way like the day before
Maybe you'll find direction
Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you
What do you want me to do
To watch for you while you're sleeping?
Then please don't be surprised
When you find me dreaming, too
Look into any eyes you find by you
You can see clear to another day
Maybe been seen before
Through other eyes on other days while going home
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
It's all a dream we dreamed
One afternoon long ago
Walk into splintered sunlight
Inch your way through dead dreams to another land
Maybe you're tired and broken
And your tongue is twisted with words half spoken and thoughts unclear
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
A box of rain will ease the pain
And love will see you through
Just a box of rain, wind and water
Believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on
Sun and shower, wind and rain
In and out the window like a moth before a flame
And it's just a box of rain, I don't know who put it there
Believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare
And it's just a box of rain or a ribbon for your hair
Such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there
Any morning, any evening, any day
Maybe the sun is shining, birds are winging
No rain is falling from a heavy sky
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
For this is all a dream we dreamed
One afternoon long ago
Walk out of any doorway
Feel your way, feel your way like the day before
Maybe you'll find direction
Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you
What do you want me to do
To watch for you while you're sleeping?
Then please don't be surprised
When you find me dreaming, too
Look into any eyes you find by you
You can see clear to another day
Maybe been seen before
Through other eyes on other days while going home
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
It's all a dream we dreamed
One afternoon long ago
Walk into splintered sunlight
Inch your way through dead dreams to another land
Maybe you're tired and broken
And your tongue is twisted with words half spoken and thoughts unclear
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
A box of rain will ease the pain
And love will see you through
Just a box of rain, wind and water
Believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on
Sun and shower, wind and rain
In and out the window like a moth before a flame
And it's just a box of rain, I don't know who put it there
Believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare
And it's just a box of rain or a ribbon for your hair
Such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there
Comments (110)add comment
RIP Phil
American Beauty, not a bad song on this album. And Phil's gem, Box of Rain. Thank you Mr Lesh, fare the well my friend 
Interesting story, Phil collaborated with lyricist Robert Hunter to write this song for his ailing father. Something about Phil, seemed like he marched to the beat of a different drum, I say that in a good way. I remember before they would play their encores Phil would express his gratitude to organ donors as he was a recipient if a liver transplant in 98. I imagine he's jammin' with some old friends up in the great gig in the sky... Rest in peace Phil... you were loved and will be sorely missed
Cringe worthy harmonies
aspicer wrote:
RP truly is like a day-long lesson in music history.
GENERAL COMMENT for WILLIAM: Really appreciating your notable increase of insights and perspectives in recent months with the music (like with this track).
I have been wanting this for years - you have a wealth of wisdom and experience to share about the "musical ocean" we all navigate!
RP truly is like a day-long lesson in music history.
This one is a winner.
GENERAL COMMENT for WILLIAM: Really appreciating your notable increase of insights and perspectives in recent months with the music (like with this track).
I have been wanting this for years - you have a wealth of wisdom and experience to share about the "musical ocean" we all navigate!
I have been wanting this for years - you have a wealth of wisdom and experience to share about the "musical ocean" we all navigate!
RIP Phil Lesh.
RIP Phil
hansotten wrote:
This song was not written to please others. It is a song Phil Lesh composed with Robert Hunter to honor Phil's dying father. Read the words. Phil literally sang this song to his father while he was in the hospital dying.
The song talks about life passing by quickly like a dream. Phil painfully asks his father how he can help him transition to the unknown:
"What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
For this is all a dream we dreamed
One afternoon long ago"
Lighten up and appreciate the beaty others put forward, even if it doesn't appeal to you. Life is short.
"And it's just a box of rain
Or a ribbon for your hair
Such a long, long time to be gone
And a short time to be there"
what an amateurs, no close harmony but cats in distress ... and the guitar solo is so silly
This song was not written to please others. It is a song Phil Lesh composed with Robert Hunter to honor Phil's dying father. Read the words. Phil literally sang this song to his father while he was in the hospital dying.
