Grateful Dead

I always thought of Hunter's lyrics as this:when a person reckons something they are essentially assuming. You can make all the assumptions that you want, but in the end what do you really know? As the saying goes you should never assume because it makes an ASS out of U and ME. The only other reasoning that I saw fit is when you think of the definition of reckoning - to account for something - mostly this is used with regard to physical items, but can also be used in a non tangible way, ie: to be accountable for yourself. Due to the personal nature of the song I always held these to be more evident. Again, I think that Barlow's version of reckoning is being used more in the intangible sense. He speeks of a reckoning that we bring upon ourselves. I think his lyrics are based more around the concept of karma otherwise we can expect to bring a reckoning upon ourselves... definitely more apocolyptic: I'm dumpin' my trash in your back yard Makin' certain you don't notice really isn't so hard You're so busy with your guns and all of your excuses to use them. Well, it's oil for the rich and babies for the poor, We got everyone believin' that more is more, If a reckoning comes, maybe we will know what to do then This is the great thing about music though, is that everyone interprets it differently. ~littlebri

there is a well established method of navigation called dead reckoning, which basically means using maps/charts and a compass and the occasional application of a parallel rule and a pair of dividers. Of course, if your compass always points to Terrapin... Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.

Can anyone scan a photo of the inside LP art you were talking about? Lost all my cd/tapes to the ex. Thanks ____________________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

I agree when you said "The Reckoning" is like this primal turning point when all is laid bare." No matter how we interpret "reckoning" it is when we are in our most vulnerable state, everything really is laid bare. There are so many things that picture could be. I always looked at it and believed that we are the only thing that stands in the way of what we want. Everything comes back to your attitude and the way you perceive things. Once you sort of have this realization and practice it, the bones no longer stand in your way and your mind and your heart are syncronized with each other creating this sort of "enlightened" view of life. I think that was the artist's interpretation of life, and it's a lot easier to get through when you have joy. Then it really is a ride. ~littlebri

nice avatar. I love Jesus too. check out: greateststoryevertold.org Jesus Loves You The Best! greateststoryevertold.org

I had experienced some pretty bad trauma in a "new religious movement" at the end of my teens. Most of you would know these groups as "cults". Several of you likely have had positive experiences with this particular group known as the Hare Krishna movement. I spent four years involved with that group. Met some really nice people, met others that were "not so nice". I split and moved to the Haight Ashbury after that and became immersed in the culture of the neighborhood. I started to go to shows and found myself deeply moved by the music and the community. Going to shows was/is like going to church for me (but not as a rabid convert). The shows really helped me re-create my self. The shows were the only place that I could legitimately re-integrate with not just a sub-culture, but with the greater society, in the ways that are acceptable to me. I have a strong aversion to religion. Hopefully, the summer tour of 2009 will help me relax, enjoy the moment, and see what we can create... Peace, Jim

i'm sorry you had such a bad experience....when dealing with zealots things can be very unpleasant......but i DO know........it's about faith.......and i don't insist that others feel the same, just accept that i do...... i need some shows too!!

absolutely Amazing!!! love and peace.

What a great Amazing Grace, don't think I've heard it before. Make me wish even more an album of Jerry Gospel could be put out and the proceeds donated to charity.

Pizza tapes, home delivery available for that pizza. http://www.dawgnet.com/acd_html/acd41.html worth the coin to own that CD. this is kind of cool, too. http://www.deaddisc.com/books/Amazing_Grace.htm peace.

I joined this site to see if i could find any information from Robert Hunter concerning a song he crafted (but have loved Grateful Dead since my 18th summer, that of '72). It was a wonderful tune; i was astonished that he was the author, as i had not been aware of any connection between him and the subject -- although i knew he was a Piper, from a tune/word poem from his album, Tales of the Great Rum Runners. That too was a fine piece, i still recall snippets of the words -- accompanied by a lone piper, himself -- the words concerned the birth of a child: be sure you cut it [umbilical cord] with a sharp blade; and, in that moment "all eternity comes clear." I played the tune for me father, an accomplished piper, and i still recall the growing wonder [i mean, who could blame him?] on his face, til he beamed: "This is Excellent Piping!" I happened to do a word search on youtube: grateful dead chieftains, because i knew jerry had actually interviewed their main guy on the radio in SF back when. The only search result was "The Ballad of Ronnie Drew." The opening verse: Here's to the Ronnie, the voice we adore Like coals from a coal bucket scraping the floor Sing out his praises in music and malt And if you're not Irish, that isn't your fault ___________________ (in your case it is!) _________________ The song is a beautiful tribute to a man of worth, sung by a whole bunch of UNSELFCONSCIOUSLY good people. Hoping to find some information from Mr. Hunter [grandson of Scottish Presbyterian Minister, I hear] how he came to know Mr. Drew, what was his involvement in the project, i entered "irish" as a search term. What is the hit? fuck the irish. this was a post by the moderator? fucking bloody hell. you enlightened self-consciously positive ditzes are really dumb.

