Jerry Garcia — Bird Song
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Length: 4:23
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All I know is something like a bird within her sang,
All I know she sang a little while and then flew on,
Tell me all that you know, I'll show you snow and rain.
If you hear that same sweet song again, will you know why?
Anyone who sings a tune so sweet is passin' by,
Laugh in the sunshine, sing, cry in the dark, fly through the night.
Don't cry now, don't you cry, don't you cry anymore.
Sleep in the stars, don't you cry, dry your eyes on the wind.
All I know is something like a bird within her sang,
All I know she sang a little while and then flew off,
Tell me all that you know, I'll show you snow and rain.
All I know she sang a little while and then flew on,
Tell me all that you know, I'll show you snow and rain.
If you hear that same sweet song again, will you know why?
Anyone who sings a tune so sweet is passin' by,
Laugh in the sunshine, sing, cry in the dark, fly through the night.
Don't cry now, don't you cry, don't you cry anymore.
Sleep in the stars, don't you cry, dry your eyes on the wind.
All I know is something like a bird within her sang,
All I know she sang a little while and then flew off,
Tell me all that you know, I'll show you snow and rain.
Comments (339)add comment
There's a Zappa song, wherein nearly the same guitar/-riffs were used. But I can't remind me
black321 wrote:
2:1 odds you are or were a ski bum. Vail ‘86-‘88 alumni ✌️⛷️🎸
A Jerry/Dead song is NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune. It's more like skiing down a slope from the top of a mountain, slowly at first enjoying the view, slaloming from side to side on the trail, still taking in the view, but beginning to build speed, and then more rapidly, heading into some moguls, until you find yourself skiing near the point where you are almost, but not quite, out of control...finally, when you are almost spent, you slowly throttle back and head towards the base of the mountain (for a beer and a bong hit, of course).
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
2:1 odds you are or were a ski bum. Vail ‘86-‘88 alumni ✌️⛷️🎸
Sounds excellent with the high quality streaming that is now available (thanks in no small part to Bill) but you should have heard it on 8 track in my Camaro!
ahhhhh...
at certain shows...this song can get real trippy
There's a chanting effect with the extended guitar work
at certain shows...this song can get real trippy
There's a chanting effect with the extended guitar work
One of my fav
black321 wrote:
Great analogy! Thanks!
A Jerry/Dead song is NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune. It's more like skiing down a slope from the top of a mountain, slowly at first enjoying the view, slaloming from side to side on the trail, still taking in the view, but beginning to build speed, and then more rapidly, heading into some moguls, until you find yourself skiing near the point where you are almost, but not quite, out of control...finally, when you are almost spent, you slowly throttle back and head towards the base of the mountain (for a beer and a bong hit, of course).
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
Great analogy! Thanks!
For all my efforts at really trying to listen to and actually appreciate this...just can't do...still get to the end and think, 'no thanks'...
h8rhater wrote:
This album and Ace by Bob Weir are, for all intents and purposes, Grateful Dead albums.
Jerry Garcia:
Deal
Bird Song
Sugaree
Loser
To Lay Me Down
The Wheel
Ace:
Playing in the Band
This is most certainly NOT a Grateful Dead album, it is Garcia, through and through. He wrote all the tunes (w/ Hunter) and played all the tracks except for the drums, which Bill the Drummer played.
Ace, on the other hand, was pretty much the band singing Bob Weir songs.
This album and Ace by Bob Weir are, for all intents and purposes, Grateful Dead albums.
Jerry Garcia:
Deal
Bird Song
Sugaree
Loser
To Lay Me Down
The Wheel
Ace:
Greatest Story Ever Told
Looks Like Rain
This is most certainly NOT a Grateful Dead album, it is Garcia, through and through. He wrote all the tunes (w/ Hunter) and played all the tracks except for the drums, which Bill the Drummer played.
Ace, on the other hand, was pretty much the band singing Bob Weir songs.
timatmit wrote:
On July 31st 1971 I
borrowed my Mom’s Chevy Malibu, picked up three or four friends and
drove to New Haven to see the Dead at Yale Bowl. As we were walking
through the gate I noticed a small leather drawstring bag on the
ground that somebody up ahead of us must have dropped. I scooped it
up and stuck it in my pocket and we went inside.
Halfway through the show I took out the bag and looked inside to find one
small joint, what we used to call a “pinner”. I laughed to
myself thinking it was way too small to do us any good but hey, it
was free so..I lit it and took a couple of hits and passed it down
the line.
About five minutes later, as the boys were doing “Not Fade Away” I
began to notice some strange things happening around me. There were
ripples of energy that seemed to go out from Jerry’s guitar and
radiate through the crowd. The people around me were all moving in
unison like some giant organism responding to an electromagnetic
field emanating from the band.
Many more strange and wondrous things happened that night.. I never knew what was in that pinner..
Wow - what a cool story!
I truly wish I’d been there.
Though… I have felt that energy phenomenon/experience before - at other live music shows.
Anything is possible when a free mind and body give way and dance to the music.
timatmit wrote:
Yeah, yeah, I know, "Good story grandpa, now take your meds and lie down now, it's getting late."
😆
black321 wrote:
To me, it's odd to try and imagine what Jerry/Dead music is or isn't supposed to be.
Also, if they didn't want to put out fine, meticulously crafted music, they never would have released Workingman's Dead, American Beauty, and especially Terrapin Station, with scored music played by an orchestra.
While I get your drift about their lives shows, listed to Cumberland Blues from their live Europe '72 album and try to pass off again how they weren't supposed to play fine, meticulously crafted music, even live.
A Jerry/Dead song is NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune. It's more like skiing down a slope from the top of a mountain, slowly at first enjoying the view, slaloming from side to side on the trail, still taking in the view, but beginning to build speed, and then more rapidly, heading into some moguls, until you find yourself skiing near the point where you are almost, but not quite, out of control...finally, when you are almost spent, you slowly throttle back and head towards the base of the mountain (for a beer and a bong hit, of course).
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
To me, it's odd to try and imagine what Jerry/Dead music is or isn't supposed to be.
Also, if they didn't want to put out fine, meticulously crafted music, they never would have released Workingman's Dead, American Beauty, and especially Terrapin Station, with scored music played by an orchestra.
While I get your drift about their lives shows, listed to Cumberland Blues from their live Europe '72 album and try to pass off again how they weren't supposed to play fine, meticulously crafted music, even live.
WTF, there is a low frequency buzz in the song that makes me continually look at my stupid phone. Stop it for Christ's sake!
OMG. BillG - MORE JERRY AND GD pls. Love this one and the 300 others
timatmit wrote:
Yeah, yeah, I know, "Good story grandpa, now take your meds and lie down now, it's getting late."
On July 31st 1971 I
borrowed my Mom’s Chevy Malibu, picked up three or four friends and
drove to New Haven to see the Dead at Yale Bowl. As we were walking
through the gate I noticed a small leather drawstring bag on the
ground that somebody up ahead of us must have dropped. I scooped it
up and stuck it in my pocket and we went inside.
Halfway through the show I took out the bag and looked inside to find one
small joint, what we used to call a “pinner”. I laughed to
myself thinking it was way too small to do us any good but hey, it
was free so..I lit it and took a couple of hits and passed it down
the line.
About five minutes later, as the boys were doing “Not Fade Away” I
began to notice some strange things happening around me. There were
ripples of energy that seemed to go out from Jerry’s guitar and
radiate through the crowd. The people around me were all moving in
unison like some giant organism responding to an electromagnetic
field emanating from the band.
Yeah, yeah, I know, "Good story grandpa, now take your meds and lie down now, it's getting late."
On July 31st 1971 I
borrowed my Mom’s Chevy Malibu, picked up three or four friends and
drove to New Haven to see the Dead at Yale Bowl. As we were walking
through the gate I noticed a small leather drawstring bag on the
ground that somebody up ahead of us must have dropped. I scooped it
up and stuck it in my pocket and we went inside.
Halfway through the show I took out the bag and looked inside to find one
small joint, what we used to call a “pinner”. I laughed to
myself thinking it was way too small to do us any good but hey, it
was free so..I lit it and took a couple of hits and passed it down
the line.
About five minutes later, as the boys were doing “Not Fade Away” I
began to notice some strange things happening around me. There were
ripples of energy that seemed to go out from Jerry’s guitar and
radiate through the crowd. The people around me were all moving in
unison like some giant organism responding to an electromagnetic
field emanating from the band.
Yeah, yeah, I know, "Good story grandpa, now take your meds and lie down now, it's getting late."
amb599 wrote:
It would be if you knew how to operate the PSD button. You just said more about your shortcomings than the songs.
yawn. is it over yet?
It would be if you knew how to operate the PSD button. You just said more about your shortcomings than the songs.
h8rhater wrote:
Can I get an AMEN!?
YES!
To all of this.
YES!
To all of this.
kcar wrote:
I agree with Inksam's statement:
So I just wanted to say that often times the singers and musicians and artists who are not "good" by traditional standards are the ones who stick with us the most, the ones who will be remembered for possibly the best reason to be remembered, as a human being.
Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin immediately come to mind. Jerry wasn't a great singer but he wasn't awful and I can't recall hearing him trying to reach for a note he couldn't pull off or sing something beyond his limitations.
I grew up with two older brothers who never had much time for the Dead and as a teenager I didn't listen to them closely when they were on the radio. As I've probably written elsewhere on RP, the Dead's music really wasn't that wild, dangerous, extreme or tradition-breaking. They had a reputation as being counter-culture hippie types but the most extreme aspects of the band as far as I can tell were the drug-taking and alternative lifestyles of their fans. The music itself is fairly sedate and fun when the band is performing well, but rarely even angry.
jimi hendrix, curt cobain, joe cocker, billie holiday, etc, etc...
I agree with Inksam's statement:
So I just wanted to say that often times the singers and musicians and artists who are not "good" by traditional standards are the ones who stick with us the most, the ones who will be remembered for possibly the best reason to be remembered, as a human being.
Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin immediately come to mind. Jerry wasn't a great singer but he wasn't awful and I can't recall hearing him trying to reach for a note he couldn't pull off or sing something beyond his limitations.
I grew up with two older brothers who never had much time for the Dead and as a teenager I didn't listen to them closely when they were on the radio. As I've probably written elsewhere on RP, the Dead's music really wasn't that wild, dangerous, extreme or tradition-breaking. They had a reputation as being counter-culture hippie types but the most extreme aspects of the band as far as I can tell were the drug-taking and alternative lifestyles of their fans. The music itself is fairly sedate and fun when the band is performing well, but rarely even angry.
jimi hendrix, curt cobain, joe cocker, billie holiday, etc, etc...
kcar wrote:
Wow. God bless you.
A voice of kindly reason.
Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
Does not have to be that difficult. There are easier ways to solve the problem.
Wow. God bless you.
A voice of kindly reason. Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
Does not have to be that difficult. There are easier ways to solve the problem.
A live version of this can be real trippy.
The repeating of that hook...is like repeating a chant or prayer.
Imagine it when your're surrounded by a few thousand people...all on the same vibe.
Yeah...baby.
The repeating of that hook...is like repeating a chant or prayer.
Imagine it when your're surrounded by a few thousand people...all on the same vibe.
Yeah...baby.
black321 wrote:
that is the best description of jerry/dead music I have ever read. perfect.
A Jerry/Dead song is NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune. It's more like skiing down a slope from the top of a mountain, slowly at first enjoying the view, slaloming from side to side on the trail, still taking in the view, but beginning to build speed, and then more rapidly, heading into some moguls, until you find yourself skiing near the point where you are almost, but not quite, out of control...finally, when you are almost spent, you slowly throttle back and head towards the base of the mountain (for a beer and a bong hit, of course).
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
that is the best description of jerry/dead music I have ever read. perfect.
yawn. is it over yet?
jamesbowne907 wrote:
That right there is worth a +1 (it's an 8 now) - thanks for the share, and Long Live RP and sharing info with others!!
Robert Hunter (the lyricist) once said that this song was about Janis Joplin.
http://artsites.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/bird.html
http://artsites.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/bird.html
That right there is worth a +1 (it's an 8 now) - thanks for the share, and Long Live RP and sharing info with others!!
This song is an easy 10
Dry your eyes on the wind
francesco_insyde wrote:
Yes, i'm a lier...
I know absolutely nothing,
so don't show the rain and the snow please !!!
so don't show the rain and the snow please !!!
Yes, i'm a lier...
I know absolutely nothing,
so don't show the rain and the snow please !!!
so don't show the rain and the snow please !!!
RIP Robert Hunter. Your words rings in my mind every day.
Robert Hunter (the lyricist) once said that this song was about Janis Joplin.
http://artsites.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/bird.html
http://artsites.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/bird.html
LowPhreak wrote:
However, you might want to check out Pavarotti's version of Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight", in a duet with Tracy.
Sounds like a weird combo huh? But it's really great the way he sings it in Italian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4bL2uXv0rs
I did and you were right.
However, you might want to check out Pavarotti's version of Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight", in a duet with Tracy.
Sounds like a weird combo huh? But it's really great the way he sings it in Italian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4bL2uXv0rs
I did and you were right.
kcar wrote:
easmann wrote:
I see so much of this sort of response in comments that I suppose it must come naturally to humans. But here goes:
If somebody else likes a song that you don't:
1. It does not mean there's something wrong with you.
2. It does not mean there's something wrong with the person who likes it.
3. It does not mean there's something wrong with the group/person who played it.
It just means you don't like it. And that's just fine. And that's why there's a "Play Something Different!" (PSD) button.
If
you want to say why you don't like it, that's fine too: You don't like
the voice, the arrangement, the playing style, whatever.
RP doesn't play junk, they just play a wide range of good music, not all of which any of us will like.
There are plenty of places where people are demeaned for their tastes and choices, let's not let this be one of them.
Wow. God bless you.
A voice of kindly reason. Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
YES!
To all of this.
Funny. Dead and Co is going off in Boulder as this plays
black321 wrote:
No idea why this is the most upvoted post in here, but "...NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune"? Ever listen to Wharf Rat? Terrapin Station?
A Jerry/Dead song is NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune. It's more like skiing down a slope from the top of a mountain, slowly at first enjoying the view, slaloming from side to side on the trail, still taking in the view, but beginning to build speed, and then more rapidly, heading into some moguls, until you find yourself skiing near the point where you are almost, but not quite, out of control...finally, when you are almost spent, you slowly throttle back and head towards the base of the mountain (for a beer and a bong hit, of course).
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
Then again, sometimes when you try to ski like this you wipeout and end up slammed into a snow bank ...as it was often as well with the Dead.
No idea why this is the most upvoted post in here, but "...NOT supposed to be a fine, meticulously crafted, tune"? Ever listen to Wharf Rat? Terrapin Station?
Glad that I can listen to this song without flinching at: "All I know she sang a little while and then flew on"
A few years ago, on a back road, a jerk in a Dodge Challenger going twice the posted speed limit in the opposite direction swerved into my lane. So far over that I was well into the ditch and he STILL hit my car.
At exactly the second line in this song, which I love so so much.
And then he fled the scene of the accident. Leaving me there listening to rest of this song in stunned terror.
Heard it again tonight here on RP and no flinch!
A few years ago, on a back road, a jerk in a Dodge Challenger going twice the posted speed limit in the opposite direction swerved into my lane. So far over that I was well into the ditch and he STILL hit my car.
At exactly the second line in this song, which I love so so much.
And then he fled the scene of the accident. Leaving me there listening to rest of this song in stunned terror.
Heard it again tonight here on RP and no flinch!
Beautiful
Spread your wings
Spread your wings
LOVIN IT
Thanks Bill!!!
agd3 wrote:
What is this pic?
"Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and the Charlatans, in 1967."
What is this pic?
"Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and the Charlatans, in 1967."
chinaski wrote:
What is this pic?
What is this pic?
One of my Dad's albums I recently inherited (in pristine condition) when he downsized. A gem from beginning to end.
Its that hook...the guitar chords, repeated, especially the live version. Like chanting.
Put's you in a different world.
Put's you in a different world.
Jerry Garcia and the quiet, and sort a "peacfule" revolution -love it!
Stingray wrote:
Wow. Stink Ray really stretched out gramatically on this comment
Rather terrible!
Wow. Stink Ray really stretched out gramatically on this comment
Stingray wrote:
bam23 wrote:
You could just go away and stop being annoyed, you know.
Stingray's been MIA for quite a while now...perhaps he has a new hobby?
Some people have an unusual relationship with pain...
Rather terrible!
bam23 wrote:
You could just go away and stop being annoyed, you know.
Stingray's been MIA for quite a while now...perhaps he has a new hobby?
Some people have an unusual relationship with pain...
Skydog wrote:
This album and Ace by Bob Weir are, for all intents and purposes, Grateful Dead albums.
