It speaks so well of Jerry that he went to sit with this old, hopeless man to listen with his heart. To be truly seen and heard ranks among our deepest wishes.
I was 15 and came home to find my dad ODd on the couch, this was back in 2012, he was 52. He fought the addiction for so long. Grateful dead was his favorite band by far and he went to so many of their shows, he had a box full of ticket stubs and he would tell me how it was only 1/3rd of the shows he went to. I'll never forget the happiness he got as he shared a memory with me from a concert he was at, Jerry asked the crowd what to play and my dad yelled wharf rat as loud as he could. Jerry acknowledged and said "to the man that found his seat tonight this is for you". RIP Andrew Joseph Smith AKA Odie. I leave a name in hopes someone sees this and knew my dad. He grew up in Dundalk Maryland.
Yes! I grew up in Baltimore but would take trips back and fourth from Dundalk your father was good hearted man we probably saw the dead 100 times within a few years. It was a blast!
Native Dundalk brother here, Liberty Parkway. So sorry about your Dad. The name rings a bell, but I can't place the face. My first live Wharf Rat occurred in the middle of the most violent thunderstorm I've ever seen, with torrential downpours and the sky lit by incredible bolts of lightning, which appeared to hit the stage at one point, Lesh answering with a barrage of bass bombs by way of retort. The experience was life-changing and I've been on the bus ever since, and it was my delight to take my 17-year-old daughter to her first show last summer. Wharf Rat is a major signpost in my life -- for a whole slew of reasons. God Bless Garcia and Hunter.
@Jeff Ellis My dad lived on Loganview drive of that helps any lol. That truly sounds like the experience of a lifetime. I bet it was also amazing to experience a show with your daughter.
I'm struggling. My first wife and mother of my kids left me 12 years ago. I have always loved the Dead and have travelled from England to see them many times in the USA. Am drinking too much now. Miss Jerry so much.
sober a year now. it's really hard but much better. I'm 45 an it's hard forgetting most of my life. Get better bro. love ya man. come out an let's roll to the spear!!
Dude, I'm divorced 24 years now. I wouldn't have it any other way! When they said weed not Alcohol, I can attest to its better and happier then the booze.
Although I never held up my end of the bargain on full sobriety. This song alone helped me get out of some really rough times when I was using. I can at least say, that part of my life is long gone.
This morning would have been my boyfriend's 38th bday. He died of a fentanyl OD 10weeks ago. We are both DEADicated ⚡ and this song makes me think of him. You & I are both so blessed to have made it out of heavy addiction alive. It breaks my heart that I have to continue this life journey without him. Livin' was no good for him for quite awhile. I'm glad he's free from those self-imposed handcuffs, but man do I miss him💔
@@wesleybohannon1 I've firsthand watched others walk away from the ball and chain (shitting and pissing themselves), that is. So, it is not at all improbable. Just another phase in learning or life.
I've firsthand watched others walk away from the ball and chain (shitting and pissing themselves), that is. So, it is not at all improbable. Just another phase in learning or life.
My partner has just courageously completed rehab from alcohol. This song really helped me work through a lot of anger that the disease of addiction brought out in me.... there were days when he was first gone where I listened hours on end. it saved our relationship in a way and helped me to have empathy for suffering of another outside the suffering of my own.... and that is what great folk music does, it creates a connection. Peace to you wherever you are
My hubby went into detox18 months ago, followed by rehab, and then sober living. He has been sober since 8/8/2021 and has been home since March of 2022. I understand what you mean by the anger that addiction can bring out. I truly hope this message finds you in a place of healing 🙏 Thank you for your courage to share 🥰
Way back, maybe 47 years ago, my pal was tripping and started thinking negative thoughts and worrying. I put this song on the record player, opened some beers, and we sand along. Turned that frown upside down. How can you not love this music?
I'm not proud of this, but about 30 years ago, a friend of mine started freaking on some bad LSD, and I put on the Dead, and 3 minutes later, he smiled and said "You can't have a bad trip listening to the Dead!" I didn't bring up Space, but you know, he had the right idea.
Shit can bring out the things in the backroom you thought you left covered iv seen it and experienced it its a wild ride music always always helps a new song no mater how much you like the last one once you hear the new one you can't imagine going back to the last one. So enjoy what your feeling now it only lasts for one dose
Can you imagine the respect and love that Robert Hunter had for Jerry Garcia that he would write him this proficy biography out of concern for his life? August West (August=Jerry's birthday) is Jerry. Robert became consumed with worry over Jerry's progression from consuming hallucinogenics to cocaine/heroin and down the line the speedballs that killed him. A story of pending disparity and hopeful inspiration at the same time. What a shame Jerry left us so soon. He spread his message, left his mark and it was his time to move to his next life. On the other side of a black hole somewhere Jerry Garcia soul is continuing its journey.
You are just wrong here, Jamesvena. This song was written and performed way way before Jerry was into any sort of hard drugs. I lived in the Haight during 1969 and 1970 and I saw the Grateful Dead perform many of these songs live during the first times they payed them. I remember one specific night at The Carousel ( also known as Fillmore West) when they played a lot stuff from the first LiveDead album St. Stephen to Dark Star to Lovelight .... and added a few newer ones like Bertha and Wharf Rat ...Jerry and the band would arrive early and circulate through the crowd --- and there was no sign of being stoned on any level. I remember that Workingman's Dead was about to be released, and the word on the street was that the band was staying very clean and focused during this time. Anyway...this version of WharfRat was recorded live at Fillmore East in April of 1971, a couple of years after it had been originally written and played. I remember this because I was 20 years old at the time... and now turning 74.
I myself am not an addict, nor have I been, but I’ve known and helped a few of them, it’s a struggle but it can be done. I’ve definitely seen some good friends get that second chance. Stay strong
If this song doesn't move you to tears, well, listen to it some more and eventually it will. Optimism in the face of hardship expressed so beautifully.
This is Jerry's song. He shines the brightest on the vocals. This version is Jerry's top vocal performance IMHO. Exceptionally beautiful lyrics and composition.
This makes me sad. Jan 1, 2021. Missing my friends gone too soon, all the shows we would see. Jerry died 6 months after my husband who was only 33 yrs old. I miss all the shows. When Jerry died it was the final blow in the coffin of what was my youth. On the other hand, I'm clean 17 yrs. 🎈🎈
This takes me back to ten years ago as a teen, dropping acid all summer. Back when things seemed simple. People agreed to disagree. Times were good, now everyone is so polarized by politics and so self centered with social media.
Fuck big smoke you rite. Tell CJ I said wazzam. I'm tripping balls rn and I wish times where simpler big smoke but it just isn't that way. 2020. Still remember bustin on ballas like it was yesterday.
Every morning, I wake and ponder what I'll listen to as I toil at work....some days it's Jazz, some days it's Classical. Other days, my hands just move on their own to pull up Jerry and the Guys....l listen and think of the shows I've seen, and the friends I met along the way.......
try meline "nickle song". always a good morning tune. also neil young"last dance". funny what you can see in your memory .I understand why men should be slow on the reception ,but damn it, if id have had inter net at age seven i fe3el id be one of the GUYs lol l;iked your post \
me also My first Dead album when I was 14 in 1978 200 shows later ......... Half Step Band is My new Dead band in Long Island NY . Go see them if you can. They will take you back......
I absolutely love this song. Speaks to me directly because of my current life situation.. I'm literally just waiting for the day that I can spread my wings and fly away... Counting seconds.
Lord God Almighty I can’t believe how frikn deep is this. Pigs Church Organ brought me to theHeavenly Altar in tears this morning Sun Jan5 _ the building syncopated bass and keys like hammering our metal for a big Church Bell _ the smooth interplay in parts floating upon each other =our surrender to the DivineTRINITY Blessed Lords Day ICXC👑🤍blessed Theophany 💦🕯️🥰
I had a little dog named August West, he lived a great healthy life then he died and left me. I miss him more than anything. August is the little puppy in my profile picture running through the grass. I love you buddy!
Not only is the guitar work amazing but the music just sets an overall great mood.there's a different song for whatever you're feeling,and the phrasing of the lyrics is so unique with how they flow.there will never be another Grateful Dead!
Damn the song had me near tears and the comments finished the job. As In many of my favorite things in life, there is a bonding commonality built in to the appreciation of their music. Some of Your stories are mine and some of them are of those I hold dear. Love you all
Jane's Addiction ripped off this sound, just realizing it now ... What an amazing sound it is... the way all the instruments work together somehow ... and then the breakdown, and coming back again... just awesome. And it's live. Truly something special and unique.
Right on Cody!!!!🎶🎶🎶🎶✌️☮️🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼 can't agree more!! hope your doing good !!!!once a Deadhead always a Deadhead!!!! My first show was in New York,never was the same of this liquid poetry 🌹🌻🎼🎼❤️ Sunshine Daydream follow d them up the East coast.....back in76,77,what a trip....long and strange with old friends and new ones hitching around and smiling!!!!miss those days!!!r.i.p.Robert and Jerry!! I know they're having a blast!!🌈🌈🌈🥀🥀🥀🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
For me part of the allure is that the masses are too dopey to realize what they’re missing here. The passing grin and nod from a person wearing some GD garb is a cool moment-for people in the know.