The song talks about life passing by quickly like a dream. Phil painfully asks his father how he can help him transition to the unknown:
"What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
For this is all a dream we dreamed
One afternoon long ago"
Lighten up and appreciate the beaty others put forward, even if it doesn't appeal to you. Life is short.
"And it's just a box of rain
Or a ribbon for your hair
Such a long, long time to be gone
And a short time to be there"
yofitofu wrote:
Oh please quit being silly.
Can't really sing, can't really play music, never really understood the appeal. Maybe drugs are needed.
Oh please quit being silly.
Can't really sing, can't really play music, never really understood the appeal. Maybe drugs are needed.
Not much of a Dead fan but have to admit this one always gets me to stop and listen.
boxofrain wrote:
Let Phil Sing
One of my favorite Grateful Dead songs.
Let Phil Sing
Why do I love this song that is sung so dreadfully out of tune?
wsmithv wrote:
Just read up about her online. A very sad story, especially given her selflessness.
This song forever belongs to Jennifer Rubin, from the class of 1979 CRH. She sang the chorus one night with the voice of an angel. The truth is, she was one. A young idealist. She died in tragic circumstances while serving in the peace core.
Just read up about her online. A very sad story, especially given her selflessness.
Nice, sounds like real people singing, not autotuned robots.
boxofrain wrote:
And one of my favorite Lesh/Hunter collaborations!
One of my favorite Grateful Dead songs.
And one of my favorite Lesh/Hunter collaborations!
wsmithv wrote:
https://fpcv.org/volunteers/je...
Your friend lives on in her legacy. Thank you, wsmithv.
c.
This song forever belongs to Jennifer Rubin, from the class of 1979 CRH. She sang the chorus one night with the voice of an angel. The truth is, she was one. A young idealist. She died in tragic circumstances while serving in the peace core.
Your friend lives on in her legacy. Thank you, wsmithv.
c.
hansotten wrote:
"A box of rain will ease the pain
And love will see you through"
what an amateurs, no close harmony but cats in distress ... and the guitar solo is so silly
"A box of rain will ease the pain
And love will see you through"
what an amateurs, no close harmony but cats in distress ... and the guitar solo is so silly
This song forever belongs to Jennifer Rubin, from the class of 1979 CRH. She sang the chorus one night with the voice of an angel. The truth is, she was one. A young idealist. She died in tragic circumstances while serving in the peace core.
Phil Lesh writes their best tunes.
off key, both singing and guitar, awful
Criminally low average rating for this Dead offering.
memoryboxer wrote:
Hi! Do you have an image of that piece of art from her? Would you send it to me?
In 1982 I was introduced to this song through a rather roundabout route. Met the late, great jeweller/sculptor Carrie Adell, at the Rhinebeck Craft Festival in New York. I was doing my first jewellers apprenticeship and she was goddesslike in status. She had an exquisite cloud-shaped box in hand-raised silver, the top half suspended above the bottom by silver lightening bolts, and the interior was a cascade of "rain" composed of dozens of fine silver chains - a true Thing of Beauty. In showing it me she said "from the Dead's song, of course", and when I admitted I knew a few of their sings but not that one she kind of laughed and shook her head and said "oh honey... you HAVE to hear that song". Went home, sought it out, fell in love - it's had a special place in my heart ever since.
Hi! Do you have an image of that piece of art from her? Would you send it to me?
....and another note:
at concerts people would yell and cry to hear Phil sing......THE PHIL ZONE!
i went to MANY GD shows (sober).......
so yes, apparently the drugs DO WORK!
at concerts people would yell and cry to hear Phil sing......THE PHIL ZONE!
i went to MANY GD shows (sober).......
so yes, apparently the drugs DO WORK!
imagine how great this would be with Jerry or Bob singing, or anyone not tone deaf
Shoot me through the ears, I'll be grateful.