Jerry Garcia:
Deal
Bird Song
Sugaree
Loser
To Lay Me Down
The Wheel
Ace:
Playing in the Band
my favorite Greatful Dead album
yeah, i know it's not GD
yeah, i know it's not GD
This album and Ace by Bob Weir are, for all intents and purposes, Grateful Dead albums.
Jerry Garcia:
Deal
Bird Song
Sugaree
Loser
To Lay Me Down
The Wheel
Ace:
Greatest Story Ever Told
Looks Like Rain
bachbeet wrote:
However, you might want to check out Pavarotti's version of Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight", in a duet with Tracy.
Sounds like a weird combo huh? But it's really great the way he sings it in Italian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4bL2uXv0rs
I've said it before and I'll say it again:
JG, Dylan, L. Cohen et al obviously do not/did not have great voices. Pavarotti obviously did (I love his "Nessun Dorma"). But I would definitely NOT want to hear Pavarotti's version of "Like a Rolling Stone."
JG, Dylan, L. Cohen et al obviously do not/did not have great voices. Pavarotti obviously did (I love his "Nessun Dorma"). But I would definitely NOT want to hear Pavarotti's version of "Like a Rolling Stone."
However, you might want to check out Pavarotti's version of Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight", in a duet with Tracy.
Sounds like a weird combo huh? But it's really great the way he sings it in Italian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4bL2uXv0rs
I've said it before and I'll say it again:
JG, Dylan, L. Cohen et al obviously do not/did not have great voices. Pavarotti obviously did (I love his "Nessun Dorma"). But I would definitely NOT want to hear Pavarotti's version of "Like a Rolling Stone."
JG, Dylan, L. Cohen et al obviously do not/did not have great voices. Pavarotti obviously did (I love his "Nessun Dorma"). But I would definitely NOT want to hear Pavarotti's version of "Like a Rolling Stone."
Skydog wrote:
Love the sound of the guitar on this.
my favorite Greatful Dead album
yeah, i know it's not GD
yeah, i know it's not GD
Love the sound of the guitar on this.
my favorite Greatful Dead album
yeah, i know it's not GD
yeah, i know it's not GD
There is a wonderful, groove/repeat on the guitar work that comes close to mediation chanting. Coooooool.
Segue wrote:
Hah obviously a rerun of an old stream.
omigod, Bill! Even sticking Madrugada in between cannot redeem Wank Mattews followed by ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Check back with you later ... or wait, to see with what brilliance you will salvage this set LOL
Junip and Corinna. Touche!
Junip and Corinna. Touche!
Hah obviously a rerun of an old stream.
omigod, Bill! Even sticking Madrugada in between cannot redeem Wank Mattews followed by ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Check back with you later ... or wait, to see with what brilliance you will salvage this set LOL
Junip and Corinna. Touche!
Junip and Corinna. Touche!
Stingray wrote:
You could just go away and stop being annoyed, you know.
Rather terrible!
You could just go away and stop being annoyed, you know.
Rather terrible!
All below IMHO of course..
Yes, Garcia was more than just a leading part of brilliant extended group improvisations.
After a few rather lackluster songs, RP has delivered a string of 9s and 10s this morning.
Yes, Garcia was more than just a leading part of brilliant extended group improvisations.
After a few rather lackluster songs, RP has delivered a string of 9s and 10s this morning.
"For me, the lame part of the Sixties was the political part, the social part. The real part was the spiritual part." Jerry Garcia. RIP Jerry
grahamdillabough wrote:
Indeed. Unmistakable.
Most excellent!
I recognized the song from the very first chord!
I recognized the song from the very first chord!
Indeed. Unmistakable.
Most excellent!
I recognized the song from the very first chord!
I recognized the song from the very first chord!
idiot_wind wrote:
This is the original studio recording of the song. It is not a cover.
This is a very nice cover of a great song. There are some live versions with the G.D. where this song is in a completely different groove...a meditative, chanting, kind of thing.
This is the original studio recording of the song. It is not a cover.
This is a very nice cover of a great song. There are some live versions with the G.D. where this song is in a completely different groove...a meditative, chanting, kind of thing.
to each his own. for me, most excellent!
I will listen to this tomorrow when I watch the birds on my porch after work...Thank You...
Jerry Garcia sounds like a bluegrass musician.
Odd - since that's what he was from the get-go. Get over yourselves.
Odd - since that's what he was from the get-go. Get over yourselves.
Stingray wrote:
Hold on to your ignorance! It seems to be your best quality.
I grew up with English Rock - neither German, nor really American music!
With time I begun to "understand" and like American made rock - which is partly great and usually in higher technical quality than UK-stuff, though certainly less sexy!
But one band - despite several serious attempts - could never be understood!
GRATEFUL DEAD!
I do not know a single - let me repeat - I DO NOT KNOW A SINGLE SONG OF THIS GUYS I LIKE!
With time I begun to "understand" and like American made rock - which is partly great and usually in higher technical quality than UK-stuff, though certainly less sexy!
But one band - despite several serious attempts - could never be understood!
GRATEFUL DEAD!
I do not know a single - let me repeat - I DO NOT KNOW A SINGLE SONG OF THIS GUYS I LIKE!
Hold on to your ignorance! It seems to be your best quality.
When Jerry Garcia died Deadheads were thereafter "unemployed".
As what seems to be par for the course for Jerry/Grateful Dead songs...they draw out the whiners in the group. Meaning, about 10% of the 1000+ ratings were less than acceptable, yet it seems as if 50% of the comments are attempts to disparage this "overrated" band.
Yea, JG did have a problem staying on key...but heroine does that to you. He may not have been the most melodious, etc., etc., but as some have said before me, his "being" seemed to attract people to him and to love him. Thank God he was a musician and not a politician.....!