inner hebridean you may find these words written by Hunter interesting: Willy Morris Lyrics: Robert Hunter Music: Robert Hunter I'm a vagabond evangelist with a mighty healing touch I'm one-half fighting Irish and one-half double Dutch My name is Willy Morris I preach the revalation I'm a rough-and-ready rider in the service of the Kingdom When I call the power down short men stand up taller the lame and halt kick up their heels, the dumb begin to holler Upon the stage I strut my stuff with sanctifying grace Righteousness within my soul and rapture on my face Don't turn away Step up and see what I can do when you believe I was born a Jersey boy My folks had wealth and pull One thing about good people they do get dreadful dull When I took up testifying they said: Don't bring us shame If you work this country, son be sure and change your name The Lord wants you to dress in style and drive the very best Long as you take care of me, I'll take care of the rest One thing about the Kingdom since it always Kingdom Come I get by on glory be plus tambourine and drum Don't turn away Step up and see what I can do when you believe I'm honest as the people who admit to being saved yet grow as mean as any weed on any beggar's grave Squirm, you sinners, howl and moan The devil is your due But if you will take care of me I will take care of you I'm a vagabond evangelist with a mighty healing touch I'm one-half fighting Irish and one-half double Dutch My name is Willy Morris I preach the revalation I'm a rough-and-ready rider in the service of the Kingdom Don't turn away Step up and see what I can do when you believe when you believe when you believe actually, quite suitable for this, religious space. and, innerhebrideadn, please, no more name calling or abuse toward anybody, let alone to our darling marye.

Don't worry MaryE ! I'll be more than happy to take care of this rude rude person. And the road goes on forever.... BobbaLee

Hey Now All Just wanted to wish a Happy Holy Week to all my brothers in sisters in Christ For those traveling and attending shows in the next few weeks may you be safe The Cat

easter week is the celebration of the basis of the christian religion. the rebirth of Christ! i wanna wish a happy easter to all, everyone, here and the world over...whether you believe or not, peace be with you!!

And when the chief Shepard shall appear, ye shall recieve a crown of glory that FADETH NOT AWAY. 1Peter,5:4 Thank you Jesus Peace to all Have a great tour

As I felt the Earth reach up to grab me my heart nearly leaped out of my shirt. Turning my gaze Heavenward I listened , straining my soul to hear the spoken word. No word came. Loosing my grip on what my foundation seemed to be was never an option before. I had not prepared myself for what I did not know was possible. No forethought came to my rescue in that moment which was held together only by the dry rotted chords of my broken expectations and past experiences stored together in a messy heap. What was I thinking? Was I able to see what my mind had never perceived with the clarity of already always knowing? What we do not know about others is what shaped their experience. Which thought connected with which event at which point in their own circular existence? Unless we knew this miraculous bit of information, which even the individual experiencing it can not locate in their own string of synapses, we would not be able to assist them. That is why it is important to remember to have Tolerance. We might not be as evolved as we think we are. Deity is in between Realities we all are experiencing just waiting for us to let go of what we think we know so we can start learning. Our own perception is what gives it a name so we can access the file at a later date and relive the experience of contact. Dropping the definitions we cling to and accepting the value of the experience is essential if we are to develop tolerance for what others outside of our selves are experiencing. Please love each other as individuals not equals, better than, or lesser. These are the definitions that divide and give rise to subconscious prejudice based living. Love is the Key to Tolerance. Be good to each other. Blessings to you all.

but more than i know.......

