This week, Jim’s after something from one of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s definitive list of the top 200 albums. Well, nestling there at #20 (too low, some might say) is the Grateful Dead’s 1970 masterpiece ‘American Beauty’, of which this is the opening track, here presented in an acoustic performance from 1980.
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It’s a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they’re better left unsung
I don’t know, don’t really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You, who choose to lead, must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who’s to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter
the only deadhead in the hameau 
enjoyed this smooth GD classic ranking at #20
Since I started participating in Jim’s SLS challenges, I have heard more Dead songs than ever before, obviously all thanks to you. While I still cannot call myself a Dead Head, I’ve come to appreciate them and their sound. It’s a new direction for me, but one I’m happily and surprisingly enjoying. Thanks for the education!
Well thank you for that. Happy to help!
American Beauty was #20 on the definitive list of the greatest 200 albums. ‘Ripple’ is a reminder that better days are ahead of us and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Garcia constructed the pure and humble melody for ‘Ripple’ that matched Hunter’s lyrics when they were in Canada on the 1970 Festival Express train trip. One morning the train stopped, and Jerry sat on the tracks in the sunrise, and he put the finishing touches to this tune. Great video and I really enjoyed your choice for today, Deadhead.
I’m not much of a Dead Head (yet). This song is new to me but I really enjoyed it. Thanks for introducing me to more of the Dead!
I wouldn’t class myself as a Deadhead but I like a lot of what I’ve heard of them – including this one. Good choice!
I don’t mind some of their shorter songs like this one 🙂
I guess the 47 minute ‘Dark Star’ from Rotterdam in 1972 isn’t really for you then!
No chance 🙂
The lyrics shine, and seeing these two singing them together is beautiful.