Grateful Dead - Wharf Rat (4/26/71)

[@genesiegel2884]

True story. I bought Skull & Roses when it was released. I wrote an essay on “Wharf Rat” for my English class and my professor liked the essay and the lyrics so much, he asked if I could bring the LP to class and do a presentation on the song (he provided the record player and speakers). I didn’t have to say much. The song brought my professor, and some of my fellow students, to tears. None of them, to my knowledge, had heard “Wharf Rat” before. And yes, I got an A on the essay … ❤

[@UncleWintersDisdain.]

Gotta love cool teachers

[@johncordes7885]

Love that!..I still haven't settled on the meaning of any of Robert Hunter's poetry..but I do have more time than dimes

[@Liefvikerson]

And then everyone clapped 👏

[@maxcritchley619]

And then everyone cried because of my awesome musical taste 😎 ​@@Liefvikerson

[@johnbishop7330]

I don't have a dime but I got some time to hear his story. Much love to my fellow Wharf Rats out there.

[@Cdg-ge4bu]

Agreed

[@looshkin66]

And I say to all of you; I'm sure she's been.........I'M SURE SHE's BEEN TRUE TO YOU.

[@alicelovell3905]

John Bishop 💖

[@chrishorton615]

Half of my life, spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime

[@jk7197]

I always try to give change and I don't got much myself.

[@_noname617]

Lyrics: Old man down Way down, down, down by the docks of the city Blind and dirty Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine More than my wine More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine Everyone said I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them Half of my life I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine But I'll get back on my feet again someday The good Lord willin' If He says I may I know that the life I'm livin's no good I'll get a new start, live the life I should I'll get up and fly away, I'll get up and fly away, fly away Pearly's been true True to me, true to my dyin' day he said I said to him I said to him, "I'm sure she's been" I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you" I got up and wandered Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around I've got a girl Named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me Songwriters: Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter Wharf Rat lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group

[@bannork]

The lament of the dissolute, the wasted and how one day it will all get better. The Dead, so wonderful at telling stories. Miss them more than ever.

[@krichards816]

I just immigrated with my family to NZ. I have a very soft spot for the homeless, always have. Was a time I toed the line of being homeless. Can happen to any of us. At anytime. We all just want to be heard. I have spent some beautiful time talking with, and spending time listening to there stories.....I continue to be humbled by those on the streets. No different then I am at times. Lonely, wanting to be heard, if just for a moment by someone that cares, at least for our short time together. We all have a path that we walk. Some walk alone, cold to our fellow humans. Some walk with open arms. I choose to walk with open arms on this journey. For me, that is the space of fulfillment and peace. Miss you Jerry!

[@robertbeard7661]

wow Kevin , I too have been homeless for shirt periods of time. Listening to Warf Rat pills my heart and sole right out of me. I am a graduate but I too have heart for the homeless. When it rains I always think and pray for my homeless friends out there on the streets in Ventura Calif.

[@robertbeard7661]

wow Kevin , I too have been homeless for shirt periods of time. Listening to Warf Rat pills my heart and sole right out of me. I am a graduate but I too have heart for the homeless. When it rains I always think and pray for my homeless friends out there on the streets in Ventura Calif.

[@robertbeard7661]

wow Kevin , I too have been homeless for shirt periods of time. Listening to Warf Rat pills my heart and sole right out of me. I am a graduate but I too have heart for the homeless. When it rains I always think and pray for my homeless friends out there on the streets in Ventura Calif.

[@robertbeard7661]

wow Kevin , I too have been homeless for shirt periods of time. Listening to Warf Rat pills my heart and sole right out of me. I am a graduate but I too have heart for the homeless. When it rains I always think and pray for my homeless friends out there on the streets in Ventura Calif.hmm.

[@krichards816]

Keep giving that gift that does not cost a dime, Robert. You have a great gift to give. (I am not religious, but spiritual) and I say bless you my friend, my brother, in your journey through life. May the sun always sine on your face and the wind be at your back. May your cup always be full and may you find peace and fulfillment.

[@angelrocket88]

Since the first time I listened to this song, I've been trying to wrap my mind around the miraculous synchronicity of it. And I still can't separate who's playing what through the entire song. I'm so thankful that someone showed up with some good recording equipment for this show.

