Review - Ripple (Grateful dead)

Rating :


Overall: 8/10
Lyrics: 7/10


Style: Country/folk
Album: American Beauty
Released: 1970
Band: The grateful Dead
Written by: Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter


"There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone."

Cant say this song was all about inspiration. This song may not feature in all time hits of different music critics. But beyond doubt, the song is one of the most beautiful ones i have heard. The lyrics has a spiritual cut into it ("spiritual" doesn't read religion as many of my friends know I don't follow any religion) The song does justice to Hunters song writing capabilities, and turned out to be the best ones in the Album along with "friend of a devil" and the like of "truckin."


The song is crafted as a country- folk song. The song shows the Dead at their creative high, with balanced notes and a well managed composition. This one is one of them songs - the songs I like to hear when I need to have that "peaceful easy feeling."

Here goes the Lyrics:

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

You who choose to lead must follow,
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.

La dee da da da, La da da da da, Da da da, Da da, Da da da da da
La da da da, La da da, Da da, La da da da, La da, Da da.

For some of the song facts, visit:
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=8078

Comments??