Box of Rain

Grateful Dead

About Box of Rain

"Box of Rain" is a song by the Grateful Dead, from their 1970 album American Beauty. The song was composed by bassist Phil Lesh and lyricist Robert Hunter, and sung by Lesh. In later years, the song was a favorite and the crowd would shout "Let Phil sing!" to hear the song.


Year:
2001
42 
#1

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Look out of any window
Any morning, any evening, any day
Maybe the sun is shining
Birds are winging or
Rain is falling from a heavy sky,
What do you want me to do,
To do for you to see you through?
For this is all a dream we dreamed 
One afternoon long ago 
Walk out of any doorway
Feel your way, feel your way
Like the day before
Maybe you'll find direction
Around some corner
Where it's been waiting to meet you,
What do you want me to do,
To watch for you while you're sleeping?
Well please don't be surprised
When you find me dreaming too

Look into any eyes
You find by you, you can see 
Clear through to another day
Maybe been seen before 
Through other eyes on other days 
While going home,
What do you want me to do,
To do for you to see you through?
It's all a dream we dreamed 
One afternoon long ago

Walk into splintered sunlight
Inch your way through dead dreams
To another land
Maybe you're tired and broken
Your tongue is twisted
With words half spoken 
And thoughts unclear
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through
A box of rain will ease the pain 
And love will see you through

Just a box of rain,
Wind and water,
Believe it if you need it,
If you don't just pass it on
Sun and shower,
Wind and rain,
In and out the window
Like a moth before a flame

And it's just a box of rain
I don't know who put it there
Believe it if you need it
Or leave it if you dare
And it's just a box of rain
Or a ribbon for your hair
Such a long long time to be gone 
And a short time to be there

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Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band was known for its unique and eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, improvisational jazz, psychedelia, and space rock, and for live performances of long musical improvisation. "Their music," writes Lenny Kaye, "touches on ground that most other groups don't even know exists." These various influences were distilled into a diverse and psychedelic whole that made the Grateful Dead "the pioneering Godfathers of the jam band world." They were ranked 57th in the issue The Greatest Artists of all Time by Rolling Stone magazine. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and their Barton Hall Concert at Cor… more »

10 fans

Written by: Philip Lesh, Robert C. Hunter

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origins of the Song
"Box of Rain" was written by lyricist Robert Hunter and bassist Phil Lesh of Grateful Dead. This was the first Grateful Dead song that Phil Lesh solely composed.
Personal Inspiration
"Box of Rain" was a tribute by Phil Lesh to his dying father. He wanted to create something beautiful for his father who was in his final days due to terminal cancer.
Song Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are notably abstract and were once described by Robert Hunter as 'loaded with arcane stuff'. The lyrics supposedly reflect the struggle and emotional state Lesh was going through during his father’s ill health.
Album Success
The song was released as part of the 1970 album "American Beauty". This album is considered one of the Grateful Dead's most successful and it peaked at 30th position on the Billboard 200 chart.
Signature Song
Even though "Box of Rain" wasn't released as a single, it's considered one of Grateful Dead's signature songs. It was even used in the final scene of the final episode of the popular television show 'Freaks and Geeks'.
Performance History
After the initial performances in 1970, the band stopped playing this song until they brought it back to their tour in 1986.
Final Performance
"Box of Rain" was the final song performed by Grateful Dead at their last concert with Jerry Garcia on July 9, 1995.
Song Meaning
Interpretation of the song’s meaning varies among listeners. Some see it as a poetic view of the life cycle, the universe, and our place within it.
Change in Musical Style
With 'American Beauty', Grateful Dead shifted from psychedelic rock to a more folk-based sound. Critics often cite 'Box of Rain' as an exemplar of this transition.
Legacy
"Box of Rain" remains a popular song in Grateful Dead's discography and it's often covered by other musicians and bands, attesting to its lasting influence.

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