My happy place. dkwalika wrote:
I agree with Inksam's statement:
So I just wanted to say that often times the singers and musicians and artists who are not "good" by traditional standards are the ones who stick with us the most, the ones who will be remembered for possibly the best reason to be remembered, as a human being.
Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin immediately come to mind. Jerry wasn't a great singer but he wasn't awful and I can't recall hearing him trying to reach for a note he couldn't pull off or sing something beyond his limitations.
I grew up with two older brothers who never had much time for the Dead and as a teenager I didn't listen to them closely when they were on the radio. As I've probably written elsewhere on RP, the Dead's music really wasn't that wild, dangerous, extreme or tradition-breaking. They had a reputation as being counter-culture hippie types but the most extreme aspects of the band as far as I can tell were the drug-taking and alternative lifestyles of their fans. The music itself is fairly sedate and fun when the band is performing well, but rarely even angry.
I agree on the long post, and as for Garcia's voice, which I like, search the web for "Grain of the Voice," an academic piece that talks about how bad voices can sound good, like Neil Young or Dylan.
Carl wrote:
So, you're, like, a fan. Great!
Agree re JG, and also Congratulations on maybe the longest RP post in many moons!
Carl wrote:
So, you're, like, a fan. Great!
Agree re JG, and also Congratulations on maybe the longest RP post in many moons!
I agree with Inksam's statement:
So I just wanted to say that often times the singers and musicians and artists who are not "good" by traditional standards are the ones who stick with us the most, the ones who will be remembered for possibly the best reason to be remembered, as a human being.
Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin immediately come to mind. Jerry wasn't a great singer but he wasn't awful and I can't recall hearing him trying to reach for a note he couldn't pull off or sing something beyond his limitations.
I grew up with two older brothers who never had much time for the Dead and as a teenager I didn't listen to them closely when they were on the radio. As I've probably written elsewhere on RP, the Dead's music really wasn't that wild, dangerous, extreme or tradition-breaking. They had a reputation as being counter-culture hippie types but the most extreme aspects of the band as far as I can tell were the drug-taking and alternative lifestyles of their fans. The music itself is fairly sedate and fun when the band is performing well, but rarely even angry.
Inksam wrote:
Thanks a lot for this very nice piece - I read it with interest and promise to give "JERRY" a final chance.
I will start with the song that started your love for him. I am curious what will happen, now that I read what you
felt and definitely still feel, when hearing him!
Thank you! for the great comment!
I just had to say this... since from what I've read in the comments... a lot of you clearly have a strong dislike for The Grateful Dead and, more specifically, Jerry Garcia. Now, I have no problem with that, I understand that everyone has different musical tastes, but I just wanted to voice... or type in... my opinion. I like Jerry's voice... a lot... I've always liked the songs that he sings with the Dead better than any of their other songs, but he's certainly not a "good" singer. To be honest, If he were a "good" singer, I don't think I'd like his music quite as much. The first song I ever heard him sing was "Friend of the Devil", a Greatful Dead song, that a friend of mine had suggested I listen to, and the one thing that drew me in to the song, and the one thing that kept me listening to more of the Dead's music was Jerry's voice, and, as I said earlier, no, it wasn't perfect, but to me, that just made Jerry seem more human, he had an imperfect, interesting voice. He had a voice that sounded comfortable, partly because he was comfortable with his singing voice, and also because, honestly, just about anyone listening to any song with Jerry singing, at, I would argue, any point in Jerry's life, can hear the emotions and feelings of the song, you can hear that he's really putting himself "in" the song, so to say. Also, I know that personally, I've been through some complicated times, as all people have, and listening to a Greatful Dead song always made me feel better. The thing is, when Jerry sang it didn't matter what the song was about or how "well" he sang, he had an amazing ability to convey peace and love and soul, and, when listening you always got the feeling you were right at home, no matter where you were. So I just wanted to say that often times the singers and musicians and artists who are not "good" by traditional standards are the ones who stick with us the most, the ones who will be remembered for possibly the best reason to be remembered, as a human being. So, that's why, in my opinion, Jerry Garcia was one of the best singers who ever lived, not a "good" singer in terms of perfect pitch, or tuning, or any of that other systematic, music theory stuff that perfectionists and vocal coaches go nuts for, (because when you start to apply order to art, it's no longer an art, it's a science), Jerry's a "good" singer because of how "mediocre" he is (in a good way) he's a "good"... "GREAT" singer in fact, because of the passion for music that is so clear in his voice, because of how much he's giving to the music, he put LIFE into every song he sang. And beacuse of how "normal" his voice sounds, his voice is memorable, soulful, honest, sweet, imperfect, and a good kind of mediocre, mediocre in the way that, I think, brought him down to the level of his "fans", he was never one of those super-showy, provocative, "out-there" performers like so many musicians these days. He always just seemed like a regular man, one you could see, or hear anywhere, he always seemed to me like the kind of guy you could just randomly talk to, and that is very apparent in his music... that's probably what made the Greatful Dead so successful and lasting, their ability to connect the listeners to the music.
One thing's for certain, Jerry may be dead as a person, but through his music (whether with the Dead or not) and of course, that distinct voice, he's left a legacy of sorts, that will just keep truckin' on!
(By the way, I know I sound like a "Brainwashed Deadhead" for saying this, and if I am, so be it... I'd rather be a "Brainwashed Deadhead" than a brainwashed Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga fan any day of the week)
One thing's for certain, Jerry may be dead as a person, but through his music (whether with the Dead or not) and of course, that distinct voice, he's left a legacy of sorts, that will just keep truckin' on!
(By the way, I know I sound like a "Brainwashed Deadhead" for saying this, and if I am, so be it... I'd rather be a "Brainwashed Deadhead" than a brainwashed Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga fan any day of the week)
Thanks a lot for this very nice piece - I read it with interest and promise to give "JERRY" a final chance.