[@brianschultz5273]

I remember hearing an an interview somewhere, jerry talks about how these chords flowed and the song wrote itself, I think he may have said the same about jack a roe as well

[@colehelman9138]

amen, thank heavens for tapers

[@Karmakatt6]

@@brianschultz5273 He's on record claiming it's one of his personal favorites.. good observation 👍

[@blakewhittington4336]

Merle Sanders added the keyboard later in the studio over this live recording

[@kamp8495]

Those bass notes are warmer than rays of the sun.

[@FlyPilatusB4]

Even better than the soulshine

[@cosmicslopass]

BOOM

[@stacyblue1980]

That bass can never be recreated by another's hands. Turn Phil's mic up🙏🌹

[@scottfay3553]

sure are

[@Cap683]

Phil gets great tone with any bass that he uses. He has used Gibson, Guild, Alembic, and Modulus to name a few and they all sound great in his hands.

[@tonybahama6817]

I NEVER get tired of Wharf Rat. My fav, then Dark Star. Something about the painted picture hits home for me. Brings tears…

[@treyfisse3230]

I’m 41 and when I was 13 I was given a dead mixtape from a dear friend and my life changed that day

[@Killada3pt]

Amen to that. The musical talent is exceptional. But the mix of it with the song writing is second to none...in my opinion.

[@stevoschannel4127]

The piano of Keith Godchaux, really made these early tunes perfect, never really appreciated it but as i listen and relisten for the many hundredth time, especially with headphones i really do now…Wonderful, subtle, perfect…

[@thegrassyknollvsjfk]

I believe pigpen and merl saunders receive credit on this track. But heck yea headphones and this song, total mind melter

[@Kegga_6]

One of the best if not best recordings of this. The whole show is phenomenal with Duane Allman showing up for the 2nd set

[@michal1732]

Such high quality on this one, clear as a bell on this beloved tune!

[@Jichael.mackson]

Michal my thoughts just now, he is very clear at this age as well

[@gratefuldrifter6588]

Beautiful true story,every man has one.Lifes a journey

[@benthepainter4639]

Thanks for this awesome recording I needed this today. Much love from Nebraska

[@relars52]

I bought this album when it came out. I was stunned, by this song. I was perfectly aware of the Melancholy lives of the poor and Homeless (having been in NYC in the '60s), but this song Double-Underlined it. "...More than my Maker, no he's no friend of mine..." - Just - wow.

[@Terrapinskydive]

Whenever I feel horrible and I need a way out of the funk I find myself here. Reminding myself way I quit. Why I keep going. This song is like a hug from something greater than myself and I will keep coming back. Just for today. NFA

[@kingster911]

Holy shit what great quality on this recording. Jerry sounds like he's recording in a damn studio.

[@douglasnorris109]

Actually I don't think this exactly live. Sometimes the dead took live tapes and added new vocals, etc. Who's playing the piano?

[@d_walsh]

Douglas Norris yeah, by April '71 the pianist Tom constanten had already left the band, so it sounds like pigpen on his keyboards but quite possibly that is an overdub of piano done by Keith godchaux onto a live track, Keith officially joined in Sept of '71.. reading up on these shows at the filmore doesn't mention Keith being there

[@robertgrosek1124]

@@douglasnorris109 its Jerry. They overdubbed the piano as well as the organ (merl saunders)

[@musicmavenpublishing2265]

I love you JERRY! Thank you! 💜⚡♾⚡

[@winthropframe4761]

So good to hear this great song. Turn it Up.

[@bluenickels]

what an amazing version of this song, thanks so much for the post!

[@stybba09]

Best Wharf Rat out there, imo.

[@Uninvited72]

Clearest. Love it and agree.

[@robertgrosek1124]

Yes mine too. What makes it sound the best is the overdubbed piano (Garcia) and organ (Merl Saunders). A “purist” might whine that it fucked with the actual live recording but it adds so much to my enjoyment of it that i wont complain

[@stybba09]

@@robertgrosek1124 Wow! I never knew about the overdubbing! It sounds like it all 'belongs'.

[@robertgrosek1124]

@@stybba09 yes its perfect. Bertha also has Merl overdubbed

[@stybba09]

@@robertgrosek1124 Wow! All these years and I did not know that. Thanks for the info.

