| Grateful Dead – Sunrise Lyrics | 1 year ago |
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@[monsterwax:50578] This song specifically is about a Native American sunrise ceremony. It was written by the band's backup vocalist, who did not write most of the GD's songs. This sunrise ceremony in particular celebrated the life of one of the band's roadies, who had recently died. So it was basically a funeral. The ceremony was held by a Native American shaman who was tight with the band. Most Grateful Dead lyrics, however, were written by Robert Hunter, who once said, "I have very strong religious impulses. I've just never found a religion that can go one to one with that." His songs are replete with references and allusions to many religions and religious stories, imagery, and ideas, including everything from Christianity to Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Greek and Roman mythology, and many, many more. A lot of his songs are about outlaws and undesirable characters in mid-Century Americana in the tradition of Appalachia and middle English folklore within the larger framework of these deep religious impulses. And there's of course a dash of psychedelia. All in all, a well-rounded and well-sourced catalog. He was also a semiotician who translated the works of Rilke and others, so his literary credentials are enormous when compared with your average rock and roll song writers. This isn't just some hippie-dippie sunshine and rainbows band like many believe. In fact, much of the repertoire is very dark. The band was obsessive about death (it's even in the name) and with the darkness and evil that is a necessary prerequisite for good and light. In fact, good and evil are one in the same, is the greater message here. |
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