I will start with the song that started your love for him. I am curious what will happen, now that I read what you
felt and definitely still feel, when hearing him!
Thank you! for the great comment!
GTT wrote:
I think you are a fan and exaggarate DRAMATICALLY!
Sounds better every time I hear it. What a guitar player, what a sound. Unique, irreplaceable.
I think you are a fan and exaggarate DRAMATICALLY!
I grew up with English Rock - neither German, nor really American music!
With time I begun to "understand" and like American made rock - which is partly great and usually in higher technical quality than UK-stuff, though certainly less sexy!
But one band - despite several serious attempts - could never be understood!
GRATEFUL DEAD!
I do not know a single - let me repeat - I DO NOT KNOW A SINGLE SONG OF THIS GUYS I LIKE!
With time I begun to "understand" and like American made rock - which is partly great and usually in higher technical quality than UK-stuff, though certainly less sexy!
But one band - despite several serious attempts - could never be understood!
GRATEFUL DEAD!
I do not know a single - let me repeat - I DO NOT KNOW A SINGLE SONG OF THIS GUYS I LIKE!
Hooray for hippies!
pinem wrote:
Yeah, too bad the "brain-washed" deadheads aren't more like the stereo-typical Republican Gun-toting Tennesseans (not-brain washed or Ditto heads, though) who just adore the Beatles and not much else. It's amazing how one can pigeon-hole a person into a group with just two pieces of information. Unfortunately, for you pinem, you only used one piece of information when trying to describe the ENTIRE set of people who like the Dead. Furthermore, your statement about the Dead "they may be the most over-rated band ever; Garcia's voice is horrible" seems a bit subjective (to which you are entitled to your opinion), but then we've not met many people of your ilk, who thought much about what they said before they spoke, so we suppose it fits your categorical status and is to be expected. Unfortunately, management has decided that your comment should be relegated to the 86'd file. All the same, we appreciate your support of RP and we have hopes that the diversity played here may somehow sow the seeds of openness and non-aggressive mentality and maturity; which we have found a majority of our listeners have. We look forward to reviewing your future all-encompassing rhetoric in the future. Good day to you.
And now back to the much loved music of Jerry Garcia and his subliminal "Bird Song".
Tried to like the Dead, even bought their first album when it came out. Didn't like it then; they may be the most over-rated band ever; Garcia's voice is horrible, sorry, to you brain-washed deadheads.
Yeah, too bad the "brain-washed" deadheads aren't more like the stereo-typical Republican Gun-toting Tennesseans (not-brain washed or Ditto heads, though) who just adore the Beatles and not much else. It's amazing how one can pigeon-hole a person into a group with just two pieces of information. Unfortunately, for you pinem, you only used one piece of information when trying to describe the ENTIRE set of people who like the Dead. Furthermore, your statement about the Dead "they may be the most over-rated band ever; Garcia's voice is horrible" seems a bit subjective (to which you are entitled to your opinion), but then we've not met many people of your ilk, who thought much about what they said before they spoke, so we suppose it fits your categorical status and is to be expected. Unfortunately, management has decided that your comment should be relegated to the 86'd file. All the same, we appreciate your support of RP and we have hopes that the diversity played here may somehow sow the seeds of openness and non-aggressive mentality and maturity; which we have found a majority of our listeners have. We look forward to reviewing your future all-encompassing rhetoric in the future. Good day to you.
And now back to the much loved music of Jerry Garcia and his subliminal "Bird Song".
Sounds better every time I hear it. What a guitar player, what a sound. Unique, irreplaceable.
pinem wrote:
I don't like his music either, but this comment is mostly rude. "Over-rated." Says who? "Horrible voice." This doesn't matter. I suppose this is only your subjective opinion for a subjective art form. And then name-calling to top it off. Nice.
Tried to like the Dead, even bought their first album when it came out. Didn't like it then; they may be the most over-rated band ever; Garcia's voice is horrible, sorry, to you brain-washed deadheads.
I don't like his music either, but this comment is mostly rude. "Over-rated." Says who? "Horrible voice." This doesn't matter. I suppose this is only your subjective opinion for a subjective art form. And then name-calling to top it off. Nice.
I agree on the long post, and as for Garcia's voice, which I like, search the web for "Grain of the Voice," an academic piece that talks about how bad voices can sound good, like Neil Young or Dylan.
Carl wrote:
So, you're, like, a fan. Great!
Agree re JG, and also Congratulations on maybe the longest RP post in many moons!
Carl wrote:
So, you're, like, a fan. Great!
Agree re JG, and also Congratulations on maybe the longest RP post in many moons!
Inksam wrote:
Fortunately, most people have more than three choices of musical acts they can elect to follow.
...By the way, I know I sound like a "Brainwashed Deadhead" for saying this, and if I am, so be it... I'd rather be a "Brainwashed Deadhead" than a brainwashed Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga fan any day of the week.
Fortunately, most people have more than three choices of musical acts they can elect to follow.
Inksam wrote:
So, you're, like, a fan. Great!
Agree re JG, and also Congratulations on maybe the longest RP post in many moons!
I just had to say this... Jerry may be dead as a person, but through his music (whether with the Dead or not) and of course, that distinct voice, he's left a legacy of sorts, that will just keep truckin' on! …
So, you're, like, a fan. Great!
Agree re JG, and also Congratulations on maybe the longest RP post in many moons!
Hey Sam I Am, that soliloquy would have made a fine lyric for any one of the GD extended noodlings.
