The Grateful Dead

Lyrics

[Verse 1: The Grateful Dead]
We can share the women, we can share the wine
We can share what we got of yours cause we done shared all of mine
Keep on rollin', just a mile to go;
Keep on rollin' my old buddy, you're movin' much too slow

[Verse 2: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir]
I just jumped the watchman, right outside the fence
Took his rings, four bucks in change, ain't that Heaven sent?
Hurts my ears to listen, Shannon, burns my eyes to see;
Cut down a man in cold blood, Shannon, might as well've been me

[Verse 3: Bob Weir]
We used to play for silver, now we play for life;
And one's for sport and one's for blood at the point of a knife
And now the die is shaken, now the die must fall
There ain't a winner in the game, he don't go home with all
Not with all

[Verse 4: The Grateful Dead]
Leavin' Texas, fourth day of July
Sun so hot, the clouds so low, the eagles filled the sky
Catch the Detroit Lightning out of Santa Fe
The Great Northern out of Cheyenne, from sea to shining sea

[Verse 5: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir]
Gotta go to Tulsa, first train we can ride
Gotta settle one old score, one small point of pride
There ain't a place a man can hide, Shannon, will keep him from the sun
Ain't a bed can give us rest now, you keep us on the run
[Verse 6: The Grateful Dead]
Jack Straw from Wichita
Cut his buddy down
Dug for him a shallow grave
And laid his body down

Half a mile from Tucson
By the morning light
One man gone and another to go
My old buddy, you're moving much
Too slow

[Outro: The Grateful Dead]
We can share the women, we can share the wine

Jack Straw by The Grateful Dead is a song that takes us on a journey through the vast landscapes of mythic America, as seen through the eyes of a cowboy named Jack Straw. Penned by songwriters Bob Weir and Robert Hunter, the inspiration for this captivating tune came from both the book and movie versions of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. First performed on October 19, 1971, at the Northrop Auditorium in the University of Minnesota, Jack Straw quickly became a staple in The Grateful Dead's live performances. It made its official release on the band's 1972 live triple-album, Europe '72. Let's delve deeper into the intricacies of this mesmerizing piece of music.

About Jack Straw

Jack Straw is a unique composition that unravels a mythical America through the perspective of a cowboy named Jack Straw. The song was written by Bob Weir and Robert Hunter, the creative forces behind many of the band's iconic tracks. Drawing inspiration from John Steinbeck's classic novel Of Mice and Men, as well as the 1939 movie adaptation, Weir and Hunter expertly paint a vivid picture of a mythic America with their poetic lyrics and storytelling prowess.

This enthralling piece features three distinct vocal roles: Jack Straw, Shannon, and a narrator. Jack Straw, portrayed by the legendary Jerry Garcia, delivers the perspective of the cowboy protagonist, immersing the listener in his perspective and experiences. Bob Weir takes on the role of Shannon, adding depth and complexity to the narrative with his character's interactions and dialogue. The narrator's role is shared between Garcia, Weir, and Phil Lesh, adding layers of harmony and bringing the story to life.

From its debut performance at the Northrop Auditorium in 1971, Jack Straw quickly became a beloved favorite among Grateful Dead fans. Its inclusion in the band's groundbreaking live triple-album, Europe '72, solidified its place in the annals of iconic Dead songs. The energy and passion exuded by the band during their live performances is perfectly captured in this album, showcasing the raw talent and improvisational skills that made The Grateful Dead legendary.

One of the defining aspects of Jack Straw is its ability to transport listeners to an imaginative world where mythic America unfolds before their ears. The vivid storytelling, combined with the band's signature blend of rock, folk, and psychedelic influences, creates a sonic landscape that allows the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative. Jack Straw serves as a testament to The Grateful Dead's ability to captivate and engage their audience, pulling them into a mythic realm where the dusty trails and boundless horizon of America come alive.

The instrumentation in Jack Straw is a masterclass in collaborative musicianship. Jerry Garcia's intricate guitar work seamlessly meshes with Phil Lesh's pulsating basslines, creating a strong foundation for the song. Bob Weir's rhythm guitar adds a melodic layer, intertwining with Keith Godchaux's captivating keyboards to enhance the song's sonic tapestry. Bill Kreutzmann's steady drumming and Mickey Hart's percussive wizardry complete the ensemble, adding depth and texture to the overall sound.

As with many of The Grateful Dead's compositions, Jack Straw offers a unique canvas for improvisation. The band's live performances often saw them venture into uncharted territories, exploring new musical landscapes with every rendition. This element of unpredictability and experimentation made each live performance of Jack Straw a truly memorable and one-of-a-kind experience. The band's ability to seamlessly weave in and out of different musical motifs, creating intricate improvisational jams, is what set them apart from their contemporaries.

In the grand tapestry of The Grateful Dead's expansive discography, Jack Straw is a shining gem that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Its mythical storytelling, combined with the band's unparalleled musicianship and improvisational prowess, makes it a testament to their unparalleled artistry. Whether experienced live or through the recorded version on Europe '72, Jack Straw transports listeners to the imaginary landscapes of mythic America, inviting them to embark on a sonic journey they will never forget.

So, sit back, close your eyes, and let Jack Straw by The Grateful Dead transport you to a world where cowboys roam the vast plains and the spirit of America thrives. Allow yourself to be swept away by the mesmerizing storytelling and captivating musicianship that has made this song a timeless classic.

• Release Date: November 5, 1972
• Artist: The Grateful Dead