Grateful Dead – Friend of The Devil (1970)
Did You Now?
The Grateful Dead was an iconic American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band is known for their unique fusion of various music genres, including rock, folk, blues, country, and psychedelic improvisations. They gained a massive following due to their dedicated fan base, known as “Deadheads.”
The core members of the Grateful Dead included:
- Jerry Garcia – Lead guitarist and vocalist
- Bob Weir – Rhythm guitarist and vocalist
- Phil Lesh – Bassist and vocalist
- Ron “Pigpen” McKernan – Keyboardist, harmonica player, and vocalist (early years)
- Bill Kreutzmann – Drummer
- Mickey Hart – Drummer (joined the band in 1967)
One of the defining aspects of the Grateful Dead was their live performances. They were renowned for their lengthy and improvisational jams during concerts, which led to every show being a unique experience. The band’s interaction with their audience and the sense of community among Deadheads set them apart from other bands.
Some of their most well-known songs include “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” “Casey Jones,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Friend of the Devil.”
The Grateful Dead also played a significant role in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with the hippie movement. They were known for their tie-dyed merchandise, extended improvisational jam sessions, and the iconic skull and lightning bolt logo, known as “Steal Your Face.”
Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995 marked the end of the Grateful Dead as a touring band. However, the surviving members continued to perform in various formations, such as The Other Ones, The Dead, and Dead & Company, with new and guest musicians. These groups continued to celebrate the music and spirit of the Grateful Dead.
The Grateful Dead’s influence on music and culture remains strong to this day, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans and musicians.
Song Info
“Friend of the Devil” is a classic folk-rock song by the American rock band Grateful Dead. It was written by Jerry Garcia, John Dawson, and Robert Hunter. The song was first released on the album “American Beauty” in 1970.
“Friend of the Devil” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most recognizable and popular songs. It features a mix of acoustic guitar, mandolin, and bass, creating a laid-back and melodic sound that’s characteristic of the band’s style. The lyrics tell the story of a man on the run from the law, traveling from place to place and encountering various characters along the way.
The song’s narrative quality and catchy melody have made it a staple in the Grateful Dead’s live performances and a fan favorite. Over the years, it has been covered by many artists from different genres and has become an iconic representation of the band’s sound and the 1960s counterculture.
Song Lyrics “Friend of the Devil”
I lit up from Reno
I was trailed by twenty hounds
Didn’t get to sleep that night
Till the morning came around
Set out running but I’ll take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight
Ran into the devil, babe
He loaned me twenty bills
I spent the night in Utah
In a cave up in the hills
Set out running but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight
I ran down to the levee
But the devil caught me there
He took my twenty dollar bill
And it vanished in the air
I set out running but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight
Got two reasons why I cry
Away each lonely night
The first one’s named sweet Anne Marie
And she’s my heart’s delight
Second one is prison, baby
The sheriff’s on my trail
And if he catches up with me
I’ll spend my life in jail
Got a wife in Chino, babe
And one in Cherokee
First one says she’s got my child
But it don’t look like me
Set out running but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight
Got two reasons why I cry
Away each lonely night
The first one’s named sweet Anne Marie
And she’s my heart’s delight
Second one is prison, baby
The sheriff’s on my trail
And if he catches up with me
I’ll spend my life in jail
Got a wife in Chino, babe
And one in Cherokee
The first one says she’s got my child
But it don’t look like me
I set out running but I took my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight
