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Grateful Dead — Dire Wolf (live)
Album: Reckoning
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1144









Released: 1981
Length: 3:14
Plays (last 30 days): 1
In the timbers of Fennario
The wolves are running 'round
The winter was so hard and cold
Froze ten feet 'neath the ground

Don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

I sat down to my supper
'Twas a bottle of red whisky
I said my prayers and went to bed
That's the last they saw of me

Don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

When I awoke, the Dire Wolf
Six hundred pounds of sin
Was grinning at my window
All I said was, "come on in"

Don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

The wolf came in, I got my cards
We sat down for a game
I cut my deck to the Queen of Spades
But the cards were all the same

Don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Don't murder me

In the backwash of Fennari
The black and bloody mire
The Dire Wolf collects his dues
While the boys sing 'round the fire

Don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

Don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

No, no, no, don't murder me
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Comments (112)add comment
Fantastic!  Was there that night - up against the riser in front of Bob.  They were SO on.   Best of my many Dead shows
Very unerring lyrics about our wolve packs here in the "old world", especially in Germany, because of their cracking some sheep and goats. The authorities are propagating shooting them, after the fact all of them were united in settleling them again, as bears, as a sign of "Back to biodiversity" few years ago.
Nope. Sorry. It must be me. I don't know anyone this side of the pond in the UK that has anything GD in their music collection. They're OK but..................
A 5 from me for effort
So a philosophical question has to be proctored:

can there ever be enough GD music played on RP?
childish unskilled amateurs, better forget this
I love Anthem of the Sun. How about something from that, Bill?
 alan278 wrote:

Although a very good song IMHO, this sort of thing is not what made them probably my favorite licorice.  

GD were a "jam band" - in particular, group improvisation with elements not only of folk and rock, but elements of jazz and classical (chamber music and 20th Century) to my ears.  When great musicians can get together and create spontaneously together, listening to each other and responding and pushing each other to new places... well, this is not what most music is made of.  This is special.  

Of course they had their off nights for whatever reasons, and perhaps continued touring and playing when their best creative (and singing) juices/years were behind them, but they did a tremendous amount of great music.  Night after night  they played and created.  A lot of their music was pretty standard I guess, varying little night-to-night as most touring bands do.  But so much of it was new and improvised.  

If you get it, great, enjoy.  If not, let it go, but don't  hesitate to listen.  Someday it may hit you and you will have one more terrific enjoyment from life.  
(And a ton to listen to and enjoy - not just a 20 album legacy as with some bands, but hundreds of great live shows that differed every night.)
 
(I know, don't  bother wasting time trying to get anyone to understand The Dead.  They get it or they don't.  But what the heck, feeling garrulous this morning...) 



....well if it isn't the preacher ..
 alan278 wrote:

Although a very good song IMHO, this sort of thing is not what made them probably my favorite licorice.  

GD were a "jam band" - in particular, group improvisation with elements not only of folk and rock, but elements of jazz and classical (chamber music and 20th Century) to my ears.  When great musicians can get together and create spontaneously together, listening to each other and responding and pushing each other to new places... well, this is not what most music is made of.  This is special.  

Of course they had their off nights for whatever reasons, and perhaps continued touring and playing when their best creative (and singing) juices/years were behind them, but they did a tremendous amount of great music.  Night after night  they played and created.  A lot of their music was pretty standard I guess, varying little night-to-night as most touring bands do.  But so much of it was new and improvised.  

If you get it, great, enjoy.  If not, let it go, but don't  hesitate to listen.  Someday it may hit you and you will have one more terrific enjoyment from life.  
(And a ton to listen to and enjoy - not just a 20 album legacy as with some bands, but hundreds of great live shows that differed every night.)
 
(I know, don't  bother wasting time trying to get anyone to understand The Dead.  They get it or they don't.  But what the heck, feeling garrulous this morning...) 



Very well put Alan! I have been to numerous Dead shows with Jerry and a few post Jerry...RIP Never following the same set list like other touring bands. I remember one particular night at Red Rocks...I almost lost it when the intro guitar licks were hit... I knew where it was taking me... Into The Mystic!  MAN it was perfect! puts a smile on my face and a tear in my eye every time I think about that moment. Like most say on here... not for everyone... and if I have to explain, you wouldn't understand! And to those who do.... fukingroovin' baby!
 rdo wrote:

No doubt true... they had the most devoted fans..but there was also a lot going on there ... a lifestyle thing that had little to do with quality of the music
Sex, drugs, rock and roll.  