Dark Star, That's It For the Other One, The Eleven, Wharf Rat, Weather Report Suite, St Stephen, Doing That Rag, Birdsong, Uncle John's Band, China Cat Sunflower, Box of Rain, Bertha, Althea, and many others are my favorite songs of GD.
What a tremendous message to all of us! The Dead were musical prophets! Just sit back relax and listen as they minister to us all! What an amazing place to be!
the other half found me stumbling around drunk on burgandy wine...... what a tune.... this one the best version, thanx GP! it's been 15 years since i last heard it, on this cd of course
Yes. I cant believe how often I come to this to... center... The songwriting here is... exquisite? The words.. bring you home to a more humble place. Got up an wandered, downtown, no place to go, just a hangin' round. I gotta girl, named BonnieLea.. What a beautiful name! My Mom's name was Anna Lea, only to be covered by the Band! But that's what the Dead were about, Beauty.. And I love them forever for their Beauty! Thanks Guys!! You are the best that America can give and keep on giving!
I don't even have words man, this version stirs up a hell of a lot of emotion. This is a fine story with interesting characters and identifiable circumstances. Hunter always left his songs wide open for interpitation however, for some of us we know this song found us-not the other way around.
Old man down Way down, down, down by the docks of the city Blind and dirty Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine More than my wine More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine Everyone said I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them Half of my life I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine But I'll get back on my feet again someday The good Lord willin' If He says I may I know that the life I'm livin's no good I'll get a new start, live the life I should I'll get up and fly away, I'll get up and fly away, fly away Pearly's been true True to me, true to my dyin' day he said I said to him I said to him, "I'm sure she's been" I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you" I got up and wandered Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around I've got a girl Named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me
A song about lost life... And life about to be lost. Not narrowly averted this time. Another 2 party dead song like Jack Straw. One of my faves form the old days....so long gone. Still so very sad, even more now that Jerry is gone.
agree on your opinion of this tune for sure. As for Skull & Roses its my favorite album. Love the eclectic collection and really love Garcia's guitar work and dirty tone. I'm an earlier dead fan and thought this was the pinnacle. But to each their own, best to you.
@@cliffprince9610so many different seasons of the dead for me to pick one but This show is my favorite with Jerry’s guitar tone and bobs cowboy songs thrown in. Insane flow the whole way
No matter where I am in life....whether that be 25 years ago...or to this day as I battle the darkness a life in Babylon rat race will do to a person..this song takes me through the dark into the light!
I've never been what you would call a "dead head ", but damn these guys wrote some great songs! When I'm in the right state of mind, this one can make me cry. Half of my life I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine But I'll get back on my feet again someday The good Lord willin' If He says I may I know that the life I'm livin's no good I'll get a new start, live the life I should I'll get up and fly away, I'll get up and fly away, fly away
Magnificent I love the jam at the end and I've been listening to this live and it's beautiful the way I really can hear the lyrics in the bridge it makes it way better Al though the live can be an experience it really depends on the song sometimes theyade studio magic and other times it was live magic I am thankful to really get into the dead I believe the folks that can't understand Jerrys guitar style are missing out he's almost as good as the flamenco guitarist it's ashame he had his third finger on his plucking hand accidentally chopped I feel he would've explored the style other how noting Spanish jam which is Malaguena which is a common occurrencee but imagine the grateful Dead doing tarantos, granianas or solea
And please keep it going! It’s going to save your life. Well I was trying to quit when I started seizing and god I wish I never started! It ruined my life! Well at least I am still alive.
Wharf Rat Lyrics Old man down, way down, down, down by the docks of the city Blind and dirty; asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee I got no dime, but I got some time to hear his story "My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine More than my wine; more than my maker, though he's no friend of mine Everyone said I'd come to no good. I knew I would, Pearly, believe them Half of my life I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime The other half found me stumbling around drunk on Burgundy wine But I'll get back on my feet again someday The good Lord willin', if He says I may I know that the life I'm livin's no good I'll get a new start; live the life I should I'll get up and fly away. I'll get up and fly away, fly away Pearly's been true; true to me, true to my dyin' day." he said I said to him, I said to him, "I'm sure she's been." I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you." I got up and wandered, wandered downtown; nowhere to go but just to hang around I've got a girl named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me
"I got no dime but i got some time to hear his story" for some reason that line hits me hard. Everyone deserves to be heard.
It speaks so well of Jerry that he went to sit with this old, hopeless man to listen with his heart. To be truly seen and heard ranks among our deepest wishes.
“I spent doing time for some other fucker’s crime” 😢
same
I'll get up and fly away
I was 15 and came home to find my dad ODd on the couch, this was back in 2012, he was 52. He fought the addiction for so long. Grateful dead was his favorite band by far and he went to so many of their shows, he had a box full of ticket stubs and he would tell me how it was only 1/3rd of the shows he went to. I'll never forget the happiness he got as he shared a memory with me from a concert he was at, Jerry asked the crowd what to play and my dad yelled wharf rat as loud as he could. Jerry acknowledged and said "to the man that found his seat tonight this is for you". RIP Andrew Joseph Smith AKA Odie. I leave a name in hopes someone sees this and knew my dad. He grew up in Dundalk Maryland.
Greetings from Towson Md. The Dead have been my North Star music wise for over 40+ years.
Yes! I grew up in Baltimore but would take trips back and fourth from Dundalk your father was good hearted man we probably saw the dead 100 times within a few years. It was a blast!
Native Dundalk brother here, Liberty Parkway. So sorry about your Dad. The name rings a bell, but I can't place the face. My first live Wharf Rat occurred in the middle of the most violent thunderstorm I've ever seen, with torrential downpours and the sky lit by incredible bolts of lightning, which appeared to hit the stage at one point, Lesh answering with a barrage of bass bombs by way of retort. The experience was life-changing and I've been on the bus ever since, and it was my delight to take my 17-year-old daughter to her first show last summer. Wharf Rat is a major signpost in my life -- for a whole slew of reasons. God Bless Garcia and Hunter.
@Jeff Ellis My dad lived on Loganview drive of that helps any lol. That truly sounds like the experience of a lifetime. I bet it was also amazing to experience a show with your daughter.
Here’s to Odie. Your Dad.
I'm struggling. My first wife and mother of my kids left me 12 years ago. I have always loved the Dead and have travelled from England to see them many times in the USA. Am drinking too much now. Miss Jerry so much.
Take it easy on yourself amigo. Give yourself credit for caring abandoned kids
Hang in there dude. You should stop drinking but start smoking the ganja to ease into it
sober a year now. it's really hard but much better. I'm 45 an it's hard forgetting most of my life. Get better bro. love ya man. come out an let's roll to the spear!!
Hang in there buddy , things are tough for many , you're not alone .
Dude, I'm divorced 24 years now. I wouldn't have it any other way!
When they said weed not Alcohol, I can attest to its better and happier then the booze.
Although I never held up my end of the bargain on full sobriety. This song alone helped me get out of some really rough times when I was using. I can at least say, that part of my life is long gone.
Love is love brother
This morning would have been my boyfriend's 38th bday. He died of a fentanyl OD 10weeks ago. We are both DEADicated ⚡ and this song makes me think of him. You & I are both so blessed to have made it out of heavy addiction alive. It breaks my heart that I have to continue this life journey without him. Livin' was no good for him for quite awhile. I'm glad he's free from those self-imposed handcuffs, but man do I miss him💔
160 days clean of heroin today! You got this! Much love
@@wesleybohannon1 I've firsthand watched others walk away from the ball and chain (shitting and pissing themselves), that is. So, it is not at all improbable. Just another phase in learning or life.
I've firsthand watched others walk away from the ball and chain (shitting and pissing themselves), that is. So, it is not at all improbable. Just another phase in learning or life.
This song both breaks my heart and heals it.
Nice post- cool imagery..!
You nailed sis. Me too
Yes!
Exactly, well said
My partner has just courageously completed rehab from alcohol. This song really helped me work through a lot of anger that the disease of addiction brought out in me.... there were days when he was first gone where I listened hours on end. it saved our relationship in a way and helped me to have empathy for suffering of another outside the suffering of my own.... and that is what great folk music does, it creates a connection.
Peace to you wherever you are
True inspiration. Maybe this song could help me.
@@davidrasmussen5137 me too, brother
My hubby went into detox18 months ago, followed by rehab, and then sober living. He has been sober since 8/8/2021 and has been home since March of 2022.
I understand what you mean by the anger that addiction can bring out. I truly hope this message finds you in a place of healing 🙏 Thank you for your courage to share 🥰
Booze is joy, I don't understand what you clowns are going on about?
Took a while to find the vibe for this one . Dig the frequency.
Way back, maybe 47 years ago, my pal was tripping and started thinking negative thoughts and worrying. I put this song on the record player, opened some beers, and we sand along. Turned that frown upside down. How can you not love this music?
That's beautiful, brother. Hugs my deadhead!
I'm not proud of this, but about 30 years ago, a friend of mine started freaking on some bad LSD, and I put on the Dead, and 3 minutes later, he smiled and said "You can't have a bad trip listening to the Dead!" I didn't bring up Space, but you know, he had the right idea.
I always started my trips by playing Wharf Rat. Sets the stage for things to come.