The definition of "off-key" ... painful to hear
keenevision wrote:
I’ve this song!! And I will offering apologies for loving it!!!don't offer appologies, it good'
tinypriest wrote:
Really? Sounds callous and distant for that. Boring like a Monkees song from their 3 rd album
Wow. Empathy is a challenge, I guess.
Really? Sounds callous and distant for that. Boring like a Monkees song from their 3 rd album
Wow. Empathy is a challenge, I guess.
In college I somehow fell in with a bunch of hardcore deadheads, the kind that sneered at dead records, listening only to tapes. I was not a fan, and they used to tell me, "Someday, you'll understand." I never did. PSD.
“Maybe you're tired and broken
And your tongue is twisted with words half spoken and thoughts unclear”
This just rips me in two every time I hear it.
dancindan wrote:
It was written for Bob Weir's father, who was dying of cancer.
Really? Sounds callous and distant for that. Boring like a Monkees song from their 3 rd album
It was written for Bob Weir's father, who was dying of cancer.
Really? Sounds callous and distant for that. Boring like a Monkees song from their 3 rd album
I’ve this song!! And I will offering apologies for loving it!!!
Hannio wrote:
It was written for Bob Weir's father, who was dying of cancer.
I love this song, but dear God it sounds awful towards the end.
It was written for Bob Weir's father, who was dying of cancer.
Always a beautiful song
Robert Hunter died today at age 78. He wrote the lyrics to my most of favorite Grateful Dead songs. It's sad to see him go but he lived an interesting and varied life, providing many memorable moments. Peace be with him.
the vocal harmonies are absolutely awful!!! It just pains me to hear this!
A ribbon for your hair...
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Hey, nice tune. Alas, as the Dead often were, the vocals are not. In tune. Ouch. Stop soaking the cats.
In 1982 I was introduced to this song through a rather roundabout route. Met the late, great jeweller/sculptor Carrie Adell, at the Rhinebeck Craft Festival in New York. I was doing my first jewellers apprenticeship and she was goddesslike in status. She had an exquisite cloud-shaped box in hand-raised silver, the top half suspended above the bottom by silver lightening bolts, and the interior was a cascade of "rain" composed of dozens of fine silver chains - a true Thing of Beauty. In showing it me she said "from the Dead's song, of course", and when I admitted I knew a few of their sings but not that one she kind of laughed and shook her head and said "oh honey... you HAVE to hear that song". Went home, sought it out, fell in love - it's had a special place in my heart ever since.
hschlossberg wrote:
Probably the 0 was not really your rating; there is no 0 rating (though I see that for a few songs on my ratings page too). If so, then you added an additional 1 rating, rather than replacing a 0.
The irony is that the song's average score goes down when I move my rating from a 0 to a 1.
Probably the 0 was not really your rating; there is no 0 rating (though I see that for a few songs on my ratings page too). If so, then you added an additional 1 rating, rather than replacing a 0.
So appropriate on this rainy Northern California day, as acquaintances attend the funeral for a fan of this band.
awful.
Gosh I love this tune. Ten, all the way.
The irony is that the song's average score goes down when I move my rating from a 0 to a 1.
seriously - don't give Lesh a mic......
linlin wrote:
That's what she said. :felt:
oh god, thats another 5 minutes I will never get back 
That's what she said. :felt:
Hum, this is......not good
brogdenstevens wrote:
I just went from 8 -> 10. It was a bit of a struggle, since I'm kinda picky about 10s. It's just that this song really connects with me, particularly given the subject matter.
Nudged it up a bit... it's a grower :)
I just went from 8 -> 10. It was a bit of a struggle, since I'm kinda picky about 10s. It's just that this song really connects with me, particularly given the subject matter.
Nudged it up a bit... it's a grower :)
You have to be a member of the tribe. Oh Phil, It is always refreshing to hear you sing. Love you! From an old BGP blue coat.
DaveInVA wrote:
Nice melody, too bad about the woefully off-key vocals.
