Shakedown Street
Grateful Dead
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You tell me this town ain't got no heart (well, well, well, you can never tell) The sunny side of the street is dark (well, well, well, you can never tell) Maybe that's cause it's midnight, in the dark of the moon besides Maybe the dark is from your eyes (maybe the dark is from your eyes) Maybe the dark is from your eyes (maybe the dark is from your eyes) Maybe the dark is from your eyes (maybe the dark is from your eyes) You know you got such dark eyes! Nothin' shakin' on shakedown street, used to be the heart of town Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart, you just gotta poke around You think you've seen this town clear through (well, well, well, you can never tell) Nothin' here that could int'rest you (well, well, well, you can never tell) It's not because you missed out on the thing that we had to start Maybe you had too much too fast (maybe you had too much too fast) Maybe you had too much too fast (maybe you had too much too fast) Maybe you had too much too fast (maybe you had too much too fast) Or just over played your part Nothin' shakin' on shakedown street, used to be the heart of town. Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart, you just gotta poke around. Since I'm passing your way today (well, well, well, you can never tell) I just stopped in 'cause I want to say (well, well, well, you can never tell) I recall your darkness when it crackled like a thundercloud Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart (don't tell me this town ain't got no heart) Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart (don't tell me this town ain't got no heart) Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart (don't tell me this town ain't got no heart) When I can hear it beat out loud! Nothin' shakin' on shakedown street, used to be the heart of town Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart, you just gotta poke around
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Written by: Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Shakedown Street" is a song by the American rock band Grateful Dead. It was first released on their album of the same name in November 1978, serving as the album’s main track.
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ComposerThe band's lyricist Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics, while rhythm guitarist Bob Weir is credited for the music.
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Title SignificanceThe song's name, "Shakedown Street," was later adopted by Grateful Dead fans as the name for the impromptu and semi-authorized merchandising bazaars that sprang up in the parking lots at the band's concerts, adding to the legacy of the song.
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Inspirational LyricsThe lyrics are about experiencing hard times and not letting the judgment of others bring you down. Barely scraping by and living on "Shakedown Street" is a metaphor for a place or situation that is not ideal, but where one makes the best of what they have.
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Long Live Performances"Shakedown Street" was performed by the band more than 200 times in live concerts from 1978 to 1995.
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Popular CoverThe song has been covered by several other bands and artists, including Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Ornette Coleman.
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Critical ReceptionThe song faced criticism at the time of its release for its disco influences; however, it has since gained a cult following, largely due to the band's engaging live improvisations during their concerts.
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Cultural InfluenceThe song has significant cultural influence among the Grateful Dead's fan community (known as "Deadheads") and is widely recognized even among casual listeners of the band.
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Album ArtworkThe original cover art for the "Shakedown Street" album was created by Gilbert Shelton, the cartoonist best-known for the comic "The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers," connecting the band to the countercultural underground comix of the era.
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Inclusion in Compilation"Shakedown Street" is included in influential music compilations like the 2001 release "The Very Best of Grateful Dead," highlighting the song's continued popularity and significance in the band’s discography.
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Citation
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