[@oscaryeager5030]

Good ol'grateful dead the only band that can make me laugh cry dance scream meditate and just plain fucking endure this world. This band was/is a gift from God.

[@jamescnix]

I love this whole album so much, and this wharf rat especially

[@jamesorr50276]

Go to album on mushrooms

[@rolandramirez4557]

Wow this sounds so clear

[@MacDaddy19063]

Miss ya Jerry.

[@SoundsLikePurple]

It's funny, i have the Skulls & Roses album in my room but even when on the computer away from the cd, i cant help but stray back to the string of songs on the album. They never grow old just Fantastic.

[@noveltygoat]

This is really lovely.

[@robertcarter4159]

Oh my oh my!! LORDY THAT WAS STELLAR! I was not born in time to witness the "Wall of Sound"! I'm adopted and don't know my bio parents. I like to think i could have witnessed it front and center in my biomothers belly😘🤠

[@HashMagician]

One of the best Wharf Rats... X from Israel

[@rileyhughes5613]

swift entry to the Phil Zone (~);)

[@hollyturkovich9634]

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful

[@rocknrollson9440]

I’ll get up and fly away👾

[@YimmyYames513]

This recording chefs kiss 💋

[@jsmithal3284]

I just know the good lord is always willing

[@looshkin66]

well I too wish to someday fly away

[@mikeferrell4950]

Amen! The Lord used this song in my life to get sober. September 15, 1993 just celebrated 30 years Thank you Jesus, the good Lord is willing and able to do more than we can ask for or imagine ❤

[@carsonjohnson2972]

@@mikeferrell4950 Amen!! 😊💙

[@phawgg2]

Part of Jerry's genius guitar playing was the dual drummers and bass inspiring him.

[@Karmakatt6]

I've been playing Electric Bass for about 6 years now. One saying I've heard that resonates is how important it is to "Serve the project"... perhaps one day my perception may change, but, I always serve Jerry. He is ALWAYS the centre if the orbit when I play The Dead. Perhaps it becomes cyclical, but there's no doubt in my soul that it begins and ends with Jerry.

[@robertgrosek1124]

One drummer here. Iactually like the one kit better

[@francisleahy8327]

Nice take, thanks bobaji , thanks Jerry.

[@evanpriest7541]

When your sitting there with cops around you that are about to search you. and you know that its not going to end well because you have fun things on you. the best thing to think is...."ill get up and fly awaaaaay"

[@Karmakatt6]

Fine example of things to come. Most consider 77 to be The Year. And as I discovered tonight, 76 was the ramp up. Europe 72 changed my life and I still cant get over how tight they sound here in 71. I guess 71 was the ramp to 72, lol! I'll bet that sure sounded strange to some but not others..

[@davidbradley5969]

The performances on this album are what other performances are measured by, they are that good! The Dead were really together during these shows! Wish I was there at the time.

[@mrabram420]

I have always respected the cult the Dead are I’m in the never went to a show after Jerry died. But this song I hope the good lord willing may say we can all fly .

[@elmoblatch9787]

I love my curly bacon bits more than my wine.

[@GSDjrbites]

I love this song...not sure what the allure is to it but it came long after many others and has stuck around longer than most :) Perhaps it's the vulnerability in Garcia's vocals. It's a gem.

[@NoineNoineNoine]

my favorite dead song as well. some people get it, some people don't.

[@ianbauer4703]

Old man down Way down, down, down by the docks of the city Blind and dirty Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine More than my wine More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine Everyone said I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them Half of my life I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine But I'll get back on my feet again someday The good Lord willin' If He says I may I know that the life I'm livin's no good I'll get a new start, live the life I should I'll get up and fly away, I'll get up and fly away, fly away Pearly's been true True to me, true to my dyin' day he said I said to him I said to him, "I'm sure she's been" I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you" I got up and wandered Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around I've got a girl Named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me. Jerry/Robert

[@jrknox71]

great pictures!!! the tune....do i need to even say it? ok then LOVE IT!!!

[@clancykobane9102]

I got up and wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around

[@ericrobertson1622]

just a wonderful song

[@josefgarliss3012]

Kingster, that is the first thing i thought when i heard the first vocals, then i saw your post. Crazy good sound. gonna have to listen to studio version. suspicious

[@atlgator1928]

There is no studio version

[@johnsherman6571]

This IS the "studio" version - at least the one on the vinyl...