The Grateful Dead doing their Buffalo Springfield impression. I like it,
Nice melody, too bad about the woefully off-key vocals.
bluematrix wrote:
Love them too & I'd have to agree with the studio comment. On this occasion however I think The Dead hit the spot
Man, I am a big fan of the Dead, but... dang... the recording studio really isn't their forte.
Love them too & I'd have to agree with the studio comment. On this occasion however I think The Dead hit the spot
Man, I am a big fan of the Dead, but... dang... the recording studio really isn't their forte.
Walk out of any doorway
Feel your way, feel your way like the day before
Maybe you'll find direction
Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you
Feel your way, feel your way like the day before
Maybe you'll find direction
Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you
My dog is howling along to this one.
love this band
pankman wrote:
So damn right, a 2 at best.
I often look at the 10's of folks who post h8fully low ratings (and comments) of a song that I love, assuming that I will find that we have nothing in common musically. But they always love much of the same music as myself. Then I wonder why someone with such refined musical tastes would spend their time slagging other peoples favorites. Been confused about this question ever since I became an RP listener.
So damn right, a 2 at best.
I often look at the 10's of folks who post h8fully low ratings (and comments) of a song that I love, assuming that I will find that we have nothing in common musically. But they always love much of the same music as myself. Then I wonder why someone with such refined musical tastes would spend their time slagging other peoples favorites. Been confused about this question ever since I became an RP listener.
michaelc wrote:
So damn right, a 2 at best.
how could this Average 6.6?
#fakeratings.
#fakeratings.
So damn right, a 2 at best.
how could this Average 6.6?
#fakeratings.
#fakeratings.
treatment_bound wrote:
Yup. I believe he wrote it in honor of his father.
Edit: Check https://artsites.ucsc.edu/GDead/agdl/box.html
Is that Phil singing?
Yup. I believe he wrote it in honor of his father.
Edit: Check https://artsites.ucsc.edu/GDead/agdl/box.html
Looking out over a beach in Barcelona,,,, such a nice song to hear,,,,, on of my GD favorites....
One of my favorite Grateful Dead songs.
How to start my Wednesday the right way! Thanks, Bill & Rebecca. pxd
Is that Phil singing?
Not a huge Grateful Dead fan, but this song is awesome.
DaveInVA wrote:
Innaresting idea, as Neil might say, but I'm not sure why.
The Grateful Dead doing their Buffalo Springfield impression. I like it,
Innaresting idea, as Neil might say, but I'm not sure why.
love the little swirl effect at the end of the guitar solo
Just finished saying as I listened to this, that that guy's voice is annoying and starting to cheese me off. We were surprised to see it was the Grateful Dead upon looking, wow.
agd3 wrote:
Such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there.
"We want Phil!"...great mix of music going on right now.
Such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there.
The Grateful Dead doing their Buffalo Springfield impression. I like it,
"We want Phil!"...great mix of music going on right now.
Phil on lead vocal......! 
One other interesting factoid: Before the death of Jerry Garcia, "Box of Rain" was the last song ever performed live at a Grateful Dead concert during the final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.
One other interesting factoid: Before the death of Jerry Garcia, "Box of Rain" was the last song ever performed live at a Grateful Dead concert during the final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.
I love this song, but dear God it sounds awful towards the end.
Grateful Dead 1987 by Herb Greene; by Zooomabooma
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zoooma/
Grateful Dead 1987 by Herb Greene
https://www.herbgreenefoto.com/
All rights reserved.
The album (1970) continued the folk rock and country music, features the lyrics of Robert Hunter prominently.
Grateful Dead
- Jerry Garcia - guitar, pedal steel guitar on "Sugar Magnolia", "Candyman", and "Brokedown Palace", piano on "Box of Rain", vocals
- Mickey Hart - percussion
- Robert Hunter - lyricist
- Phil Lesh - bass guitar, acoustic guitar on "Box of Rain", piano, vocals, Lead on "Box of Rain"
- Bill Kreutzmann - drums
- Ron "Pigpen" McKernan - harmonica, vocals on "Operator"
- Bob Weir - guitar, vocals, Lead on "Sugar Magnolia" and "Trucking"
- Additional performers
- David Grisman - mandolin on "Friend of the Devil" and "Ripple"
- David Nelson - electric guitar on "Box of Rain"
- Ned Lagin - piano on "Candyman"
- New Riders of the Purple Sage
- Dave Torbert - bass guitar on "Box of Rain"
- Howard Wales - organ on "Candyman" and "Truckin'" and piano on "Brokedown Palace"
BillB07 wrote:
Yes, it can be scary to listen to different music.
You gotta view things in context.
We have varying widths and ranges of likes.
In this case, when you think of the subject matter, the place in time for the singer, it is a remarkable song.
The greatest band ever. One of their best songs off of one of their best albums.
Yes, it can be scary to listen to different music.
You gotta view things in context.
We have varying widths and ranges of likes.
In this case, when you think of the subject matter, the place in time for the singer, it is a remarkable song.
The greatest band ever. One of their best songs off of one of their best albums.
MrBoyo wrote:
The most overrated band in the history of rock and roll. Boring song and embarrassingly awful vocals.
eco wrote:man.
I'll be greatful when this band finally dies.
The "Ship of Fools" apparently has made RP a port of call. :iamwith:
ankhara99 wrote:
My experience of Dead shows was different. Maybe because I'm a woman. Maybe because I saw them in the early 80's rather than later than that, or maybe because I saw them out West. I had numerous people help me do various things while camping at a dead show - from setting up camp, to offering me food or coffee. The fellowship and kindness showed was unparalelled. At one show, I managed to get the last ticket at the booth. The girl behind me had traveled from another state and broke down a cried. Within minutes a man walked up, handed her a free ticket and a rose and said "have a great show." That kind of stuff doesn't happen at any other band's shows. I had my faith in humanity restored at many a show.
I agree - Dead shows are mainly about the people and the music is just an excuse to get together.
black321 wrote:
I never bought into that love and peace crap (not that there is anything wrong with it), when it came to the dead. As far as the "scene" is concerned, it definitely was an interesting sight to behold. What was the dead scene really about anyway? Drugs, of course, but also a let me do what I will, hedonisitic attitude as well.
My experience of Dead shows was different. Maybe because I'm a woman. Maybe because I saw them in the early 80's rather than later than that, or maybe because I saw them out West. I had numerous people help me do various things while camping at a dead show - from setting up camp, to offering me food or coffee. The fellowship and kindness showed was unparalelled. At one show, I managed to get the last ticket at the booth. The girl behind me had traveled from another state and broke down a cried. Within minutes a man walked up, handed her a free ticket and a rose and said "have a great show." That kind of stuff doesn't happen at any other band's shows. I had my faith in humanity restored at many a show.
....annnnnd the seg from LL-FOTD to GD-BOR, heh! Nice.
A classic. Who cares if the vocals aren't perfect to your ears; the song is a timeless, finely-crafted piece of songwriting. Music is not a singing contest, after all. Personally, I absolutely love the vocals, especially the superb harmonies at the end; I think the everyman vocalization aids the song in its purpose and feel. "Box of Rain" is my favorite track off American Beauty.
TreborG2 wrote:
well... I'll line up to be third... I too don't have that "gene" .. I dislike the non-harmonious sound they make most of the time. The vocals are usually horrid, the lyrics themselves.. sometimes seem redeeming.. but on the whole.. I can't "get" into their sound.
I've asked a few people that "really really" liked them.... "why do you like them?" and so far, every time (9 people) the first words were .. "oh becuase they're about ...."
for me.... a band being "about something" is great.. but if their music and words don't reach me in some way.. its not worth putting up with all the *noise* just for the movement.