Pretty much just did the same with my friend! No excuse for pessimism when some deads playing
Shit can bring out the things in the backroom you thought you left covered iv seen it and experienced it its a wild ride music always always helps a new song no mater how much you like the last one once you hear the new one you can't imagine going back to the last one. So enjoy what your feeling now it only lasts for one dose
5 and a half months clean today Grateful for every day of it
I am drunk reading this. Congrats.
Pat Fitzgerald it gets better man try going to an aa or na meeting they work but regardless keep listening to the dead Love ya brother
Right fuckin on brother
I should probably stop drinking one of these days too
@@justinmees662 I hafta do court order AA truthfully them ppl so depressing I hate having to go
Can you imagine the respect and love that Robert Hunter had for Jerry Garcia that he would write him this proficy biography out of concern for his life? August West (August=Jerry's birthday) is Jerry. Robert became consumed with worry over Jerry's progression from consuming hallucinogenics to cocaine/heroin and down the line the speedballs that killed him.
A story of pending disparity and hopeful inspiration at the same time. What a shame Jerry left us so soon. He spread his message, left his mark and it was his time to move to his next life. On the other side of a black hole somewhere Jerry Garcia soul is continuing its journey.
No shit. I never knew this.thanku
i had no idea JG was into heroin that early the Deads' history. i thought it only came later...
@@mariadamon9968you actually belive that BS. This song is about a homeless man drunk not jerry.
You are just wrong here, Jamesvena. This song was written and performed way way before Jerry was into any sort of hard drugs. I lived in the Haight during 1969 and 1970 and I saw the Grateful Dead perform many of these songs live during the first times they payed them. I remember one specific night at The Carousel ( also known as Fillmore West) when they played a lot stuff from the first LiveDead album St. Stephen to Dark Star to Lovelight .... and added a few newer ones like Bertha and Wharf Rat ...Jerry and the band would arrive early and circulate through the crowd --- and there was no sign of being stoned on any level. I remember that Workingman's Dead was about to be released, and the word on the street was that the band was staying very clean and focused during this time. Anyway...this version of WharfRat was recorded live at Fillmore East in April of 1971, a couple of years after it had been originally written and played. I remember this because I was 20 years old at the time... and now turning 74.
As a recovering drug addict and a huge dead fan this song touches my very soul...
I myself am not an addict, nor have I been, but I’ve known and helped a few of them, it’s a struggle but it can be done. I’ve definitely seen some good friends get that second chance. Stay strong
Wharf Rat
Live like I should. I will get up and fly away
Get up and wander no where to go but that's the thing of it
As a functioning, proud, and grateful addict, this song touches me deep
8 months today . Clean and sober . From Detroit/traverse city MI.
If this song doesn't move you to tears, well, listen to it some more and eventually it will. Optimism in the face of hardship expressed so beautifully.
this shit always makes me cry like a baby
This is Jerry's song. He shines the brightest on the vocals. This version is Jerry's top vocal performance IMHO. Exceptionally beautiful lyrics and composition.
This makes me sad. Jan 1, 2021. Missing my friends gone too soon, all the shows we would see. Jerry died 6 months after my husband who was only 33 yrs old. I miss all the shows. When Jerry died it was the final blow in the coffin of what was my youth. On the other hand, I'm clean 17 yrs. 🎈🎈
I spent three weeks alone on the Aegean coast setting up a sailing school with this CD. I played it everyday. To myself . Alive and well.
That's a great story. Such a healing experience and good for the soul.
This was my favorite Dead song back in the late 70s, 80s and into the 90s. I'll get up and fly away...
about half way through this song I completely lose it and start gettin all chocked up...ok full on tears.
thats a good thing youre alive!
A very HUMAN thing to do. You have a heart. Wish there were more like you.
Same brother
I do to every time. A powerful song that paints such a picture it's hard not to shed some tears.
Same brother tear's are flowing right now.
This takes me back to ten years ago as a teen, dropping acid all summer. Back when things seemed simple. People agreed to disagree. Times were good, now everyone is so polarized by politics and so self centered with social media.
Fuck big smoke you rite. Tell CJ I said wazzam. I'm tripping balls rn and I wish times where simpler big smoke but it just isn't that way. 2020. Still remember bustin on ballas like it was yesterday.
For me like over 20 years ago lol
Forgive me if I'm wrong but aren't you literally describing the cold war era?
Well said
Not everyone. Most
Every morning, I wake and ponder what I'll listen to as I toil at work....some days it's Jazz, some days it's Classical. Other days, my hands just move on their own to pull up Jerry and the Guys....l listen and think of the shows I've seen, and the friends I met along the way.......
try meline "nickle song". always a good morning tune. also neil young"last dance". funny what you can see in your memory .I understand why men should be slow on the reception ,but damn it, if id have had inter net at age seven i fe3el id be one of the GUYs lol l;iked your post
\
As we get older & wiser...it always leads back to the Dead...nothing else sustains like live Dead..it's life past present & future
I've been listening to the Dead for almost 50 years, got this album in high school..saw them countless times..
you’re lucky.
me also My first Dead album when I was 14 in 1978 200 shows later ......... Half Step Band is My new Dead band in Long Island NY . Go see them if you can. They will take you back......