I enjoyed two out of three.  Down to one now, sigh.  Which one is obvious from my presence here.

 swtobias508 wrote:
The majority of GD concert fans are high on LSD. I suspect that is what it takes to love this crap.  People I respect a lot like them but I could never figure out what in the hell they liked about this most boring drivel.

 
i really don't want to spoil your view of the world, but honestly, stating that the majority of Dead fans are/were high on LSD is in the league of Trump and his supporters claiming that Democrats want to open the borders to all. Are you capable of grasping the point (obvious to many if not most) that making overly broad and ludicrous statements about things you really don't understand or like shows more about you than whatever your subject might be? Anyway, there comes a realization in the life of many others that referring to things you don't like as "boring" is pretty much meaningless. But, I guess you have an opinion...
And some will change their minds .... tonight this sounds catchy. Can see the charm. Prefer the Mars Hotel GD but gotta give this a .... 2? {#Roflol}All right, a 4!!!
There will be times when some find The Dead reassuring and other will find them eternally REPREHENSIBLE.

 

Kind of go's without saying you're not a deadhead..     unclehud wrote:

"Please don't murder me!"
"OK, then; stop singing that shite."

(I am not a Deadhead.) 

 


"Please don't murder me!"
"OK, then; stop singing that shite."

(I am not a Deadhead.) 
 Skydog wrote:

here's what Lennon once said about George Martin and 'Revolution #9'
.
 

 
Lennon was a a-hole to just about everyone AND heroin junkie in the early 70's  (he was also a drug addict at the time of the recording of Revolution #9).  He was erratic, destructive, egotistical, and angry during most of this period.  I would take the above letter with a major grain of salt and give George Martin (a lifelong teetotaler) the benefit of the doubt on his contribution to the classic.

Edit:  I might add that, at the time of his death, John Lennon was a much different person having recovered from addiction, dedicated himself to his family, and was in the process of a career renaissance.  It brings me no joy to harsh on him.
One of the best concerts ever recorded.  This and Waiting for Columbus... and Live at Leeds... and...
 h8rhater wrote:

I'm 100% sure that your humble opinion is correct and that someone else is chewing on some really sour grapes. Especially given the recent passing of the brilliant George Martin, who created that wondrous audio soundscape of which you speak.  
 
here's what Lennon once said about George Martin and 'Revolution #9'
.
 
  pinem wrote:
Most overrated band in history; bought their first album in the 60's and never played it again after first listening. I put it on par with 'Revolution #9' which I vow to only listen to once every 30 years, so I stand at 2 listenings for this 'White Album' waste of space.


Skydog wrote:

"Revolution #9" is a masterpeice audio soundscape, it creates emotions and wonderment and questions in vivid color
I have listened to it hundreds of times since 1968
But ofcourse that is my humble opinion and you could be 100% correct

now then, Grateful Dead was the subject,
hey man they're playing Dire Wolf, groovy!! 

 
I'm 100% sure that your humble opinion is correct and that someone else is chewing on some really sour grapes. Especially given the recent passing of the brilliant George Martin, who created that wondrous audio soundscape of which you speak.  

 pinem wrote:
Most overrated band in history; bought their first album in the 60's and never played it again after first listening. I put it on par with 'Revolution #9' which I vow to only listen to once every 30 years, so I stand at 2 listenings for this 'White Album' waste of space.

 
"Revolution #9" is a masterpeice audio soundscape, it creates emotions and wonderment and questions in vivid color
I have listened to it hundreds of times since 1968
But ofcourse that is my humble opinion and you could be 100% correct

now then, Grateful Dead was the subject,
hey man they're playing Dire Wolf, groovy!! 
The majority of GD concert fans are high on LSD. I suspect that is what it takes to love this crap.  People I respect a lot like them but I could never figure out what in the hell they liked about this most boring drivel.

Ahh, the brilliant and poetic lyrics of Robert Hunter...

In the timbers to Fennario, the wolves are running round
The winter was so hard and cold, froze ten feet 'neath the ground
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me Please, don't murder me

I sat down to my supper, 'twas a bottle of red whisky
I said my prayers and went to bed, that's the last they saw of me
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

When I awoke, the Dire Wolf, six hundred pounds of sin
Was grinning at my window, all I said was come on in
Don't murder me,
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

The Wolf came in, I got my cards, we sat down for a game
I cut my deck to the Queen of Spades, but the cards were all the same
Don't murder me,
I beg of you,
don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Don't murder me

In the backwash of Fennario, the black and bloody mire
The Dire Wolf collects his dues, while the boys sing 'round the fire
Don't murder me,
I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Don't murder me I beg of you don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
No no no don't murder me

I beg of you, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me
Please, don't murder me

 

"Most overrated band" … how much I agree with that.

It's not a secret: I hate the Grateful Dead from the bottom of my heart. And this song is a good example. Trivial and monotonous. Energy? Dynamics? Nope.

I know, there are a lot "deadheads" here. Celebrate your idols, that's fine. But for me: sucko-barfo.


Most overrated band in history; bought their first album in the 60's and never played it again after first listening. I put it on par with 'Revolution #9' which I vow to only listen to once every 30 years, so I stand at 2 listenings for this 'White Album' waste of space.
 Fiji5555 wrote:
Ah yes the Grateful Dead, the on the road bar band that had a cult following for some reason.

 
Ah yes the H8r, the on the board commenter that thinks they are profound for some reason.
Although a very good song IMHO, this sort of thing is not what made them probably my favorite licorice.  

GD were a "jam band" - in particular, group improvisation with elements not only of folk and rock, but elements of jazz and classical (chamber music and 20th Century) to my ears.  When great musicians can get together and create spontaneously together, listening to each other and responding and pushing each other to new places... well, this is not what most music is made of.  This is special.  

Of course they had their off nights for whatever reasons, and perhaps continued touring and playing when their best creative (and singing) juices/years were behind them, but they did a tremendous amount of great music.  Night after night  they played and created.  A lot of their music was pretty standard I guess, varying little night-to-night as most touring bands do.  But so much of it was new and improvised.  

If you get it, great, enjoy.  If not, let it go, but don't  hesitate to listen.  Someday it may hit you and you will have one more terrific enjoyment from life.  
(And a ton to listen to and enjoy - not just a 20 album legacy as with some bands, but hundreds of great live shows that differed every night.)
 
(I know, don't  bother wasting time trying to get anyone to understand The Dead.  They get it or they don't.  But what the heck, feeling garrulous this morning...) 
Ah yes the Grateful Dead, the on the road bar band that had a cult following for some reason.
 Biscobret wrote:
Fucking Brilliant!  Thank you, Bill -- haters gonna hate -- 1/2 of them wouldn't hate this song if they didn't know who it was, though...   LOL

  I would think the opposite would be true.
 Red_Dragon wrote:

Our audience is like people who like licorice.  Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.

~Jerry Garcia

 
No doubt true... they had the most devoted fans..but there was also a lot going on there ... a lifestyle thing that had little to do with quality of the music
 bitbanger wrote:
Reminds me of the same spirit that created SpaghettiOs.

 
Which spirit was that; whisky or gin?
Reminds me of the same spirit that created SpaghettiOs.
Ahhhhhh! Thank you Bill! It's good to hear the boys every so often. More Please! {#Dancingbanana}
Fucking Brilliant!  Thank you, Bill -- haters gonna hate -- 1/2 of them wouldn't hate this song if they didn't know who it was, though...   LOL
Thank you Bill for playing this.  Love this album, and this song in particular
Solid 10
More people like licorice.   Blech
 d-don wrote:

I get it.

 
me too
Haters: Pandora, Last FM, etc. beckon with you "vanilla" musical favorites in heavy rotation! Don't let the door hit you where evolution split you! Buh-bye! {#Wave}
yeah jerry, sing it! 

also: 6 weeks til game of thrones season 3  {#Cowboy}

considering they were singing about an extinct animal, the lyrics ironically fit.  lots of negative comments, ok so you guys don't like this song or the Dead...it is a good folk story, though...
As usaual the dead harp on a single theme with random twangling behind.  PLEASE STOP!{#Wall}
ok ok I get it..you don't want to be murdered...enough already.
 salzburg4321 wrote:
Same here.

 
Rooney wrote:
I'm from that generation, and I still don't get them.  I didn't back then, and I don't now.
I agree with the poster below — mediocrity is their calling card to music.  What the
hell was all the hype about anyway?  Don't get it.  {#No}
 
 
I get it.
 oldslabsides wrote:

Our audience is like people who like licorice.  Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.

~Jerry Garcia
 

I don't like the music but I loves this quote!
 oldslabsides wrote:

Our audience is like people who like licorice.  Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.

~Jerry Garcia
 
You can have my licorice
 Rooney wrote:
I'm from that generation, and I still don't get them.  I didn't back then, and I don't now.
I agree with the poster below — mediocrity is their calling card to music.  What the
hell was all the hype about anyway?  Don't get it.  {#No}
 
Our audience is like people who like licorice.  Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.

~Jerry Garcia

 Rooney wrote:
I'm from that generation, and I still don't get them.  I didn't back then, and I don't now.
I agree with the poster below — mediocrity is their calling card to music.  What the
hell was all the hype about anyway?  Don't get it.  {#No}

 
It's ok if you didn't get them, but it's also ok for those millions of us who did.

