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Playing in the Band Lyrics
Some folks trust to reason others trust to might,
I don't trust to nothin', but I know it comes out right.
Say it once again now, Whoa, I hope you'll understand
When it's done and over, Lord, a man is just a man.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
Some folks look for answers others look for fights,
Some folks up in treetops just a looking for their kites.
Whoa, I can tell your future just look what's in your hand,
But I can't stop for nothin' I'm just playing in the band.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
Standin' on a tower world at my command
You just keep a turnin' while I'm playing in the band.
And if a man among you got no sin upon his hand
Let him cast a stone at me for playing in the band.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
I don't trust to nothin', but I know it comes out right.
Say it once again now, Whoa, I hope you'll understand
When it's done and over, Lord, a man is just a man.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
Some folks look for answers others look for fights,
Some folks up in treetops just a looking for their kites.
Whoa, I can tell your future just look what's in your hand,
But I can't stop for nothin' I'm just playing in the band.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
Standin' on a tower world at my command
You just keep a turnin' while I'm playing in the band.
And if a man among you got no sin upon his hand
Let him cast a stone at me for playing in the band.
Playin', playin' in the band. Daybreak, daybreak on the land.
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How has no one commented on this song?
Quite possibly one of the best songs they jam out to
I cant believe it either! this is an awesome song to chill to if your drinking and playing some cards.....a song everyone can enjoy!! jerry garcia was a GOD!
i think this song is an answer for the followers of the band. bobby is saying "i'm not a messiah, i don't have the answers, i'm just playing in the band." they can't be held responsible for what the dead heads do, you know? they're just playing music.
he's obviously comparing himself to jesus, too. maybe as a misunderstood prophet?
the recording on Weir's album "Ace" is worth a nomination for best Dead studio recording ever. Take a listen and agree with me...
@orphan_yachts Yes, absolutely agree! Hands-down that is the one Dead studio track that accurately captured the essence of the song as performed live by the band.
@orphan_yachts Yes, absolutely agree! Hands-down that is the one Dead studio track that accurately captured the essence of the song as performed live by the band.
First released on 'Skulls & Roses' in 1971 and written by Robert Hunter and Bob Weir, who sang the song for the Dead. The song often appeared towards the end of a first live set, and, encouraged by Deadheads, the band very often used the song as an end to their famous jams that would encompass several songs.
Bobby was trying to tell Deadheads that the dead weren't Gods, they just wanted to play their music and have people listen.
*When performed by the Grateful Dead, the lyrics read "Some folks up in treetops, just look to see the sights..."
When performed by Bob Weir on Ace, several changes are made, including singing the above line as it is seen in these lyrics: "Some folks up in treetops, just looking for their kites."
He also sings "Daybreak while I'm playing in the band," in place of "Daybreak, daybreak on the land," and in some places sings "Playing, like a wave upon the sand."
Also known as the "Main Ten," because of the irregular meter; Hunter and Weir wrote the tune in ten.
I always loved the verse "I can tell your future, just look what's in your hand." Your present actions determine your future. (I can't tell you how many times I heard that verse live with a joint in my hand. Eventually though I'd hear it and I'd have my partner in my arms....)
Hands down my #1 favorite Dead song of all. Check out the 45+ minute monster jam version from 5/21/74 in Seattle - whoa! (My personal all-time favorite tripping tune...)
I've always viewed "playing in the band" as a larger metaphor for life & living in general. "If a man among you got no sin upon his hand/Let him cast a stone at me for playing in the band..."
We're all just "playing in the band", so be and let be.
Peace, be well.