G Is For...

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G Is For...Grateful Dead

Jerry and the boys are one of my all-time favorite bands. I love their music, their words and the whole vibe. I know, seems like the antithesis of my snarky, hard-rock, horror film loving self. Well, I'll tell you that I had never intended to listen to the band, never paid attention to them except on a few oldies stations late at night while on a dark road to nowhere and trying to stay awake. Then I saw the film Mask and at the end when Rocky dies, there's this amazing piece of music that made me bawl my eyes out. It was a tune so sweet and poignant it whispered in my soul. From that moment on, I had to know more about the Dead. The song is called Ripple and I have the lyrics and the video below.

My experience with the Dead may have started with a movie soundtrack, but it escalated into some of the most joyous experiences of my life. I was privileged to see them in concert a handful times and met the most extraordinary people. My very best friend is a Deadhead and she brought me to my first Dead show at Soldier Field in Chicago. It was absolutely incredible. She also brought me to my very last show, in the same place, which turned out to be Jerry's last, July 9, 1995. Still have my ticket stub.

So without further ado, here is Ripple by The Grateful Dead



Ripple Lyrics

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near, as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

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 man

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

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall, you fall alone
If you should stand, then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way, I would take you home