Facial features constitute the unifying theme for Jim’s Song Lyric Sunday keywords this week. At last this gives me an opportunity to feature this gem.
In the unlikely even that anyone ever put a gun to my head and demanded to know what one song by the Grateful Dead was my favourite, it would probably have to be this.
Furthermore, the accompanying video, featuring the ethereal saxophone of Branford Marsalis weaving in and out of the band’s playing, is my favourite version, and something I could happily listen to on a permanent loop. It’s absolutely magical.
Right outside this lazy summer home
you ain’t got time to call your soul a critic no.
Right outside the lazy gate of winter’s summer home,
wond’rin’ where the nut-thatch winters,
wings a mile long just carried the bird away.
Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world,
the heart has its beaches, its homeland and thoughts of its own.
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the mornin’ brings,
But the heart has its seasons, its evenin’s and songs of its own.
There comes a redeemer, and he slowly too fades away,
And there follows his wagon behind him that’s loaded with clay.
And the seeds that were silent all burst into bloom, and decay,
and night comes so quiet, it’s close on the heels of the day.
Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world,
the heart has its beaches, its homeland and thoughts of its own.
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the mornin’ brings,
But the heart has its seasons, its evenin’s and songs of its own.
Sometimes we live no particular way but our own,
And sometimes we visit your country and live in your home,
sometimes we ride on your horses, sometimes we walk alone,
sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own.
Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world,
the heart has its beaches, its homeland and thoughts of its own.
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the mornin’ brings,
But the heart has its seasons, its evenin’s and songs of its own.
Written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia
Song Lyric Sunday 1 December 2019
the only deadhead in the hameau 
A new song to me. Thank you for sharing.
Hunter wrote some amazing lyrics, nice choice for today. This song featured saxophonist/flutist Martin Fierro who was also a part of the famed Legion of Mary band of 1974 to 1975, which Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders played in. Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own. Thanks for sharing this gem.
Deadhead, I may have to join you in saying this is my new favorite of the Grateful Dead songs I’ve heard. The lyrics are sheer poetry and the way the group jams together, whoever is on sax, is a bit of magic.
This was never my favorite song, but this is a fantastic version, Marsalis is a beautiful addition to the jam! Oh, how I miss Jerry!