Live the life I should. That line always made the crowd gasp because we all knew what we had done.
So true Damien ❤
I shed a tear every time I listen to this song.. tears of.. well idk.. too many emotions .lol love you guys.. !!let's love... If he says I may...!
I do too...like right now.. everytime I listen to it... their best song!!
❤❤❤❤
I come back for this tune's magic almost every day.
Perhaps one of rocks' most beautiful ballads.
Old man down
Way down, down, down by the docks of the city
Blind and dirty
Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee
I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story
My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine
More than my wine
More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine
Everyone said
I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them
Half of my life
I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime
The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine
But I'll get back on my feet again someday
The good Lord willin'
If He says I may
I know that the life I'm livin's no good
I'll get a new start, live the life I should
I'll get up and fly away,
I'll get up and fly away, fly away
Pearly's been true
True to me, true to my dyin' day he said
I said to him
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been"
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you"
I got up and wandered
Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around
I've got a girl
Named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me
I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me
Songwriters: Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter
Wharf Rat lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group
Sunshine 69colettain
The wind is true on its side
robert hunter the most spiritual recent american mystic.... thanks for posting
So the warf rats recovery was born
Precious...... thank u! We all had so much fun back then.... lots of fun, thanx for posting the lyrics kiddo ....
The song that got me thru a suicide attempt. Thank you jerry, thanks Robert ❤️ NFA
I know you rider!!!
I'm glad you're still with us 🇺🇸
RIP Robert, Jerry's got his wordsmith back. NFA
Love is real
Who can the weather command...
The most underrated album of the '70s???
It's right up there.
Possibly!?
🤔👍
I absolutely love this song. Speaks to me directly because of my current life situation.. I'm literally just waiting for the day that I can spread my wings and fly away... Counting seconds.
You can do it! All that matters is that you don’t give up. Keep asking for help. My thoughts are with you. 🙏🏻
I truly hope that day came for you
Fly free❤
5 years Sober there but the Grace of God go i.
Congratulations buddy it isnt easy and you should be proud!
My all time favorite version of this song! Thank you Mr. Hunter , Mr. Garcia and gang for this sobering magical journey.
✌💀🧠🌌♾🎸🎵🎶🇺🇸❤⚡
Lord God Almighty I can’t believe how frikn deep is this. Pigs Church Organ brought me to theHeavenly Altar in tears this morning Sun Jan5 _ the building syncopated bass and keys like hammering our metal for a big Church Bell _ the smooth interplay in parts floating upon each other =our surrender to the DivineTRINITY
Blessed Lords Day ICXC👑🤍blessed Theophany 💦🕯️🥰
I had a little dog named August West, he lived a great healthy life then he died and left me. I miss him more than anything. August is the little puppy in my profile picture running through the grass. I love you buddy!
Beautiful dog! Its sad, but also happy to know it lived a long and fulfilling life here on Earth with you. Have a good one my friend.
My buddy Duque I still cry for him. Best friend for 17 years
Fake news.
Some things are so beautiful you can only feel and never see
This tune always brings a tear to my eye.....
Phil Lesh's bass line though!
No doubt.
phil sounded like jerry on box of rain great song
Not only is the guitar work amazing but the music just sets an overall great mood.there's a different song for whatever you're feeling,and the phrasing of the lyrics is so unique with how they flow.there will never be another Grateful Dead!
Damn the song had me near tears and the comments finished the job. As In many of my favorite things in life, there is a bonding commonality built in to the appreciation of their music. Some of Your stories are mine and some of them are of those I hold dear. Love you all
I love the groove in this song , it's amazingly mellow and the lyrics are genius! Love it!
Jane's Addiction ripped off this sound, just realizing it now ... What an amazing sound it is... the way all the instruments work together somehow ... and then the breakdown, and coming back again... just awesome. And it's live. Truly something special and unique.
How does this only have 37k views? It should be 37 million!
All of those views are being wasted on modern trash music.
Right on Cody!!!!🎶🎶🎶🎶✌️☮️🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼 can't agree more!! hope your doing good !!!!once a Deadhead always a Deadhead!!!!
My first show was in New York,never was the same of this liquid poetry 🌹🌻🎼🎼❤️ Sunshine Daydream follow d them up the East coast.....back in76,77,what a trip....long and strange with old friends and new ones hitching around and smiling!!!!miss those days!!!r.i.p.Robert and Jerry!!
