My first book of 2021 had to be a comfort book. A great little look into the songs of the Dead. If you are a dead head you will love it, If not, there are some cool little history things thrown in about their songs that may be of interest but it will probably not hit your groove and thats okay.

This is certainly a long read but must read for any DeadHead. The pros of Hunter, Barlow and the myriad of lesser contributors to the Grateful Dead cannon. It is sprinkled with stories behind the songs and is an enlightening read. Some of the side notes seemed a bit off topic but all in all a great read into the minds behind the lyrics. The afterward by Barlow was a very emotional epitaph to the power of the words and how fleeting life is.

Sometimes it seems like the Annotated website is more convenient, but there's nothing like settling down with this big book for a good perusal.

a blessing to read and have

especially fun to bring to concerts

I really am a nerd. BUT it was marked waaaaaaaayyyyy down. Like 60% off. Really.

I love the Grateful Dead!! Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter, and the others who wrote songs for the Dead are on a level all their own. This is a reference book much more than a book you would sit down and read cover to cover.
Just nothing left to do but smile smile smile.

The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics is a must-have book for any die-hard fan of the iconic band. This comprehensive collection includes the lyrics to every song recorded by the Grateful Dead and insightful annotations that provide historical context, cultural references, and other fascinating tidbits of information. One of the standout features of this book is the level of detail and depth provided in the annotations. The annotations cover everything from the meaning behind specific lyrics to the inspiration for the song itself. They offer a unique insight into the band's creative process and the cultural milieu that influenced their music.
The book is also beautifully designed and well-organized, making it easy to find the lyrics to your favorite songs or explore the annotations more systematically. The layout is clean and easy to read, and the annotations are thoughtfully placed next to the relevant lyrics for easy reference. In addition to being an invaluable resource for Grateful Dead fans, The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics is also a fascinating cultural artifact in its own right. It offers a window into a particular time and place in American history, and the songs and lyrics contained within are still as relevant and inspiring today as they were when they were first recorded.
The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics is essential to any music lover's library. It is a lovingly crafted tribute to one of the most iconic and influential bands in American history and a testament to the enduring power of their music and lyrics. I give this book five stars and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Grateful Dead or the cultural history of the 1960s and 70s.

I don't even know one song of the Grateful Dead. Picked this up randomly and when I read one song, I decided to buy it. Currently looking the net for free downloadable Dead songs.

This Is A Must Own for ALL Deadheads & even those who may not consider themselves so, but like their music. It is a fascinating look at what stories and meanings Robert Hunter & John Barlow were portraying in their lyrics. It is what the title says. I find it extremely interesting...although the price tag is not (still worth every penny)....so if you ever see it in a used bookstore....SNAG IT!
For those lyrics you couldn't fully pickup or understand. Very Detailed.

It is a book I refer to again and again - when I'm searching for the sound :-)


May we all be just a little bit kinder, more compassionate and Loving people - and let's try to put on our child glasses - you know the one's that help you see the world through a child's eyes ;-)

"They say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one"

Gift to DJ.

I never listened to this band at all; picked up their collected lyrics out of curiosity and was amazed by how well written the lyrics were. (They admit people couldn't actually hear the words on their original records!) Robert Hunter was a real poet (he wrote books of poetry that weren't lyrics, too). People claimed to hear full-length novels implied in his songs. They're there, and this collection also works as a "story" of struggle, hard work, success, bereavement, and consolation.

Dodd's annotations include band members' and fans' memories, books and movies to which the songs seem to relate, and full-length traditional songs to which the lyrics refer. Even if you don't know any Grateful Dead songs you can sing your way through this book.

Prices? I bought a copy in an open-air market for $1, copied the song lyrics to my ever-expanding song lyrics file, then offered the book for resale for $5. The buyer looked at it and gave me $10. That means the buyer resold it, the same day, for at least $20. If you're an aspiring pop singer who gets requests to cover classic rock songs, a clean copy is worth at least $20.

The annotations are great and good for singing along.