Grateful Dead — New Speedway Boogie
Album: Workingman's DeadAvg rating:
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Length: 3:59
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Please don't dominate the rap, Jack
If you've got nothing new to say
If you please, don't back up the track
This train's got to run today
I spent a little time on the mountain
I spent a little time on the hill
I heard some say, "better run away"
Others say, "better stand still"
Now I don't know, but I've been told
It's hard to run with the weight of gold
Other hand, I have heard it said
It's just as hard with the weight of lead
Who can deny, who can deny
It's not just a change of style?
One step done and another begun
And I wonder how many miles
I spent a little time on the mountain
I spent a little time on the hill
Things went down we don't understand
But I think in time we will
Now I don't know, but I was told
In the heat of the sun, a man died of cold
Keep on coming or stand and wait
With the sun so dark and the hour so late
You can't overlook the lack, Jack
Of any other highway to ride
It's got no signs or dividing lines
And very few rule to guide
I spent a little time on the mountain
I spent a little time on the hill
I saw things getting out of hand
I guess they always will
Now I don't know, but I been told
If the horse don't pull you, got to carry the load
I don't know whose back's that strong
Maybe find out before too long
One way or another, one way or another
One way or another, this darkness got to give
One way or another, one way or another
One way or another, this darkness got to give
One way or another, one way or another
One way or another, this darkness got to give
If you've got nothing new to say
If you please, don't back up the track
This train's got to run today
I spent a little time on the mountain
I spent a little time on the hill
I heard some say, "better run away"
Others say, "better stand still"
Now I don't know, but I've been told
It's hard to run with the weight of gold
Other hand, I have heard it said
It's just as hard with the weight of lead
Who can deny, who can deny
It's not just a change of style?
One step done and another begun
And I wonder how many miles
I spent a little time on the mountain
I spent a little time on the hill
Things went down we don't understand
But I think in time we will
Now I don't know, but I was told
In the heat of the sun, a man died of cold
Keep on coming or stand and wait
With the sun so dark and the hour so late
You can't overlook the lack, Jack
Of any other highway to ride
It's got no signs or dividing lines
And very few rule to guide
I spent a little time on the mountain
I spent a little time on the hill
I saw things getting out of hand
I guess they always will
Now I don't know, but I been told
If the horse don't pull you, got to carry the load
I don't know whose back's that strong
Maybe find out before too long
One way or another, one way or another
One way or another, this darkness got to give
One way or another, one way or another
One way or another, this darkness got to give
One way or another, one way or another
One way or another, this darkness got to give
Comments (95)add comment
dropping the bass bombs from above now. RIP Phil
Oh yeah! Oh hell yeah! Thank you so much RP!!!
idiot_wind wrote:
Came here to say this. Lot's of good times and good music. He's gone, but the music never stops...
RIP dear Phil, Oct 25, 2024.
One helluva bass player and just a great guy.
Came here to say this. Lot's of good times and good music. He's gone, but the music never stops...
10/25/24
RIP Phil Lesh, thanks for the music.
RIP Phil Lesh, thanks for the music.
RIP dear Phil, Oct 25, 2024.
One helluva bass player and just a great guy.
One helluva bass player and just a great guy.
Sounds like when someone who is stoned out of their mind tries to sing.
I think this is the first time I've heard RP program the original, and not the cover.
flatpicker wrote:
(~};-}
Oh yeah!
Love this song!
(~};-}
This song has long been one of my favorite Dead tunes. The line about if the horse don't pull you got to carry the load resonated with me from when I used to pack for the Forest Service in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and one of my mules refused to cross a pack bridge. I did indeed have to carry the load...
It played a few weeks ago and my 4 year old daughter apparently heard it, as I heard her singing her own similar lyrics to the tune. Since then, she's randomly started singing it and if I don't have it playable, she'll ask me to sing what I can remember of the lyrics. She loves it!
It played a few weeks ago and my 4 year old daughter apparently heard it, as I heard her singing her own similar lyrics to the tune. Since then, she's randomly started singing it and if I don't have it playable, she'll ask me to sing what I can remember of the lyrics. She loves it!
meuks wrote:
When one doesn't "get" a band and why others love it so much they have a few options:
1. Try it out. Immerse in the sound and see if you too could love it.
2. Accept that it's not your cup BUT see in the sound what others might love about it. Give it some respect if not personal acceptance.
