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From: nm34@sdcc12.UUCP (nm34)
Newsgroups: net.music.gdead
Subject: Meaning of Lyrics
Message-ID: <426@sdcc12.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 31-Jul-85 11:22:55 EDT
Article-I.D.: sdcc12.426
Posted: Wed Jul 31 11:22:55 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Aug-85 06:10:26 EDT
Organization: U.C. San Diego, Academic Computer Center
Lines: 33


     
      Since the volume of discussion on our favorite news group is in a
summer slump (sorta like the Padres of late), I have tried to come up
with a topic that will produce a little discussion.  Lets see...

     There has been much talk about the music of the Dead and its many
qualities, however, even though many of us end our articles with a
quote, there hasn't been much talk about the words and their meanings.
As is true with all forms of artistic communication, the meaning is
always a personal experience often independent of authors intentions.
However, there is an intention that the author has given to his/her
words (I think).  Many late nights I have sat with my eyes closed and
wondered what was meant by this or that line or by an entire song.  I'm
sure most Deaders have done the same.  Unfortunately, I was only able to
come up with general feelings and not a complete 
"meaning" for a song.  I am aware that part of my problem stemmed from
the fact that there is no complete "meaning" to many of the songs.  They
do only paint a general picture of feelings and situations.  Other songs,
have been given a totally obsure meaning  by their authiors.  For
example, "Dire Wolf" has been described by Hunter as an investigation of
the death of the ego that is often aspired to by mystic philosophies
(correct me if this is off).   I wouldn't have ever have come up with
that in a million years. 

     In all I really dont "understand" very many of the Dead's songs,
but maybe that is the intention, they are not to understand, but to be
felt.  

                              Andy Bindman


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