The other day I was happily surprised at hearing "Touch of Grey" playing on a local (New York) radio station. The disc jockey Ken Dashow commented that Jerry wrote this song fifteen years ago, yet it could have been written yesterday. In these crazy, mixed-up, depressing times, it is important to persevere and keep your head up. With all of the confusion and chaos, the song is Jerry's call to just chill out and ride the shit wave onto shore. With all we are told to worry about, the song reveals that life owes itself to the contradictory nature of the human condition. There's no way to break life down to a science; it attests to the duality of life. But who knows? The song is amazing and even before thinking about its meaning, I loved it. "Touch of Grey" is the song which introduced me to the Dead when I was six years old but only started listening intently a few years ago. Dead music certainly matures as you age.
Great explanation of the "ride it out" vibe this song has going on. I definitely agree it's about taking things in stride, and not thinking too hard in the process. However, Jerry didn't write this song. Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics and Jerry wrote the music. I recently caught the video for this track on VH1's Pop Up Video where it stated this song was written about Garcia's "will to survive" after he went into a diabetic coma in 1986. I'm not sure that's ever been proven. I tend to agree that it's about aging gracefully and riding out the...
Great explanation of the "ride it out" vibe this song has going on. I definitely agree it's about taking things in stride, and not thinking too hard in the process. However, Jerry didn't write this song. Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics and Jerry wrote the music. I recently caught the video for this track on VH1's Pop Up Video where it stated this song was written about Garcia's "will to survive" after he went into a diabetic coma in 1986. I'm not sure that's ever been proven. I tend to agree that it's about aging gracefully and riding out the rough patches in life we will all inevitably face at some point. Also, if you haven't seen it, do check out the music video for 'Touch Of Grey'. Growing up it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen, and really, it still is. Love it. Great, great song.
Agreed josher. It is incredible how the sentiment of this song transcends time. Here, at the end of June 2012, when things look very bleak for this country, we need a reminder to press on.
Agreed josher. It is incredible how the sentiment of this song transcends time. Here, at the end of June 2012, when things look very bleak for this country, we need a reminder to press on.
The other day I was happily surprised at hearing "Touch of Grey" playing on a local (New York) radio station. The disc jockey Ken Dashow commented that Jerry wrote this song fifteen years ago, yet it could have been written yesterday. In these crazy, mixed-up, depressing times, it is important to persevere and keep your head up. With all of the confusion and chaos, the song is Jerry's call to just chill out and ride the shit wave onto shore. With all we are told to worry about, the song reveals that life owes itself to the contradictory nature of the human condition. There's no way to break life down to a science; it attests to the duality of life. But who knows? The song is amazing and even before thinking about its meaning, I loved it. "Touch of Grey" is the song which introduced me to the Dead when I was six years old but only started listening intently a few years ago. Dead music certainly matures as you age.
Great explanation of the "ride it out" vibe this song has going on. I definitely agree it's about taking things in stride, and not thinking too hard in the process. However, Jerry didn't write this song. Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics and Jerry wrote the music. I recently caught the video for this track on VH1's Pop Up Video where it stated this song was written about Garcia's "will to survive" after he went into a diabetic coma in 1986. I'm not sure that's ever been proven. I tend to agree that it's about aging gracefully and riding out the...
Great explanation of the "ride it out" vibe this song has going on. I definitely agree it's about taking things in stride, and not thinking too hard in the process. However, Jerry didn't write this song. Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics and Jerry wrote the music. I recently caught the video for this track on VH1's Pop Up Video where it stated this song was written about Garcia's "will to survive" after he went into a diabetic coma in 1986. I'm not sure that's ever been proven. I tend to agree that it's about aging gracefully and riding out the rough patches in life we will all inevitably face at some point. Also, if you haven't seen it, do check out the music video for 'Touch Of Grey'. Growing up it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen, and really, it still is. Love it. Great, great song.
Agreed josher. It is incredible how the sentiment of this song transcends time. Here, at the end of June 2012, when things look very bleak for this country, we need a reminder to press on.
Agreed josher. It is incredible how the sentiment of this song transcends time. Here, at the end of June 2012, when things look very bleak for this country, we need a reminder to press on.