I know they're having a blast!!🌈🌈🌈🥀🥀🥀🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
For me part of the allure is that the masses are too dopey to realize what they’re missing here. The passing grin and nod from a person wearing some GD garb is a cool moment-for people in the know.
What can I write that hasn’t already been written. Beautiful song about being down but holding on to hope and wanting something better.
Dark Star, That's It For the Other One, The Eleven, Wharf Rat, Weather Report Suite, St Stephen, Doing That Rag, Birdsong, Uncle John's Band, China Cat Sunflower, Box of Rain, Bertha, Althea, and many others are my favorite songs of GD.
What a tremendous message to all of us! The Dead were musical prophets! Just sit back relax and listen as they minister to us all! What an amazing place to be!
Jehovah's favorite choir
the other half found me stumbling around drunk on burgandy wine......
what a tune.... this one the best version, thanx GP! it's been 15 years since i last heard it, on this cd of course
Yes. I cant believe how often I come to this to... center... The songwriting here is... exquisite? The words.. bring you home to a more humble place. Got up an wandered, downtown, no place to go, just a hangin' round. I gotta girl, named BonnieLea.. What a beautiful name! My Mom's name was Anna Lea, only to be covered by the Band! But that's what the Dead were about, Beauty.. And I love them forever for their Beauty! Thanks Guys!! You are the best that America can give and keep on giving!
I don't even have words man, this version stirs up a hell of a lot of emotion. This is a fine story with interesting characters and identifiable circumstances.
Hunter always left his songs wide open for interpitation however, for some of us we know this song found us-not the other way around.
Thank You Jerry, from the girls no one sings to.
Elaine Rosefelder
i'll sing you a Song..or Two
Peace
to heck with getting detention because your feelings were "too intense"...
that was literally the explanation...
Elaine Rosefelder Men get that, too. "I am concerned about the depth of your feelings."
But does anyone play songs to you?
Old man down
Way down, down, down by the docks of the city
Blind and dirty
Asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee
I got no dime but I got some time to hear his story
My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine
More than my wine
More than my maker, though he's no friend of mine
Everyone said
I'd come to no good, I knew I would Pearly, believe them
Half of my life
I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime
The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine
But I'll get back on my feet again someday
The good Lord willin'
If He says I may
I know that the life I'm livin's no good
I'll get a new start, live the life I should
I'll get up and fly away,
I'll get up and fly away, fly away
Pearly's been true
True to me, true to my dyin' day he said
I said to him
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been"
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you"
I got up and wandered
Wandered downtown, nowhere to go but just hang around
I've got a girl
Named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me
I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me
a.k.a August West
I needed this song today. Thank you Robert and Jerry!
Still gives me chills! Great song!!
Was never a great fan but this track is one of the best i have ever heard, rock on.
Jerry I miss your music ur beautiful face and your beautiful spirit haven't been to any shows since God took u
His spirit was more beautiful than anything else. Great man.
more than my maker, though he's no friend of mine
Is this the greatest version of Wharf Rat? I've never heard a better one.
The live one off of the american beuty 50th aniverery was pretty good(idk how to spell it rn)
Albuquerque ‘77. Give that one a listen.
damn i love this song
A song about lost life... And life about to be lost. Not narrowly averted this time. Another 2 party dead song like Jack Straw. One of my faves form the old days....so long gone. Still so very sad, even more now that Jerry is gone.
I'm 57,and my first show was in 1982 lonbeach ca.and I've seen every show from Ventura to Irvine and I just wanted to say boo yaa
I'll get up and fly away.........fly away....
Got me through a breakup and gave me the right mind set to know she has been true and now I know and she is with me.
So very good, in so many ways.
Thank you very much and regards.
What a great song, his voice was at his prime!~ WOW
I was named after this song "my name is august west" i'm called august
I'm so sorry.
better than “wharf rat”
Leo sun, Cancer midheaven?
he's smashing butterflies, and resurrescting them as angels, delicate work...
auguste lignier, that's so awesome!
Favourite Dead tune.
This and Dark Star
This is another tune that has moved into the spiritual world. Like knocking, broke down palace, eyes, nothing compares to u, one, attics, Melissa,
I've been following the Dead for many years I'm Jeff from St cloud Minnesota
It's a hymn.
Preach. It’s the boys’ gospel
I was never a fan of 'Skull & Roses' album, but I wore this one cut out. Great arrangement and fantastic rendition of strong, honest lyrics.
agree on your opinion of this tune for sure. As for Skull & Roses its my favorite album. Love the eclectic collection and really love Garcia's guitar work and dirty tone. I'm an earlier dead fan and thought this was the pinnacle. But to each their own, best to you.
