Samson and Delilah

Grateful Dead

About Samson and Delilah

"Samson and Delilah" is a traditional song based on the Biblical tale of Samson and his betrayal by Delilah. Its best known performer is perhaps the Grateful Dead, who first performed the song live in 1976, with guitarist Bob Weir singing lead vocals. It was frequently played live by the Dead. The 1977 album Terrapin Station featured a studio recording of the song. Although Weir learned the song from Reverend Gary Davis, several earlier versions had been recorded under various titles, including "If I Had My Way I'd Tear the Building Down"/"Oh Lord If I Had My Way" by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. Rev. Gary Davis's recording can be heard on the compilation album The Music Never Stopped: Roots of the Grateful Dead. The song has since been performed by a wide variety of artists ranging from Elizabeth Cook, Bob Dylan, Charlie Parr, Dave Van Ronk, Ike and Tina Turner, Clara Ward, Dorothy Love Coates & The Gospel Harmonettes, to Peter, Paul and Mary, The Washington Squares, The Blasters, Willie Watson, and Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band (in Verona, Italy 2006). Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson's version appeared in the second season premiere episode (also titled "Samson and Delilah") of the Fox television show Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, in which Manson was also a main cast member. Art Greenhaw recorded a version with The Jordanaires and Larry "T-Byrd" Gordon, which was released in 2005. 


Year:
2014
6:18
17 

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If I had my way
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this whole building down

Delilah was a woman, she was fine and fair
She had good looks - God knows and coal black hair
Delilah she gained old Samson's mind
When first he saw this woman, she looked so fine

Delilah she climbed up on Samson's knee
Said tell me where your strength lies, if you please
Then she spoke so kind, she talked so fair
That Samson said, Delilah you cut off my hair
You can shave my head, cleanse my hand
My strength comes as natural as any other man

You read about Samson, all from his birth
He was the strongest man ever had lived on earth
One day while Samson was walking along
Looked down on the ground he saw an old jaw bone
Then he stretched out his arm and his chains broke like threads
And when he got to move, ten thousand were dead

Now Samson and the lion, they got in attack
And Samson he walked up on the lion's back
You read about this lion, he killed a man with his paw
Samson got hands up round the lion's jaw
He ripped that beast, killed it dead
And the bees made honey in the lion's head

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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 »

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Written by: DP, BOB WEIR

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist's Performance
"Samson and Delilah" is one of the most beloved performances by Grateful Dead. Often played during the second set of concerts, it became a high-energy favorite among fans and band members alike.
Songwriter
Although popularized by Grateful Dead, "Samson and Delilah" is originally a traditional Gospel blues song written and recorded by the ordained minister and blues musician, Rev. Gary Davis.
Style Adaptation
Grateful Dead dynamically reworked the song, adding their own distinctive rock 'n' roll flair to the original Gospel blues style. The band's rendition represented their fusion of diverse genres, from folk and blues to psychedelic rock.
Lyrics' Narrative
The song's lyrics adapt the biblical story of Samson and Delilah from the Book of Judges. The story is about the betrayal of Samson by his lover Delilah, who cuts his hair thus removing his strength.
Grateful Dead's Lead Vocalist
Generally sung by Grateful Dead's rhythm guitarist, Bob Weir, "Samson and Delilah" showcases his vocal ability and musical diversity, as he effortlessly switches from rhythm guitar to lead vocals.
Song's Musicianship
Apart from Weir, key components of the song’s success in the band's version include Phil Lesh's dynamic bass, Jerry Garcia's soaring lead guitar, and the driving rhythm provided by drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart.
Rev. Gary Davis' Legacy
The song's legacy has a deeper root in Rev. Gary Davis' influential career. The blind blues musician, known for his fingerpicking guitar style, has inspired countless artists such as Bob Dylan, and naturally, Grateful Dead.
Rev. Gary Davis' Version
In the original Davis version, the song takes on a solemn, introspective tone with his intricate guitar playing and passionate, raw vocals. Davis’ religious emphasis brings forth a spiritual depth in the song's narrative that later versions also try to capture.
Song’s Stage Debut
Grateful Dead first performed "Samson and Delilah" on June 3, 1976, at the Paramount Theatre in Portland, Oregon. The song soon became a setlist staple for the band.
Live Recordings
"Samson and Delilah" was a fixture in Grateful Dead's live shows but was never officially recorded in a studio by the band. However, live performances of the song have been preserved in the band's numerous live albums and bootleg recordings.

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