I am a christian and a deadhead. I believe that Jesus died for all of us and that he was a real person. He WAS God in the human flesh. Whether you understand it or not it is the truth. The grateful dead scene is a way (if you understand "the dead".... which requires a certain open mindness that many have) that people can experience what god wanted for all of us. At a show ( sadly these places are not the same any more) you can understand.... IF YOU HAVE THE DESIRE TOO. YOU HAVE TO WANT TRUE WISDOME. I have studied many religions and they all make "sense" in a certain light. If you have ever had that certian grateful dead/JERRY experience you know what I mean. Yes, Phish and other jambands can take you to "that" certian place. But it is NOT EVEN CLOSE the hights that can be reached when the Grateful dead are on top of YOUR game. Phish and other jambands can provide psychadelic bliss....no doubt. But it is that psychadelic happiness and certain "place" that no other band can create. It is through this "place" that you can (and many of us do) see "the light". IF YOU DON"T BELIEVE IN GOD YOU ARE NOT A TRUE DEADHEAD! I know so many people that love the dead and don't believe in GOD. If you don't see the beauty of god when you listen to the dead....YOU ARE JUST A DEADHEAD!. You are simply a person that listens to amazing music. I know Jerry would not back me on this point, but he knows now. Let the dead point you toward the truth. It's amazing what they can do when you have "been there" and continue listening....clean. Jerry had no idea how great of a spiritual leader really was. He pointed strait towards God... whether you like it or not. You all are wonderful! Listen!

sigh........ oh well there's yet another reason why I am not a true deadhead.... thanks Woodruff for helping me and my fellow lesser beings understand our place in the world. Maybe I should say that if you make bullying judgemental divisive pronouncements about people you don't know then you are not a true Christian....but I won't.

CB. And will bite back a whole bunch of other comments, cuz I can see that woodruff means to be peaceful with that post-though I do take offense at the way some things are written.********************************** It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine

Some time back I was working in the Middle East. My local counterpart was a really nice young guy, and a very devout and serious Muslim. We got on well because we both liked the work we were doing and did not let our different backgrounds get in the way of that. Sometimes he did get a bit preachy though, and often told me that he felt sorry for me, because of the hellish torments that awaited non believers like me in the next world. One day he was driving along the highway far too fast, lecturing me about saving my soul and not paying attention to the road, when a truck up ahead slammed on its brakes. I noticed what had happened and yelled at him to stop; he looked up and braked very late, we went into a long, heartstopping, scary skid and stopped inches short of the back of the truck. He pulled over, as we were both shaken up. If I had not shouted we would have slammed into the truck for sure. I was quite angry and told him this: “ It’s alright for you buddy, if we get mashed up on the highway you get to go to paradise, but, as you keep telling me, I am bound for the eternal pains of hell. So how about being a friend, driving more carefully and letting me stay around to enjoy this world a little longer?” He thought about it, laughed, apologised, drove a lot more carefully from then on and eased up a bit on the preaching too.

wonderful post friend badger, and i sincerely admire the restraint you and pal tigerlily are displaying. as you both know i struggle with my faith on a daily basis. each morning i remind myself "the lord will provide" and he always does, and each time it surprises me in it's simple truth. i'm sure god has pointed me to my fellow deadheads as people of understanding the same as he gives me the strength to attend mass. i can agree with woodruff480's post, but only because we all look at god in a different way, and we may not even call "it" "god". it's all part of the "one" i guess. i won't try to force jesus on you but i know he is my savior. i feel his presence now as i type this and i feel his presence in my fellow deadheads because of their kindness. after all, he was just sent here to give us all some really good advice.....love each other......please!!...........i know i hadda cookie here someplace......

The way you look at God and religion is A. OK!!!!!!!! YOU never said things like "IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD; YOU'RE NOT A TRUE DEADHEAD"! When you talk about Mass, and your belief, is about what YOU believe, without slandering others. More Power to ya, brother johnman! And cake too!********************************** It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine

My connection to organized religion is a Christian one. I'm an active member of a Christian community (just came home from church and a deacons meeting). I am also an avid follower of the music of the Dead and find the experience to be a deeply spiritual one. I am generally comfortable with using Christian language to describe my experience of God. However, I have found insights into understanding God in Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and countless other places, including a Dead show! Most Deadheads I talk with experience something bigger than themselves at a show. I am comfortable with calling that God, but I' ve met atheists and agnostics who have experiences similar to mine but would not call it God. This is cool with me! The important thing is that we all understand we are sisters and brothers that are part of something bigger than ourselves. One of the most important aspects of God for Christians is that God is merciful and compassionate. Jesus said "Judge not, that ye be not judged". If God does exist (which I personally believe) is it possible that God is big enough to not be concerned with our indivdual belief systems as long as we get the big picture, that we are all connected in a bigger way? Peace to you all. Treat your sisters and brothers with repect and "I know it'll come out right".