I just had to say this... since from what I've read in the comments... a lot of you clearly have a strong dislike for The Grateful Dead and, more specifically, Jerry Garcia. Now, I have no problem with that, I understand that everyone has different musical tastes, but I just wanted to voice... or type in... my opinion. I like Jerry's voice... a lot... I've always liked the songs that he sings with the Dead better than any of their other songs, but he's certainly not a "good" singer. To be honest, If he were a "good" singer, I don't think I'd like his music quite as much. The first song I ever heard him sing was "Friend of the Devil", a Greatful Dead song, that a friend of mine had suggested I listen to, and the one thing that drew me in to the song, and the one thing that kept me listening to more of the Dead's music was Jerry's voice, and, as I said earlier, no, it wasn't perfect, but to me, that just made Jerry seem more human, he had an imperfect, interesting voice. He had a voice that sounded comfortable, partly because he was comfortable with his singing voice, and also because, honestly, just about anyone listening to any song with Jerry singing, at, I would argue, any point in Jerry's life, can hear the emotions and feelings of the song, you can hear that he's really putting himself "in" the song, so to say. Also, I know that personally, I've been through some complicated times, as all people have, and listening to a Greatful Dead song always made me feel better. The thing is, when Jerry sang it didn't matter what the song was about or how "well" he sang, he had an amazing ability to convey peace and love and soul, and, when listening you always got the feeling you were right at home, no matter where you were. So I just wanted to say that often times the singers and musicians and artists who are not "good" by traditional standards are the ones who stick with us the most, the ones who will be remembered for possibly the best reason to be remembered, as a human being. So, that's why, in my opinion, Jerry Garcia was one of the best singers who ever lived, not a "good" singer in terms of perfect pitch, or tuning, or any of that other systematic, music theory stuff that perfectionists and vocal coaches go nuts for, (because when you start to apply order to art, it's no longer an art, it's a science), Jerry's a "good" singer because of how "mediocre" he is (in a good way) he's a "good"... "GREAT" singer in fact, because of the passion for music that is so clear in his voice, because of how much he's giving to the music, he put LIFE into every song he sang. And beacuse of how "normal" his voice sounds, his voice is memorable, soulful, honest, sweet, imperfect, and a good kind of mediocre, mediocre in the way that, I think, brought him down to the level of his "fans", he was never one of those super-showy, provocative, "out-there" performers like so many musicians these days. He always just seemed like a regular man, one you could see, or hear anywhere, he always seemed to me like the kind of guy you could just randomly talk to, and that is very apparent in his music... that's probably what made the Greatful Dead so successful and lasting, their ability to connect the listeners to the music.
One thing's for certain, Jerry may be dead as a person, but through his music (whether with the Dead or not) and of course, that distinct voice, he's left a legacy of sorts, that will just keep truckin' on!
(By the way, I know I sound like a "Brainwashed Deadhead" for saying this, and if I am, so be it... I'd rather be a "Brainwashed Deadhead" than a brainwashed Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga fan any day of the week)
One thing's for certain, Jerry may be dead as a person, but through his music (whether with the Dead or not) and of course, that distinct voice, he's left a legacy of sorts, that will just keep truckin' on!
(By the way, I know I sound like a "Brainwashed Deadhead" for saying this, and if I am, so be it... I'd rather be a "Brainwashed Deadhead" than a brainwashed Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga fan any day of the week)
It's probably enough...
picked this up on white vinyl for record store day. oh my does jerry sound sweet through the tube amps. 
Drivebytruckers wrote:
Respect!
kcar wrote:
Wow. God bless you. A voice of kindly reason.
Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
Perfectly OK!
Wow. God bless you.
A voice of kindly reason. Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
Perfectly OK!
easmann wrote:
I see so much of this sort of response in comments that I suppose it must come naturally to humans. But here goes:
If somebody else likes a song that you don't:
1. It does not mean there's something wrong with you.
2. It does not mean there's something wrong with the person who likes it.
3. It does not mean there's something wrong with the group/person who played it.
It just means you don't like it. And that's just fine. And that's why there's a "Play Something Different!" (PSD) button.
If you want to say why you don't like it, that's fine too: You don't like the voice, the arrangement, the playing style, whatever.
RP doesn't play junk, they just play a wide range of good music, not all of which any of us will like.
There are plenty of places where people are demeaned for their tastes and choices, let's not let this be one of them.
Wow. God bless you. A voice of kindly reason.
Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
I see so much of this sort of response in comments that I suppose it must come naturally to humans. But here goes:
If somebody else likes a song that you don't:
1. It does not mean there's something wrong with you.
2. It does not mean there's something wrong with the person who likes it.
3. It does not mean there's something wrong with the group/person who played it.
It just means you don't like it. And that's just fine. And that's why there's a "Play Something Different!" (PSD) button.
If you want to say why you don't like it, that's fine too: You don't like the voice, the arrangement, the playing style, whatever.
RP doesn't play junk, they just play a wide range of good music, not all of which any of us will like.
There are plenty of places where people are demeaned for their tastes and choices, let's not let this be one of them.
Wow. God bless you.
A voice of kindly reason. Really, folks: Bill and Rebecca likely went through a lot of work to get that PSD up and running (I'm guessing they must have had to create a separate stream and database to pull it off). Why not just use it instead of insulting the people who like the music you don't?
Not that you're judging us or anything...
pinem wrote:
pinem wrote:
Tried to like the Dead, even bought their first album when it came out. Didn't like it then; they may be the most over-rated band ever; Garcia's voice is horrible, sorry, to you brain-washed deadheads.
Tried to like the Dead, even bought their first album when it came out. Didn't like it then; they may be the most over-rated band ever; Garcia's voice is horrible, sorry, to you brain-washed deadheads.
GTT wrote:
This
I listened to way too much Dead when I was younger, and it got to the point where I just couldn't listen to them anymore. I even felt embarrassed that I ever liked them. But now, 30 plus years later, I suddenly find myself enjoying them again, and this song sounds really good to me right now.
