GRATEFUL DEAD - Box Of Rain | FIRST TIME REACTION TO GRATEFUL DEAD BOX OF RAIN

[@janna2245]

A box of rain is the Earth. I once visited Pigpen's grave. Someone had left a pink water balloon in a little cardboard box. It was a box of rain. So sweet

[@laurakent750]

Saw the Dead in cleveland. A few helium balloons floating around. One slowly moved around and made it's way back to the stage and came gently down right over pig pen. They're so beautiful.

[@kateb560]

This is one of my favorite songs ever.

[@davidbreitkopf3603]

This is life and death: Such a long, long time to be gone And a short time to be there

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Grateful Dead music is timeless; that's why it sounds new to you. This song is on their album "American Beauty? which came out in 1970. Box of Rain was written for bassist Phil Lesh's father, right before he passed away. Generally, the Grateful Dead lyrics by Robert Hunter, are not easily interpreted but just to be enjoyed. "Walk into splintered sunlight..." "Such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there"

[@ShawnSalvadori]

Yes I did find them hard to understand, but the meaning behind the words is very strong and sad 😔

[@intothesunset3]

​@@ShawnSalvadori I don't think you were wrong when you guessed that it's about going through life (and as others here have said, their lyrics are open to interpretation). In an article called "The Meaning of the Grateful Dead's 'Box of Rain'," Chris Huber says: “The lyrics speak to a universal appreciation for life and its beauty, depicting it as a journey where everyone is simply trying to find their own way. It also expresses a pure kind of love for fellow humans, felt through both the arrangement and the lyrics, with the general desire to help others find their way, especially during difficult times.”

[@pebblesanddirt]

The Earth is the “box of rain, wind, and water” - and no one knows who put it there. In an even larger, grander, beyond cosmic view, it’s as important as a “ribbon for your hair” We get just a fleeting moment with the box and our SUBSTANCE goes and comes from wherever you think - “Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there”

[@williambarr3535]

It was written by Hunter and Phil ( bass player) for Phil's father who was dying. Phil was still a young man at the time. Hunter was an amazing lyricist with Jerry's music. Up there with Dylan.

[@ShawnSalvadori]

Sad to know that 😞 I've lost a parent, and my brother had written a poem for her at the time. Putting pain into words is something that is very hard to do.

[@benhinds2971]

Pigpen's "Easy Wind". The Dead played so many styles of music, but Pigpen sang the blues.

[@guidosarducci]

This song is just plain badass. Old as hell, but so am I. Excellent choice, man, excellent!

[@ShawnSalvadori]

It was a great suggestion! And more to come from Grateful Dead

[@jmleyland]

Excellent choice! You need to go for it - dive into this deep and wonderful rabbit hole! Long live the Grateful Dead!!

[@vermontdave1]

It's about life and death. In a beautiful way.

[@jeffreypetro3803]

Here's a GratefulDead song recommend or 2... Eyes Of The World (Without A Net album), Ripple (American Beauty album), & Broke Down Palace (American Beauty album). All are masterfully deep lyrics... I think U'll enjoy these as much as U did Box Of Rain, written for Phil Lesh as his father was near death of cancer. Phil wrote the melody, keys, chords, changes, etc... he came to Robert Hunter with what he had, described what was going on with him as his father declined, & Robert Hunter wrote these masterful lyrics. Phil loved the composition & it was one of the few songs that Phil sang. Understanding these factors make the lyrics still more poignant & beautiful.

[@andylawson87]

It is from 1970 and appears on the American Beauty album.

[@intothesunset3]

Loved this reaction! One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@ShawnSalvadori]

Thanks 😁

[@bobschenkel7921]

Since all the other folks have clued you in to the meaning of "Box Of Rain", I thought I would just urge you to watch "The Grateful Dead Movie", which was filmed in 1974 and released in 1977. It documents five concerts at Winterland in San Francisco, a converted Ice Skating Rink, hence the name, and The Dead's second home. They played 59 concerts at the venue, including the closing show on 12/31/78-1/1/79, with The Blues Brothers as openers. "The Grateful Dead Movie" starts with an eight minute animation sequence that explores moments of chance and difficulty, and then segues into the concert during the song "U.S. Blues", and you're off on a real journey. It's all about the band and their fans, the Dead Heads, I'm one, and how it all works together. The movie was Directed by Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Jerry Garcia (RIP), he was also a visual artist/painter. A very interesting dude.

[@jamminme]

Wonderful honest reaction to a wonderful song. Thanks

[@davidperlowski1477]

No shame, man. There's what it meant to the band, and what it meant to you. Two different animals.

[@ShawnSalvadori]

Yes sir, agree completely

[@childrenoftheabzu]

Phils voice is great on tape but Ive sat through MANY phil shows that werent so great vocally

[@benhinds2971]

He didnt sing lead very often, all three,Jerry, Bobby, and Phil sang to get that vocal blend. Dead lyrics were definitely written to be open to interpretation. Rarely did Hunter, or any one of them, get straight to the point. Ambiguous, Elusive.

[@mattcalifornia7318]

Poetry

[@feetheweasel]

Alright hammer....this is a great example of what the Dead do. Live pair of Jacks. "Jack Straw" and "Jack-a-Roe". Tuscaloosa, AL 5/77 Have the lyrics handy if you can. This show was 9days after the "Morning Dew" show you reacted to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYq5eourfKadmq8

[@janna2245]

1970

[@aoxomoxoanthem]

The remaster really did nothing. This is the original mix from 1970. Essentially it’s always being released every few years.

[@memorylen1]

1970