stated more eloquently then i........and pal tiger...i do not believe woodruff was intending to be judgmental or offensive, as tphokie said have we not all found something "higher" at a show? pardon me for speaking out.....i love you all

...........God Bless Everyone..........no exceptions!!

That woodruff had no malicious intent, thus was censoring myself quite a bit in how I responded :-)********************************** It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine

I can accept that Woodruff had no malicious intent. For me what matters is whether or not you are a righteous, kind person who tries to do the right thing and not to harm others. I have met such people of all faiths and no faiths (and likewise scary and evil people). For me goodness and kindness and transcendental experiences are related to our basic humanity, they are not the province of any one faith; there are an infinity of routes to those places. If folks find their way to there through their faith (or by any other way) then that is great, if they want to tell people about that then I have no problem. But if they want to tell me that their way is the right and only way to goodness (or to appreciating the Grateful Dead), then I get a bit antsy. That’s all. :-)

Badger-get antsy too bout 1 way is the ONLY way'ers********************************** It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine

I would like mine baked broiled or sizzledjohnman, badger, and tiger lily style thanking you very much. Thanks you guys for ............making sense. Making sense.....helps.

...and if you choose to believe in Love you are a Deadhead. If you choose to do evil, and go ripping people off in the parking lot for example, you are not a Deadhead and what goes around will come around. We are all unique and life and self-consciousness are true miracles and everybody has to find their own truth for themselves and it can't be forced on anybody. I believe in Jesus and all I ask is that you respect my choice and try not to hate me for it. Peace to all lovers of Love. All good things in all good time

Toward the end of Sunday service, the Minister asked, "How many of you have forgiven your enemies?" 80% held up their hands! The Minister then repeated his question. All responded this time, except one small elderly lady. Mrs. Neely? Are you not willing to forgive your enemies? " I don't have any" she replied, smiling sweetly. Mrs. Neely that is very unusual. How old are you? "Ninety-eight" she replied. "Oh, Mrs. Neely would you please come down in front and tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years and not have an enemy in the world? The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said, "I outlived the bitches."

heeheehee......i'm not sure how to respond to that hahaa....

good one wildstrings

in this particular forum, and i can't find it.......but it basically said that christians are supposed to spread the word of jesus....now, HOW they do it is what i think pisses off most people. i think i said that right.....(i hope)....heehee hee

good one wildstrings...

...everybody, it's the best medicine. I think you said it right too johnman.

Ben Stein's "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". In it he allows the top "evolutionary fundamentalists" of the day tell us in their own words that when it comes to the origin of life they don't have a clue as to how it happened. He also shows us that if you are an accredited scientist in America today and you so much as mention the possibility of "intelligent design", you will be fired, blacklisted, denied tenure, and labelled an "intellectual terrorist" by our government. It shows that the chance of life arising on it's own seems virtually impossible.Ben's main point is that if scientists wish to explore the idea of intelligent design they should be allowed to do so without the fear of having their careers ruined in an un-American way. Why is it that such intelligent beings as ourselves are so afraid that their might be an "intelligence" greater than us?

and I guess that's why I'm also not ready to pretend that I know. Life arising on it's own seems more likely to me than resulting from some grand design. Since there is no compelling, empirically testable evidence either way, I guess people will continue to do what they have always done: Believe whatever they want to. That seems to me to be just about right. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.

and why deny the search? The sit back, no can do approach won't get us anywhere and I have faith that there are a lot more things to be learned out there and our scientists need the freedom to search for them. But I guess nobody gives a darn. Let it be known There is a fountain That was not made By the hands of man

One man came out in the morning, looked up in the sky and said "The sun is the servant of the Lord, like a champion he runs his course from one end of the sky to the other" Overhearing this his neighbour replied "Don't be ridiculous, the sun is a ball of gas." The first man turned to his neighbour, smiled and said "Yup, no argument there."