The Grateful Dead was a rock band known for its unique mix of rock, folk, country, jazz, and blues. They built a loyal fanbase called Deadheads who followed them from concert to concert.

With their long, free-flowing live jams and poetic lyrics, the band became a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

They weren’t just about music; they created a whole experience, blending storytelling with rhythm. Their impact lasted long beyond their active years, shaping how live music and fan culture changed in the decades that followed.

About the Song

Brown Eyed Women is a present, roots-inspired song that mixes American folk storytelling with bluesy guitar and heartfelt lyrics.

It tells the story of hardship and strength through generations. The melody is smooth, and the lyrics paint clear scenes of life, family, and change.

Brown Eyed Women Lyrics by the Grateful Dead

Verse 1

Gone are the days when the ox fall down
Take up the yoke and plow the fields around
Gone are the days when the ladies said “Please
Gentle Jack Jones, won’t you come to me”

Chorus

Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty, but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin’ down
And it looks like the old man’s gettin’ on

Verse 2

1920 when he stepped to the bar
Drank to the dregs of the whiskey jar
1930 when the wall caved in
He paved his way selling red-eyed gin

Chorus

Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty, but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin’ down
And it looks like the old man’s gettin’ on

Verse 3

Delilah Jones was the mother of twins
Two times over, and the rest were sins
Raised eight boys, only I turned bad
Didn’t get the lickin’s that the other ones had

Chorus

Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty, but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin’ down
And it looks like the old man’s gettin’ on

Bridge

Tumble down shack in Big Foot county
Snowed so hard that the roof caved in
Delilah Jones went to meet her God
And the old man never was the same again

Verse 4

Daddy made whiskey and he made it well
Cost two dollars and it burned like hell
I cut hick’ry just to fire the still
Drink down the bottle and be ready to kill

Chorus

Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty, but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin’ down
And it looks like the old man’s gettin’ on

Verse 5

Gone are the days when the ox fall down
Take up the yoke and plow the fields around
Gone are the days when the ladies said “Please
Gentle Jack Jones, won’t you come to me?”

Outro

Brown-eyed women and red grenadine
The bottle was dusty, but the liquor was clean
Sound of the thunder with the rain pourin’ down
And it looks like the old man’s gettin’ on

Live Performances of the Grateful Dead

1. Live Performances of the Grateful Dead (Buckeye Lake 7/1/92)

2. Live Performance of the Grateful Dead (Live at Giants Stadium 06/17/91)

3. Live Performance of the Grateful Dead (Live at Winterland, San Francisco, CA, 3/20/1977)

Meaning and Background of the Song

Brown Eyed Women tells the story of a man looking back at his family’s past. The lyrics talk about life during hard times, especially around the Great Depression.

Through simple words and strong images, it shows how people worked, struggled, and changed over time.

The brown eyed women likely stand for strength and memory, people from the past who shaped the man’s life. The song mixes sadness with pride, showing how pain and love are both part of growing up.

It is not just about one person’s story, but it shows the lives of many families in American history.

Similar Songs Like Brown Eyed Women

If you enjoy Brown Eyed Women, here are a few other songs by the Grateful Dead that capture a similar vibe of storytelling, emotion, and musical charm:

• Ripple: Filled with spiritual themes and poetic lyrics, this acoustic tune uses simple melody and meaning to create a timeless piece of folk-rock beauty.
• Uncle John’s Band: This song starts with a gentle acoustic rhythm and shares themes of unity and hope. It’s a soft but powerful anthem of community.
• Friend of the Devil: Telling a tale of mischief and escape, this fast-paced acoustic number blends folk and bluegrass influences in a clever, catchy way.
• Box of Rain: An emotional song about life, love, and death, written by bassist Phil Lesh for his dying father. It’s touching and beautifully arranged.

Similar Bands Like the Grateful Dead

Here are some similar bands you might like, each known for blending styles and offering deep, expressive music much like the Grateful Dead:

• The Allman Brothers Band
  Genre: Southern Rock, Blues Rock, Jam Band
  Top Albums: At Fillmore East (1971), Brothers and Sisters (1973), Eat a Peach (1972)

• Phish
  Genre: Jam Band, Progressive Rock, Funk Rock
  Top Albums: Billy Breathes (1996), A Picture of Nectar (1992), Junta (1989)

• Neil Young
  Genre: Folk Rock, Rock, Country Rock
  Top Albums: Harvest (1972), After the Gold Rush (1970), Tonight’s the Night (1975)

• The Band
  Genre: Roots Rock, Americana, Folk Rock
  Top Albums: Music from Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often was Brown-Eyed Women Sung in Concerts?

It was played live 347 times, making it a setlist regular.

Does Brown-Eyed Women have a Fan Discussion Online?

Yes, fans often debate its story, characters, and symbolism.