Getting the feels from "Ripple" (10/31/80 - Radio City Music Hall) by the Grateful Dead, especially the last lines:
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
Songwriters: Jerry Garcia / Robert HunterAnalysis:
http://artsites.ucsc.edu/GDead/agdl/ripple.html
It mentions "optimistic hopelessness".
The live shows resonate so much more than the studio version. You can feel the energy from the audience.
Note: animated GIF sourced to Robert Redford in the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson; I thought it was Nick Offerman.