3. Take the narcissistic road and assume all those folks are idiots and that you, yourself, are the arbiter of style. Denigrate it in the forum and pat yourself on the back.
Those that you ponder on here, have taken that latter sad and negative path.
I don't understand the Grateful Dead bitterness. I thought that the reason we listen to RP is to be exposed to great music. Whatever your tastes, Tommy Emmanuel>Eric Clapton>Grateful Dead> Midnight Oil> Bob Marley is a great stream even if you don't appreciate every tune. Luckily I do! :-)
When one doesn't "get" a band and why others love it so much they have a few options:
1. Try it out. Immerse in the sound and see if you too could love it.
2. Accept that it's not your cup BUT see in the sound what others might love about it. Give it some respect if not personal acceptance.
3. Take the narcissistic road and assume all those folks are idiots and that you, yourself, are the arbiter of style. Denigrate it in the forum and pat yourself on the back.
Those that you ponder on here, have taken that latter sad and negative path.
chinaski wrote:
Awesome article, thanks for sharing!
Just happen to be reading this article when New Speedway Boogie comes on: https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/07/lsd-drugs-summer-of-love-sixties
Awesome article, thanks for sharing!
I would love to know what the prevalence of the phrase "I don't know, but I've been told..." is in lyrics since 1940. Seems like one of those phrases that pops up every now an then...
Thanks man. That strip is funny!!
kcar wrote:
No, I get along with everybody. Tried to get along with this small circle of 5-6 Deadheads at college, but they were jerks to just about everybody. Phil Burtner wasn't the worst but he sticks in my mind. He's probably a fairly decent guy now.
Most of the Deadheads I've met were/are nice people but the whole scene seemed to make more of the band and the music than they deserved.
The Dead rightfully have a huge place in American rock but this strip still makes me LOL:
https://www.achewood.com/index.php?date=02282008
kcar wrote:
No, I get along with everybody. Tried to get along with this small circle of 5-6 Deadheads at college, but they were jerks to just about everybody. Phil Burtner wasn't the worst but he sticks in my mind. He's probably a fairly decent guy now.
Most of the Deadheads I've met were/are nice people but the whole scene seemed to make more of the band and the music than they deserved.
The Dead rightfully have a huge place in American rock but this strip still makes me LOL:
https://www.achewood.com/index.php?date=02282008
Caught the final two shows of the Summer Dead & Company Tour in Boulder last weekend. The final show on Saturday was the best I've seen from this lineup.
in addition to be a great song, this is a great vocal performance. Jerry can belt it out!
my girl says when I kiss her lips, gets a thrill through her fingertips .. you mean Ringo RoelantSiekman wrote:
feat. Paul Mccartney...?
feat. Paul Mccartney...?
Just happen to be reading this article when New Speedway Boogie comes on: https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/07/lsd-drugs-summer-of-love-sixties
ick wrote:
Very apt for life in general I reckon.
"Listen more and judge less".
Except when it comes to rap, death metal or country.
You can keep an open mind about it, I look elsewhere.
Very apt for life in general I reckon.
"Listen more and judge less".
Except when it comes to rap, death metal or country.
You can keep an open mind about it, I look elsewhere.
Poacher wrote:
"Listen more and judge less" Succinct and very apt for the RP comments. Thank you, if its OK, I shall borrow this and use often here :)
Very apt for life in general I reckon.
"Listen more and judge less".
"Listen more and judge less" Succinct and very apt for the RP comments. Thank you, if its OK, I shall borrow this and use often here :)
Very apt for life in general I reckon.
"Listen more and judge less".
Balthazar wrote:
Does seem to be a lot of Dead lately. I don't hate them so much as I just don't get them. The odd song, like this one, ain't bad. Still, for a band whose LP output is generally regarded as not so significant, they get a lot of airplay here.
I am not a Dead fan and don't have any of their music, but I had this LP and I still like this great song.
Does seem to be a lot of Dead lately. I don't hate them so much as I just don't get them. The odd song, like this one, ain't bad. Still, for a band whose LP output is generally regarded as not so significant, they get a lot of airplay here.