[@ReedRosson1987]

Perfect.

[@rak187th]

This whole bootleg is awesome

[@2011LittleWing]

So beautiful! Do you remember the days?

[@jamescnix]

straight off of that Majestic album, skull(fuck) & Roses, wow

[@phillipwilkinson]

Beautiful song. Poignant but uplifting as well.

[@unmaps]

ill get up and fly away

[@jessicawatkins9632]

I’ve spent awhile on the ro. I’m in a period of redemption. But I miss my dirty kids. Bug and 99 might be back soon. B

[@sunshinenblues]

yeahya!! before Donna. and a song I loved before the internet and most of its listeners...just sayin'

[@colemanpipkin7446]

Was in New Orleans for dead and company that got cancelled. But I got to chill on burgundy and wine!

[@alicelovell3905]

Everyone said I'd come to no good..

[@mikehunt3834]

amen even priest

[@cosmicslopass]

Whenever a stranger asks for my name I tell them "August west " naturally

[@scottrick90210]

crisp lyrics nice

[@Karmakatt6]

I'm guessing this was around the time the Dead and CSN were hanging out.. excellent vocal arrangement in this one 😉

[@scottrick90210]

so sexy

[@robertgrosek1124]

The piano and organ are overdubbed. Jerry on piano. Merl Saunders on organ

[@donatelloehrsam-hansen4388]

Bless the fire survivers

[@grifftrain]

chilli66blog....I agree. I have many shows from 1970 to 1978 that sound better than live shows from other band from the the nineties till now. Whoever the soundman or engineer from those Dead shows from the 70s was way ahead of his time. As were the Dead themselves

[@jimhillenburg4532]

A young apache Indian come to Bloomington Indiana and got busted for nothing by game warden .ruined that young man's life until he formed Blackfoot band

[@40tired]

Has a touch of the beatles in the fly away bridge

[@terrapinflyer2178]

I heard it, I think. The vocals, then drums synchronizing. Then the piano. Little bit of Beatles-esque guitar going on for a few bars too lol.

[@maddymaitri8154]

Yes!

[@johnnynbk]

never thought of that but you are right

[@manbruful]

. no hay con que darle !!!

[@craigsimon7658]

Great tune!!😎

[@bobaji]

Thank you so much 😁

[@mistygale5456]

Hella amazz

[@jahread3322]

half of my life i spent doing time for some other fuckers crime...the other half i spent stumbling around drunk on burgundy wine......me too august, me too

[@NoineNoineNoine]

no Donna , no Micky. Perfect.

[@jamesmarshall9598]

will miss Bob Wehr, so enshrined herein.

[@lailamckinney9810]

Follow the yellow brick wall I meant the yellow balloons

[@boosygoose]

AHHH my god! 7 mintues in this kid standing next to Jerry... air guitar... they almost look like they're holding hands... what an amazing picture... hope that kid knows about it. Wonderful version of this song as well

[@jrknox71]

Im with ya grifftrain! my friend had a reel to reel off of a tree at one of the showes and it was crap!! to much noise and some head was trying to drum every song out of his ass! lol!

[@brandoncargile847]

Ive herd

[@douglaconti7113]

For you carrots. Its that good 👍

[@robertcarter4159]

Does anyone know who the little girl is that was standing in front of Jerry during the slide show pics during the Song!??!??

[@clancykobane9102]

I think that's a boy.

[@TheSharipaula]

no dime, but i think i just gave a bunch to someone first 10 seconds before music started

[@TomRomanofski]

Warf Rat 12)29)1999❤DeAdHeAd spring March 1985🎉July 2024 Just like 1990'-1995))) Las Vegas Nevada United States 🇺🇸

[@Ok-551]

Half of my life spent doin time for some other fuckers crime. True dat. Went from self made millionaire to homeless for 7 months after divorce. Life’s a trip.

[@noel2711]

My interpretation is that the "other" was in fact the man himself but not a man he recognises as himself. Sober, he would never have committed the crime . Just my interpretation. However, as you say, Life's a trip. Good luck for the future.

[@Liefvikerson]

And now you're dead.. rip bro 🙏

[@mesna]

This sounds like Skull and Roses version

[@davidbohnhoff1790]

It is....

[@jg6698]

Sounded almost like Eric Burdons New Animals at the end. No shit.