When this song was first played live over the earliest months of 1968, it was often sandwiched between "Dark Star" and "The Eleven." In 1968 it was played in the key of E as well; over time they would switch to the key of G for this song and there it would stay until the end of the band's career together. Perhaps most interestingly, on the early live versions (again, 1968), Garcia plays the distinctive lead part we all know and love instead of Bob Weir, who would eventually play it while Garcia played the bit that you hear opening the song behind it. I love the early '68 versions - they had a bite to them, much heavier than you'd expect. Check out the one from Crystal Ballroom, Portland OR 2/3/68. Incredible stuff!
When this song was first played live over the earliest months of 1968, it was often sandwiched between "Dark Star" and "The Eleven." In 1968 it was played in the key of E as well; over time they would switch to the key of G for this song and there it would stay until the end of the band's career together. Perhaps most interestingly, on the early live versions (again, 1968), Garcia plays the distinctive lead part we all know and love instead of Bob Weir, who would eventually play it while Garcia played the bit that you hear opening the song behind it. I love the early '68 versions - they had a bite to them, much heavier than you'd expect. Check out the one from Crystal Ballroom, Portland OR 2/3/68. Incredible stuff!