I am not a Dead fan and don't have any of their music, but I had this LP and I still like this great song.
Thank you for playing this kind kind song!
luv4music wrote:
"Listen more and judge less" Succinct and very apt for the RP comments. Thank you, if its OK, I shall borrow this and use often here :)
Totally agree. I am amazed at how many artists and genres of music people do not like or appreciate. There is a musical cornucopia here, so belly up to the speaker and fill yourself up with great music. Listen more and judge less.
"Listen more and judge less" Succinct and very apt for the RP comments. Thank you, if its OK, I shall borrow this and use often here :)
Happy Belated Jerry!
meuks wrote:
Totally agree. I am amazed at how many artists and genres of music people do not like or appreciate. There is a musical cornucopia here, so belly up to the speaker and fill yourself up with great music. Listen more and judge less.
I don't understand the Grateful Dead bitterness. I thought that the reason we listen to RP is to be exposed to great music. Whatever your tastes, Tommy Emmanuel>Eric Clapton>Grateful Dead> Midnight Oil> Bob Marley is a great stream even if you don't appreciate every tune. Luckily I do! :-)
Totally agree. I am amazed at how many artists and genres of music people do not like or appreciate. There is a musical cornucopia here, so belly up to the speaker and fill yourself up with great music. Listen more and judge less.
“We're like licorice. Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.”
â Jerry Garcia
â Jerry Garcia
I don't understand the Grateful Dead bitterness. I thought that the reason we listen to RP is to be exposed to great music. Whatever your tastes, Tommy Emmanuel>Eric Clapton>Grateful Dead> Midnight Oil> Bob Marley is a great stream even if you don't appreciate every tune. Luckily I do! :-)
d-don wrote:
Please don't dominate the rap, Jack, if you got nothing new to say...it's obvious you know nothing about this song's origins.
Here's Ed McClanahan's interpretation of Robert Hunter's lyrics, from the Last Supplement to the Whole Earth Catalog, edited by Ken Kesey and Paul Krassner in 1971:
https://www.ep.tc/realist/89/31.html
https://www.ep.tc/realist/89/32.html
https://www.ep.tc/realist/89/33.html
Peace and love,
Otomi
I'm thrilled that I am the only one that hates this band....silly bastards
ploba wrote:
It's not unimaginative.
what an unimaginative, boring, annoying, stupid song
It's not unimaginative.
BikeCoachDave wrote:
True words spoken by the esteemed bike coach. As a huge DMB fan I can relate.
I dont 'hate' on the Dead, I just dont enjoy them. They just dont speak to me. But I do feel I relate to those that do follow the dead as I am a monster Rush fan. So putting up with the haters and those that just dont get it is familiar territory.
True words spoken by the esteemed bike coach. As a huge DMB fan I can relate.
For me, the Dead became an aquired taste as time wore on. But looking back on it now, it's just one more reason why i love this band.
ploba wrote:
Please don't dominate the rap, Jack, if you got nothing new to say...it's obvious you know nothing about this song's origins.
what an unimaginative, boring, annoying, stupid song
Please don't dominate the rap, Jack, if you got nothing new to say...it's obvious you know nothing about this song's origins.
BikeCoachDave wrote:
True words spoken by the esteemed bike coach. As a huge Phish fan I can relate.
I dont 'hate' on the Dead, I just dont enjoy them. They just dont speak to me. But I do feel I relate to those that do follow the dead as I am a monster Rush fan. So putting up with the haters and those that just dont get it is familiar territory.
True words spoken by the esteemed bike coach. As a huge Phish fan I can relate.
what an unimaginative, boring, annoying, stupid song
Always dug this song. And this album with American Beauty were their best.
One of a few Dead songs I can stand.
willem wrote:
Maybe it´s a Dutch thing but I can´t stand them either.
I agree with my fellow Dutchmen. Working men's dead on monday – I yearn for tuesday
Maybe it´s a Dutch thing but I can´t stand them either.
Jesus, these guys could bore a nucluear explosion back into it's shell!
Now that is some funny stuff!
It took me a while to hear what The Grateful Dead were doing with the music, and once I did, it opened me up to a whole lot of other music, just being able to listen to how a group could work together to create a sonic landscape.
