The Grateful Dead were an iconic American rock band formed in 1965, known for their eclectic mix of rock, folk, blues, and psychedelia.
They gained fame for their improvisational live performances and became cultural icons with a dedicated fan base called Deadheads.
With hits like Touch of Grey and Ripple, their music has continued to influence generations of artists. The band’s signature style is often marked by long jams and a spirit of music.
About the Song
Jack Straw is a lively, storytelling song about two wanderers, with themes of freedom and the rough life on the road.
The song features a catchy melody and lyrics filled with imagery of life on the move and camaraderie.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Jack Straw |
| Released | November 5, 1972 |
| Album | Dave’s Picks Vol. 22 |
| Writers | Bob Weir & Robert Hunter |
| Producer | The Grateful Dead |
Jack Straw Lyrics by Grateful Dead
” width=”2000″ height=”1125″ class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-35642″ />
Verse 1
We can share the women, we can share the wine
We can share what we got of yours ’cause we done shared all of mine
Keep on rollin’, just a mile to go
Keep on rollin’ my old buddy, you’re movin’ much too slow
Verse 2
I just jumped the watchman, right outside the fence
Took his rings, four bucks in change, ain’t that heaven sent?
Hurts my ears to listen, Shannon, burns my eyes to see
Cut down a man in cold blood, Shannon, might as well been me
Verse 3
We used to play for silver, now we play for life
And one’s for sport one’s for blood at the point of a knife
And now the die is shaken, now the die must fall
There ain’t a winner in the game, he don’t go home with all
Not with all
Verse 4
Leavin’ Texas, fourth day of July
Sun so hot, the clouds so low, the eagles filled the sky
Catch the Detroit lightnin’ out of Sante Fe
The Great Northern out of Cheyenne, from sea to shining sea
Verse 5
Gotta go to Tulsa, first train we can ride
Gotta settle one old score, one small point of pride
There ain’t a place a man can hide, Shannon will keep him from the sun
Ain’t a bed can give us rest now, you keep us on the run
Verse 6
Jack Straw from Wichita cut his buddy down
And dug for him a shallow grave and laid his body down
Half a mile from Tucson, by the morning light
One man gone and another to go
My old buddy you’re moving much too slow
We can share the women, we can share the wine
Live Performance of the Song (Raleigh, NC 7/10/1990)
Similar Songs Like Jack Straw
If you enjoy Jack Straw by the Grateful Dead, you might like these similar songs that share a blend of folk, rock, and storytelling:
- Uncle John’s Band: A classic, upbeat song with folk influences and a focus on harmony and community.
- Ripple: Another Grateful Dead track, featuring beautiful lyrics and acoustic instrumentation, emphasizing peace and introspection.
- Me My Uncle: This is a playful, Western-themed song with a lively, foot-tapping rhythm and a narrative of a wild adventure.
- Friend Of The Devil: Its a song with a catchy folk-rock style and lyrics full of adventure and mischief.
Similar Bands Like Grateful Dead
Check out these similar bands to the Grateful Dead that blend rock, folk, blues, and improvisational elements:
- The Band
Genre: Americana, Rock, Roots Rock
Top Albums: Music from Big Pink & Northern Lights – Southern Cross - Jefferson Airplane
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock
Top Albums: Surrealistic Pillow & Volunteers - Dead & Company
Genre: Jam Band, Rock
Top Albums: The Best of Dead & Company & Summer Tour 2018 - Little Feat
Genre: Rock, Americana, Blues Rock
Top Albums: Waiting for Columbus & Dixie Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Deadhead?
A Deadhead is a term used to describe a dedicated fan of the Grateful Dead. These fans are known for following the band on tour and being passionate about the live music experience.
What is the Significance of Jack Straw?
Jack Straw by the Grateful Dead has themes of friendship, betrayal, and survival, drawing inspiration from American folklore and Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.
What was the Grateful Dead Culture?
The Grateful Dead culture was centered around the band’s ethos of community, improvisation, and free-spiritedness.
What is the Grateful Dead’s Legacy?
The Grateful Dead’s legacy continues through their expansive catalog of music, their dedicated fan base, and their influence on generations of musicians.
