Cassidy

Grateful Dead

About Cassidy

"Cassidy" is a song written by John Barlow and Bob Weir and performed by the Grateful Dead, Ratdog, and Phil Lesh & Friends. The song appeared on Bob Weir's Ace, and the Grateful Dead's Reckoning and Without a Net albums. The song was named after Cassidy Law, who was born in 1970 and was the daughter of Grateful Dead crew member Rex Jackson and Weir's former housemate Eileen Law. The lyrics also allude to Neal Cassady, who was associated with the Beats in the 1950s and the Acid Test scene that spawned the Grateful Dead in the 1960s. Some of the lyrics in the song were also inspired by the death of Barlow's father. The song was first performed on March 23, 1974 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California. 


Year:
2014
5:02
119 
#1

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I have seen where the wolf has slept by the silver stream.
I can tell by the mark he left, you were in his dream.
Ah child of countless trees, ah child of boundless seas.

What you are, and what you're meant to be
Speaks his name, though you were born to me,
Born to me, Cassidy.

Lost now on the country miles in his Cadillac.
I can tell by the way you smile, he is rolling back.
Come wash the nighttime clean, come grow the scorched ground green.

Blow the horn, and tap the tambourine.
Close the gap of the dark years in between
You and me, Cassidy.

Quick beats in an icy heart, catch colt draws a coffin cart,
There he goes and now here she starts, hear her cry.

Flight of the seabirds
Scattered like lost words,
Wield to the storm and fly.
Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by it's own design.
Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, I'm done with mine.
Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by it's own design.
Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, I'm done with mine.

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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: JOHN BARLOW, ROBERT WEIR

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Production
"Cassidy" was recorded by Grateful Dead, American rock band known for their eclectic style, combining elements of rock, folk, country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, and psychedelic rock.
Song Composer
The song was written by members of the band, Bob Weir (music) and John Perry Barlow (lyrics), marking one of their many successful collaborations.
Album Inclusion
"Cassidy" first appeared on Bob Weir’s solo album "Ace" in 1972 which is considered as a Grateful Dead studio record. The song was performed frequently by the band in their live concerts.
Song Inspiration
One of the inspirations behind the song was Cassidy Law, the daughter of former Grateful Dead’s office manager, Eileen Law. The name "Cassidy" was chosen by Eileen due to her admiration for Neal Cassady, a prominent figure in the Beat Generation.
Song Interpretation
Many fans interpret the song as a tribute to Neal Cassady, a friend of the band and a frequent visitor to the Grateful Dead's performances. He was a key figure in both the Beat Generation of the 1950s and the psychedelic movement of the 1960s.
Popular Cover
The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including the heartland rock musician Bob Seger.
Live Performances
"Cassidy" was played live for the first time on March 23, 1974 at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California. Since then, it became a staple in Grateful Dead's live concert setlists.
Song's Popularity
Although never released as a single, "Cassidy" is one of the Grateful Dead's most popular songs among fans, frequently appearing in set lists of their various live performances and often requested at shows.
Song Length
The song is relatively short, with the original studio version running just over 3 minutes long. However, when performed live, "Cassidy" could often stretch to much longer lengths due to the band's well-known improvisational style.
Album Success
"Ace," the album which features "Cassidy," reached number 27 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, demonstrating the popularity of Grateful Dead and the success of their music among the general public.

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