This
kcar wrote:
I've owned several. And I always get complements about them. They were cool ties!
I've owned several. And I always get complements about them. They were cool ties!
Never been a huge Dead fan, but really like Jerry's trippy work in early Jeff Starship, and this, my God, is a fabulous morning bong song...
ThePoose wrote:
Oh dude: Jerry designed and sold neckties.
He wore a necktie??!!!
unclehud wrote:
unclehud wrote:
I own three of his neckties.
Oh dude: Jerry designed and sold neckties.
He wore a necktie??!!!
unclehud wrote:
unclehud wrote:
I own three of his neckties.
unclehud wrote:
The ties are good. I guess that's not really a song comment. I'll keep quiet though.
I own three of his neckties.
The ties are good. I guess that's not really a song comment. I'll keep quiet though.
I listened to way too much Dead when I was younger, and it got to the point where I just couldn't listen to them anymore. I even felt embarrassed that I ever liked them. But now, 30 plus years later, I suddenly find myself enjoying them again, and this song sounds really good to me right now.
I own three of his neckties.
Many people here seem to think that when we dislike JG or the Dead...it's because we want perfection. Couldn't be further from the truth. It's just that there are certain musical elements that I consider to be essential. Accurate tuning and arrangement. Not that much to ask...yet they consistently let us down. There are some Jerry tunes and Dead tunes that I sorta like...but they are far and few between. In this song, there is an organ and guitar that are not tuned very well... that's causing a 'chorus' effect...usually created when you slightly pitch bend something to be slightly off of tuned...to create a 'thick' effect. It's used here, I think and it's very undesirable. I can tell when something is intentional and can appreciate that, but when it's just sloppy or overlooked, it's end result is why I, for one, don't like this artist too much. Ok...off my soapbox.
bitbanger wrote:
I have to agree; without drugs it's even worse for me.
I have so tried to like this band, just never took. Never understood why folks consider them so cutting edge. 2 - Marginal.
I have to agree; without drugs it's even worse for me.
I have so tried to like this band, just never took. Never understood why folks consider them so cutting edge. 2 - Marginal.
Thank you RP for inventing the "PSD>>" button!!! I love you most of the time, but I don't understand your fondness for the Dead. (or Van Morrison for that matter)
Happy Days Between!
This song is as old as I am. I pray that I have stood the test of time better than this meandering flowery waffle 
Wow, a 10 (Majesty live) back to back with a 1. Bill, you're freaking me out man!
johnjconn wrote:
My favorite B&J, but I like H-D Rum Raisin better.
This is pretty good, but Cherry Garcia is much better.
Man that stuff is good
Man that stuff is good
My favorite B&J, but I like H-D Rum Raisin better.
this one of my favorite GD related songs.
Whenever I hear studio Dead I always realize how much more I love live Dead. 
ozzie1313 wrote:
That's Eugene for you. Dead Air.
Had to get Sirius for my car so I could listen to their Dead station, though Eugene, OR public radio will probably have there Saturday night Dead show ad infinitem and this has been sustaining. Was disappointed that you guys are not on Sirius, hate Pand(wh)ora, and they are there.
That's Eugene for you. Dead Air.
LongGoneDaddy wrote:
.."sleep in the stars/don't you cry anymore/dry your tears in the wind"..(if i got that right—sweet!)..
Laugh in the sunshine
sing
cry in the dark
fly through the night
sing
cry in the dark
fly through the night
.."sleep in the stars/don't you cry anymore/dry your tears in the wind"..(if i got that right—sweet!)..
Always loved Dead versions of this song. One of my favorites.
Had to get Sirius for my car so I could listen to their Dead station, though Eugene, OR public radio will probably have there Saturday night Dead show ad infinitem and this has been sustaining. Was disappointed that you guys are not on Sirius, hate Pand(wh)ora, and they are there.
Dis The Man at your own risk. Dead lives!
Laugh in the sunshine
sing
cry in the dark
fly through the night
sing
cry in the dark
fly through the night
Not a huge fan of the Dead, but I think that Jerry Garcia should go down in history as one of America's finest folk musicians.
meuks wrote:
I really don't "hate" any band or particular musician based on their music. I don't prefer the sound of the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia's music however. Mute is never that far away, so no problem. I'm glad others enjoy it, but I don't.
Its nice to see mostly positive comments @ Jerry/ this song. I was thinking the Dead haters would be more of an influence, but a lot of them don't know who Garcia is, they just love to hate the Dead, so maybe it slipped by them. Good tune. There are many better ones that I wish RP would play (Run for the Roses, To Lay Me Down or some of his live covers Harder they Come, Tangled up in Blue... etc.) but so it goes....
I really don't "hate" any band or particular musician based on their music. I don't prefer the sound of the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia's music however. Mute is never that far away, so no problem. I'm glad others enjoy it, but I don't.
This made my heart happy just now.
meuks wrote:
The "haters" may just not like the kind of music the Dead make, and not have anything against the band... And anyone that knows enough about the Dead to make a valid determination of they like their music, should know who Jerry Garcia is.
Its nice to see mostly positive comments @ Jerry/ this song. I was thinking the Dead haters would be more of an influence, but a lot of them don't know who Garcia is, they just love to hate the Dead, so maybe it slipped by them. Good tune. There are many better ones that I wish RP would play (Run for the Roses, To Lay Me Down or some of his live covers Harder they Come, Tangled up in Blue... etc.) but so it goes....
The "haters" may just not like the kind of music the Dead make, and not have anything against the band... And anyone that knows enough about the Dead to make a valid determination of they like their music, should know who Jerry Garcia is.
A kind, kind song selection! Thank you so much for playing this kind song. 
I'm sure an accidental segue by Bill to follow Elliot Smith (Dead) with a dead head................
Beautiful tune.