@@cliffprince9610so many different seasons of the dead for me to pick one but This show is my favorite with Jerry’s guitar tone and bobs cowboy songs thrown in. Insane flow the whole way
Great sound quality! Amazing.
PEARLY'S BEEN TRUE!
Hello from Greece. Their music has been true to us all
No matter where I am in life....whether that be 25 years ago...or to this day as I battle the darkness a life in Babylon rat race will do to a person..this song takes me through the dark into the light!
Love and light brother!
I'll get a new start, and lead the life i should.....
I'm right there with you Bret :) You are not alone. There is strength thru solidarity
right on sistah!
got no dime, but I got some time
How does not 1 but 15 people thumbs down this , can't imagine ever being friends with those types of folks
Good on ya
The only explination is they were tripping so hard the thumbs up was down and the thumbs down was up.
They must have been straight while listening to it.
I've never been what you would call a "dead head ", but damn these guys wrote some great songs! When I'm in the right state of mind, this one can make me cry.
Half of my life
I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime
The other half found me stumbling 'round drunk on Burgundy wine
But I'll get back on my feet again someday
The good Lord willin'
If He says I may
I know that the life I'm livin's no good
I'll get a new start, live the life I should
I'll get up and fly away,
I'll get up and fly away, fly away
Liked this song and album. Favorite dead album I had.
THIS is my meditation.
Magnificent I love the jam at the end and I've been listening to this live and it's beautiful the way I really can hear the lyrics in the bridge it makes it way better Al though the live can be an experience it really depends on the song sometimes theyade studio magic and other times it was live magic I am thankful to really get into the dead I believe the folks that can't understand Jerrys guitar style are missing out he's almost as good as the flamenco guitarist it's ashame he had his third finger on his plucking hand accidentally chopped I feel he would've explored the style other how noting Spanish jam which is Malaguena which is a common occurrencee but imagine the grateful Dead doing tarantos, granianas or solea
A great song for us old Dead heads struggling with alcoholism
It's been 2 years since I've heard that intoxicating section, brings back memories
5,813days in a row for me, here... :-)
Epic Wharf Rat!
2:37 " half of my life I've spent doing time for some other fuckers crime" HaHa! I love these lyrics and the story line
Paul Setmefree the other half found me stumbling round drunk on burgundy wine
@@sosmusic8282 Qanon wwg1wga
So soulful!
How does this only have 200k iv prolly watched this 50 times myself such a great song
Gorgeous.
This is my favorite dead song
Epic song. Hunter, Garcia, and Lesh are super on this one.
And please keep it going! It’s going to save your life. Well I was trying to quit when I started seizing and god I wish I never started! It ruined my life! Well at least I am still alive.
God i've always loved this song! Mmmm! A crowd favorite. Midnight Oil did a good cover too. Wharf Rat... Hell Yeah!
Rest Easy Phil Lesh…God bless you & thank you very much 🌹❤️🩹
I miss you Zac. I think of you everytime I hear this song.
heartbreaking beauty
Wharf Rat Lyrics
Old man down, way down, down, down by the docks of the city
Blind and dirty; asked me for a dime, a dime for a cup of coffee
I got no dime, but I got some time to hear his story
"My name is August West, and I love my Pearly Baker best more than my wine
More than my wine; more than my maker, though he's no friend of mine
Everyone said I'd come to no good. I knew I would, Pearly, believe them
Half of my life I spent doin' time for some other fucker's crime
The other half found me stumbling around drunk on Burgundy wine
But I'll get back on my feet again someday
The good Lord willin', if He says I may
I know that the life I'm livin's no good
I'll get a new start; live the life I should
I'll get up and fly away. I'll get up and fly away, fly away
Pearly's been true; true to me, true to my dyin' day." he said
I said to him, I said to him, "I'm sure she's been."
I said to him, "I'm sure she's been true to you."
I got up and wandered, wandered downtown; nowhere to go but just to hang around
I've got a girl named Bonnie Lee, I know that girl's been true to me
I know she's been, I'm sure she's been true to me
strong song , makes me feel like there is Hope , in this fucked up world
there is man! sometimes you just need to get up and fly away!
right on , get on the happy bus
Brings tears to my eyes. ....
There is hope my friend,just try stay around the good people,the ones whos who show love
and Jerry's pickin just sublime
Beautiful fucking song
unfuckingbelieveable
No shit, right?
“I’ll get up and fly away”
There are (were) some good bassists out there but on this piece, Phil Lesh's expertise is really apparent!
I was going to reply to this comment, but then I noticed that I made it.
Yes yes yes ....this is what my day needed....thank you GD....thank you...
Just stumbling around town with no where to go but just to hang around