I would never put somebody down for not hearing/understanding that, but I do get tired of hearing folks dis a band that brought so many people ecstatic pleasure.
New Speedway Boogie is just one hell of a blues tune.
dBdwg wrote:
gezzz kcar, sounds to me like you're still a bit of a pencil dick......
No, I get along with everybody. Tried to get along with this small circle of 5-6 Deadheads at college, but they were jerks to just about everybody. Phil Burtner wasn't the worst but he sticks in my mind. He's probably a fairly decent guy now.
Most of the Deadheads I've met were/are nice people but the whole scene seemed to make more of the band and the music than they deserved.
The Dead rightfully have a huge place in American rock but this strip still makes me LOL:
https://www.achewood.com/index.php?date=02282008
gezzz kcar, sounds to me like you're still a bit of a pencil dick......
No, I get along with everybody. Tried to get along with this small circle of 5-6 Deadheads at college, but they were jerks to just about everybody. Phil Burtner wasn't the worst but he sticks in my mind. He's probably a fairly decent guy now.
Most of the Deadheads I've met were/are nice people but the whole scene seemed to make more of the band and the music than they deserved.
The Dead rightfully have a huge place in American rock but this strip still makes me LOL:
https://www.achewood.com/index.php?date=02282008
I agree with my fellow Dutchmen. Working men's dead on monday – I yearn for tuesday
This is really bad.
BikeCoachDave wrote:
Don't enjoy the Dead, or Rush, but I still agree with you.
I dont 'hate' on the Dead, I just dont enjoy them. They just dont speak to me. But I do feel I relate to those that do follow the dead as I am a monster Rush fan. So putting up with the haters and those that just dont get it is familiar territory.
Don't enjoy the Dead, or Rush, but I still agree with you.
Dead = 10
Deal with it.
Deal with it.
the most aptly named band EVAH...
I dont 'hate' on the Dead, I just dont enjoy them. They just dont speak to me. But I do feel I relate to those that do follow the dead as I am a monster Rush fan. So putting up with the haters and those that just dont get it is familiar territory.
making my beer and listening to some tunes. The sun is out and the flowers are up. Life is good.
Love the guitar but not the vocals so much
Never was a huge fan of the Dead, but if I were ever to get one of their albums, it would probably be this one. Lots of good memories.
NickDanger wrote:
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardless.
It was their fourth studio recording, as I recall.
EDIT: They debuted with Grateful Dead. That was followed up with Aoxomoxoa and Anthem of the Sun.
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardless.
It was their fourth studio recording, as I recall.EDIT: They debuted with Grateful Dead. That was followed up with Aoxomoxoa and Anthem of the Sun.
Just saw Lesh & Weir play this song live last Friday in Chicago - 
karljonasson wrote:
I'll admit, I LOLed.
I've never gotten the Dead, but man I seem to have a ton of friends who are Deadheads, including one guy who saw them a total of 185 times over the years. They tend to be pretty harmless folks with a bemused attitude toward life.
Much better than the friends who grew up and became yuppie jerks.
Whether you love or hate the Dead, you gotta check this out! (Prepare to laugh your ass off) (click here)
I'll admit, I LOLed.
I've never gotten the Dead, but man I seem to have a ton of friends who are Deadheads, including one guy who saw them a total of 185 times over the years. They tend to be pretty harmless folks with a bemused attitude toward life.
Much better than the friends who grew up and became yuppie jerks.
anotherlistener wrote:
Yes, he spells his name . . . Danger.
And a pizza to go with no anchovies!
NickDanger wrote:
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardlesIsIs that NickDanger Third Eye?
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardlesIs
Yes, he spells his name . . . Danger.
And a pizza to go with no anchovies!
NickDanger wrote:
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardlesIs
Is that NickDanger Third Eye?
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardlesIs
jarrudy wrote:
absolutely correct. and not enough 'boogie' in normal life these days. let's change that
That's a sentiment that I can second!
absolutely correct. and not enough 'boogie' in normal life these days. let's change that
That's a sentiment that I can second!Gar gar gar...bage. If I never hear GD again...it'll be too soon.
