The Grateful Dead

[mattlevan]

The Grateful Dead has been an inspiration for many, many people ever since they debuted back in the 1960's. However, lately the band has been disregarded by many music fans as "hippie trash," and "idealistic nonsense."

However, there is a surprisingly large amount of meaning and wisdom embedded within their lyrics and instrumental progressions. Are there any Dead Heads here, and if so, what are your favorite Grateful Dead verses or quotes? How has the Dead changed you?

Personally, I consider The Grateful Dead one of those most positively influential bands I've ever listened to. Their music has helped me to realize unity in the universe, in my emotions and rational thoughts, and in human consciousness. These ideas arose when listening to quiet and subtle songs through my headphones with ears open and eyes closed. Many songs are considered "jams," or "improvisations." The Dead had a tendency to twist their recorded songs during live shows, transforming the previously straight-forward and typical recorded songs into journeys through mind, body, and soul. One song at a live Dead show can surface many different emotions-- from comfort to hope, and hope to love.

The current state of popular music has lost what the 60s and 70s thrived upon-- truth. Current music tends to separate listeners from reality by painting idealistic portraits of lust and greed. Pop fails to let listeners use their own thoughts and ideas to bring happiness; instead, the music delivers shallow pleasure instantaneously. Unlike The Grateful Dead, pop music focuses upon only one desire-- lust.

Liberal Christians sometimes announce that The Grateful Dead's music is, indeed, Christian music.

Lastly, here are a few inspirational lines from The Dead:

"A box of rain will ease the pain,and love will see you through." -Box of Rain
"Every once in awhile you get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." -Scarlet Begonias
"Talk about your plenty, talk about your ills, one man gathers what another man spills." -St. Stephen
"Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil." -Jerry Garcia

Thoughts?

Matt

 

[cardero]

It took me awhile to understand the Grateful Dead (The Doors proposed another misunderstanding for me). I knew who they were, I saw the icons, the T-shirts, I was a familiar with only the songs the radio played but I was uninterested in the type of music they played or their origins and agenda. Years later, when I was afforded the opportunity of their music, I listened more carefully and since I had the majority of their music at my disposal I delved deeply into their catalog which spanned over 40 years. I watched them in concert, I read books about their history and I began to understand the influence that they held over many generations. The Grateful Dead had a cult following. There are not too many bands that can be listed that had the following and deep devotion of fans to make them travel from state to state to see them play every concert. I do not consider myself a Dead Head but in that area of talent, imagination and professionalism, The Greateful Dead earns my respect. Everyone in the band was an accomplished musician and they had a purpose and fulfilled it.

 

[BFD_Zayl]

im a former deadhead, and i managed to see two of jerry's concerts before he died. talk about an awesome experience!

 

[Ody]

Thoughts?

Matt

My favorite band of all time

I unfortunately got into the Dead after Jerry Bear died, so i wasn't really able to experiance the band in all thier glory. However Bob and Phil still manage to perform amazingly, and that gives me a glimpse at what I could have seen...

I would say around 15% of my music collection is made up of the Dead. Every cd of theres I can get i get it at that instant i see it.

 

[ayani]

great band, some of the most beautiful lyrics to come out of the era.

"ripple" is one of my favorites.

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

and

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

beautiful. :yes:

 

[dbakerman76]

So many great songs over the years. The lyrics of Robert Hunter were the perfect fit for their fusion of all styles of american popular song. The Dead were the band that got me into exploring all styles of music beyond just rock.

 

[mattlevan]

Amen to that Gracie.

I'm still waiting for another American era in which the major themes are peace and love. Soon enough, I hope.

Matt

 

[Francine]

Liberal Christians sometimes announce that The Grateful Dead's music is, indeed, Christian music.

Do you think the late Jerry Garcia is grateful?