-T 
I never bought into that love and peace crap (not that there is anything wrong with it), when it came to the dead. As far as the "scene" is concerned, it definitely was an interesting sight to behold. What was the dead scene really about anyway? Drugs, of course, but also a let me do what I will, hedonisitic attitude as well. It might be fun for an afternoon, but not a lifestyle. For me it was purely the music. Jerry, the de facto leader, was a very accomplished musician and wrote some very good songs. If you don't like the style you don't like it. Bluegrass is a form of music with alot of talent in songwriting and performance, but some don't like it. I think Jerry said once, some people like licorice alot, others don't like it all. To discount the Dead completely is nonsense. They were first and foremost a musical act, and they had alot to offer.
eco wrote:
man. I'll be greatful when this band finally dies.
Wow...that's in bad taste so soon after the lead member died. Perhaps wishing them off the airwaves would be a bit more in tune. As for the music, I'm not a Dead Head but they did some lovely tunes. This is one of those, "you had to be their" tunes.
man.
I'll be greatful when this band finally dies.
I love the weird harmonies and pedal steel simulations. Not to mention the lyrics.
oh god, thats another 5 minutes I will never get back
The most overrated band in the history of rock and roll. Boring song and embarrassingly awful vocals.
A bit like Dylan\'s It\'s All Over Now Baby Blue.
Sung and played very natural. In fact so natural that it sounds a bit like he (Bob Weir, I believe it is?) is still searching for the right way to sing the melody or even for the best possible melody to sing.
Like it\'s just made up. A more or less live recording maybe?
One of the greatest tunes on earth to hear first thing in the morning. Instant hangover remedy!
I sing better in the shower than this...
Probably a lot of the Dead\'s appeal was due to the way a lot of people could identify with them. The lifestyle, \"certain\" ideals, the feeling of being part of a family etc.
Like with the Rolling Stones, as a white kid, you could at least try and be like them, but you knew you never could be like Marvin Gaye, James Brown and later, Michael Jackson and Prince (etc.) No matter how much you liked them.
Originally Posted by skinnyo:
Scott, I thought that I was the only one without that gene. It's good to know that I'm not. I figure we'll get lambasted for it too.
well... I'll line up to be third... I too don't have that "gene" .. I dislike the non-harmonious sound they make most of the time. The vocals are usually horrid, the lyrics themselves.. sometimes seem redeeming.. but on the whole.. I can't "get" into their sound.
I've asked a few people that "really really" liked them.... "why do you like them?" and so far, every time (9 people) the first words were .. "oh becuase they're about ...." Originally Posted by ScottFromWyoming:
I must've been born without the Grateful Dead Appreciation Gene. I cannot begin to understand their appeal. And having lived in Berkeley off and on for many years, I really did try to like them!
Scott, I thought that I was the only one without that gene. It's good to know that I'm not. I figure we'll get lambasted for it too.
I must\'ve been born without the Grateful Dead Appreciation Gene. I cannot begin to understand their appeal. And having lived in Berkeley off and on for many years, I really did try to like them!
Originally Posted by Leslie:
I LOVE the Dead, but if anyone has a worse voice than Jerry and Bobby, it's Phil! ACK! Actually this studio version is not bad, I'm just thinking of all the times I heard Phil live. I have the utmost respect for his guitar playing, please don't get me wrong.
I read somewhere that Phil ruined his vocal chords by singing too loudly in the early days of the band, a reason his singing isn't featured on their later stuff.
On another note, I heard this song was written for his father, who was dying at the time. A nice gesture, IMO.
I LOVE the Dead, but if anyone has a worse voice than Jerry and Bobby, it\'s Phil! ACK! Actually this studio version is not bad, I\'m just thinking of all the times I heard Phil live. I have the utmost respect for his guitar playing, please don\'t get me wrong.
good and rootsy, too!
Originally Posted by didogart:
My very favorite Grateful Dead song! Thanks. :)
It's one of mine as well! Never can get enough PHIL!!!!