Prior to this, the Grateful Dead issued their first album "The Grateful Dead." Off the top of my head, they followed that with "Anthem of the Sun" which was a mix of studio and live, Aoxomoxoa, which was a studio album, Live / Dead which was a live album. No doubt there may be some intervening work.
NickDanger wrote:
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardless.
NickDanger wrote:
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardless.
In the heat of the sun a man died of cold.
kcar wrote:
Very funny. I knew some Deadheads in college and they were the biggest screwups and assholes. Only one of them graduated on time...barely. Unfortunately I've associated the band with those clowns for too long. Phil Burtner, here's hoping that you're just a little less of a pencil dick these days.
gezzz kcar, sounds to me like you're still a bit of a pencil dick......
Very funny. I knew some Deadheads in college and they were the biggest screwups and assholes. Only one of them graduated on time...barely. Unfortunately I've associated the band with those clowns for too long. Phil Burtner, here's hoping that you're just a little less of a pencil dick these days.
gezzz kcar, sounds to me like you're still a bit of a pencil dick......
birdland wrote:
Yeah, me too.
Great piece of vinyl.
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardless.
Yeah, me too.
Great piece of vinyl.
Wasn't this the Dead's first studio album? Think it was...
Great stuff, regardless.
not a dead fan but this album is a real pleasure when he mood strikes
Oh yeah!
Love this song!
Love this song!
karljonasson wrote:
Very funny. I knew some Deadheads in college and they were the biggest screwups and assholes. Only one of them graduated on time...barely. Unfortunately I've associated the band with those clowns for too long. Phil Burtner, here's hoping that you're just a little less of a pencil dick these days.
Whether you love or hate the Dead, you gotta check this out! (Prepare to laugh your ass off) (click here)
Very funny. I knew some Deadheads in college and they were the biggest screwups and assholes. Only one of them graduated on time...barely. Unfortunately I've associated the band with those clowns for too long. Phil Burtner, here's hoping that you're just a little less of a pencil dick these days.
karljonasson wrote:
So funny because it's true.
Whether you love or hate the Dead, you gotta check this out! (Prepare to laugh your ass off)
(click here)
(click here)
So funny because it's true.
Hannio wrote:
Yeah, me too.
Great piece of vinyl.
I've been listening to this album for around 30 years. Never get tired of it.
Yeah, me too.
Great piece of vinyl.
karljonasson wrote:
oops, laughed the damn thing right off...
Whether you love or hate the Dead, you gotta check this out! (Prepare to laugh your ass off)
(click here)
(click here)
oops, laughed the damn thing right off...
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
absolutely correct. and not enough 'boogie' in normal life these days. let's change that
Not enough songs with "boogie" in the title nowadays.
absolutely correct. and not enough 'boogie' in normal life these days. let's change that
this made my day!Mugro wrote:
"If the thunder don't getcha then the lightning will" 
except that lightning comes BEFORE thunder
karljonasson wrote:
Whether you love or hate the Dead, you gotta check this out! (Prepare to laugh your ass off)
(click here)
Yet another Robert Hunter song lyric that is vastly deeper than first appears.
"If the thunder don't getcha then the lightning will"
Whether you love or hate the Dead, you gotta check this out! (Prepare to laugh your ass off)
(click here)
gets me thinkin bout Little Feet - both great
I've been happily married to a happy dead-head for 28 years....and still, this never gets tired for me! thanks, Bill!
Altamont! 
Well, there's Phil Lesh and Friends, which is an excellent band. You can listen to them at www.archive.org or www.phillesh.net. Or bug these guys to play 'em.
Not enough songs with "boogie" in the title nowadays.
Leslie wrote:
Nice to hear some old Dead.
What other kind is there? New Dead?
Probably one of my favorite lyrical songs by them
The Dead will never die.
I don't know, but I been told....
Leslie wrote:
Nice to hear some old Dead.
Or not, since I missed it.
rdr wrote:
what happened to the new TP song??
Toilet paper would be appropriate.
Thanks Bill!one of my fav's 
Thanks Bill........
Thanks Bill........Nice to hear some old Dead.
I've been listening to this album for around 30 years. Never get tired of it.
One of my favorite GD tunes.
Good tune.