Dark Hollow has been performed by several artists, including the Grateful Dead and Tom T. Hall, each adding their style to this bluegrass favorite.
The Grateful Dead, a band formed in California in the 1960s and became known for mixing rock, folk, and country.
Tom T. Hall, born in Kentucky, brought strong storytelling and southern charm to his music. His version of Dark Hollow stayed true to its bluegrass roots, keeping the song simple, heartfelt, and timeless.
Over time, other voices also helped keep Dark Hollow alive in the world of bluegrass music.
About the Song
Dark Hollow is about wanting to escape sadness and live a peaceful life in the mountains. Tom T. Hall sings it with a soft, thoughtful country sound, full of quiet longing.
Grateful Dead’s version is more upbeat and folksy, giving the song a free, wandering feel. Together, both show the same wish to leave troubles behind and find a better place.
| Detail | Tom T. Hall | Grateful Dead |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 1978 | July 13, 1973 |
| Album | New Train Same Rider | N/A |
| Writer | Traditional (arranged by Tom T. Hall) | Bill Browning |
| Producer | Tom T. Hall & Roy Dea | James Austin, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Jerry Garcia, David Lemieux, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann & Owsley Stanley |
Dark Hollow Lyrics by Grateful Dead
I’d rather be in some dark hollow
Where the sun don’t ever shine
Than to be at home alone just knowing that she’ gone
That would cause me to lose my mind
So freight train blow your whistle
Take me far on down the track
I’m going away, I’m leaving today
I’m leaving but I ain’t coming back
I’d rather be in some dark hollow
Where the sun don’t ever shine
Than to be in this dumb big city Lord
In a small room with her on my mind
So blow your whistle freight train
Take me far on down the track
I’m going away, I’m leaving today
I am goin’ but I ain’t coming back
Dark Hollow Lyrics by Tom T. Hall
Verse 1
I’d rather be in some dark hollow where the sun don’t ever shine
Then to be at home alone and knowing that you’re gone
Would cause me to lose my mind
Chorus
Well blow your whistle freight train carry me far on down the track
Well I’m going away, I’m leaving today
I’m going, but I ain’t coming back
Verse 2
I’d rather be in some dark hollow where the sun don’t ever shine
Then to be in some big city, in a small room
With you upon my mind
Chorus
So blow your whistle freight train carry me far on down the track
Well I’m going away, I’m leaving today
I’m going but I ain’t coming back
So blow your whistle freight train carry me far on down the track
Well I’m going away, I’m leaving today
I’m going but I ain’t coming back
Outro
I’m going away, I’m leaving today
I’m going but I ain’t coming back
Other Artists Who Performed the Song
Here is a list of popular artists who have performed Dark Hollow with similar or identical lyrics, especially in bluegrass and folk contexts:
- Bill Browning
- Jimmie Skinner
- David Grisman
- Mac Wiseman
- Ralph Stanley
- Grateful Dead
- Muleskinner
- David Bromberg
- Amythyst Kiah
- Kentucky Colonels
- Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers
- Seldom Scene
- Joe Val & The New England Bluegrass Boys
Similar Songs Like Dark Hollow
If you enjoy the sound and feeling of Dark Hollow, you might like these similar songs by the same artists:
- Ripple: This gentle, poetic song feels like a quiet walk through nature. Its calm melody and thoughtful lyrics make it timeless.
- Uncle John’s Band: A bright, upbeat tune filled with harmonies and storytelling. It brings the feeling of community and music together beautifully.
- That’s How I Got to Memphis: Story-driven song about searching for lost love in a new city. It’s slow, soft, and full of feeling and regret.
- The Year That Clayton Delaney Died: A touching tribute to an old friend who taught music. It’s full of memories, emotion, and small-town life.
Similar Artists Like The Grateful Dead & Tom T. Hall
Fans of the unique sound of The Grateful Dead and Tom T. Hall will enjoy these artists who offer a similar vibe, style, or storytelling:
-
The Band
Genre: Folk Rock, Americana, Roots Rock
Top Albums: Music from Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970) -
Neil Young
Genre: Folk Rock, Rock, Country Rock
Top Albums: Harvest (1972), After the Gold Rush (1970), Rust Never Sleeps (1979) -
Kris Kristofferson
Genre: Country, Americana, Folk
Top Albums: Kristofferson (1970), The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971), Border Lord (1972) -
John Prine
Genre: Country Folk, Americana
Top Albums: John Prine (1971), Sweet Revenge (1973), The Tree of Forgiveness (2018)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so Many Artists Cover this Tune in Concerts?
Its lyrics and melody let musicians add their own style, keeping it fresh and popular.
How did the Song’s Lyrics Connect with Bluegrass Fans?
The words about longing and loneliness fit the bluegrass tradition and touch many listeners.
Why do People Still Request this Tune at Live Shows?
It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings energy and nostalgia to bluegrass and folk performances.