The first song I ever heard by The Dead was "Touch of Grey," and I was completely straight and sober at the time. After that, I heard "Saint of Circumstance" when I was stoned as a goat, and I recorded it onto a compilation cassette and listened to the thing until the tape snapped. It ruined my cassette player, but by then, all those songs were ingrained in my brain.  Which is probably why I love The Grateful Dead and can listen to pretty much anything they ever put out.
If you listen close to this, you can hear the audience squeal with delight.
Same here.

 
Rooney wrote:
I'm from that generation, and I still don't get them.  I didn't back then, and I don't now.
I agree with the poster below — mediocrity is their calling card to music.  What the
hell was all the hype about anyway?  Don't get it.  {#No}

 


{#Bounce}
I'm from that generation, and I still don't get them.  I didn't back then, and I don't now.
I agree with the poster below — mediocrity is their calling card to music.  What the
hell was all the hype about anyway?  Don't get it.  {#No}

 ziakut wrote:
I suppose it isn't fair for me to criticize the 'Dead'...since I'm not a fan and don't 'get it'...but I really dislike the mediocrity that seems to accompany everything I hear from them. This tune isn't bad...just not that interesting.
 
What Ziakut said. I once made the statement that The Grateful Dead were, IMO, the World's most mediocre band. To be fair, I don't have any positive memories associated with Dead songs to help color my opinion. I'm sure I have favorites that others can only shake their heads at as well.

I suppose it isn't fair for me to criticize the 'Dead'...since I'm not a fan and don't 'get it'...but I really dislike the mediocrity that seems to accompany everything I hear from them. This tune isn't bad...just not that interesting.
 "600 lbs. of sin." Keep up the wolf theme!
 johnjconn wrote:

Come on scrubbrush,,, Hippies are idiots. 

They call pot "Dope" for a reason

 

Hey, who are you call'n a idiot?
Well, you're dead now, so I'm not going to worry about it.
 johnjconn wrote:

Come on scrubbrush,,, Hippies are idiots. 

They call pot "Dope" for a reason

   you sound very well versed and experienced in this "dope" thing.  And yes, hippies, not Al Gore, helped invent the internet, over which you so profoundly pontificate...look it up: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_WELL


 laroue wrote:
The best Dead album ever! RIP, Jerry.
 

Yes, a great album.  I was just listening to this album the other night on my old nakamichi...on a great old tape from an excellent turntable...all pops and hisses for that warm fuzzy feeling. 
 johnjconn wrote:

Come on scrubbrush,,, Hippies are idiots. 

They call pot "Dope" for a reason

 Hey! some of my best friends are idiots and they wouldn't appreciate you associating them with hippies

 jagdriver wrote:
I like the Dead, but this version of this track isn't worth any air play.
 

{#Stupid}


HOORAY FOR HIPPIES
I like the Dead, but this version of this track isn't worth any air play.
Had this in my head all day yesterday... Thanks!
I never have liked this song. Completely ignorant of the facts when it comes to Dire Wolves... and it just vilifies Wolves in general. Ruins what could have been an enjoyable tune. One point... only because there aren't zero points.

The best Dead album ever! RIP, Jerry.
thanks for the dead this morning bill.  ive been jammin old tapes on a little walkman that i brought with me here to japan.  im on a tiny island in the east china sea and feel like im the only one on this island who even know who the dead are (not sure, but could def be true).  its great to be able to share a jam today with some other heads. 

domo ayrigoto gozimasu!

lmic wrote:

The quintessential live band, I suppose, but I prefer the studio versions of most of their stuff.

 
Blues for Allah has always been pure magic for me.

Image source: https://www.radioparadise.com/graphics/covers/l/B000002VJH.jpg


 zulbat wrote:

Were your Parents Republicens too?
 

{#Lol}
 Xeric wrote:

I'd pretty much agree.  And though I never saw the band live, I've heard enough bootlegs to think I didn't really miss much. . . .
 
My wife hates the dead... I just don't get it, I really don't.

Thy this one: https://www.archive.org/details/gd77-05-08.matrix.dan.26857.sbeok.flacf

If you don't like that one, try a few more.  You will eventually warm up, I am confident.

-Chad


 ch83575 wrote:

What!? Of all of the things I have heard people say about the dead, this is the first time I have heard that one!


 
I'd pretty much agree.  And though I never saw the band live, I've heard enough bootlegs to think I didn't really miss much. . . .


Trivia time This is the same album as "For the Faithful....." which was released first. Not sure why the name change. Was very surprised when I listened to Reckoning for the first time.
Where is it? "Fennario!"
Hannio wrote:
For the longest time I thought they were singing "in the timbers up-and-derry-oh!" like as if it were penned by Thomas Campion.
yup, check this out: (click here)
Quite possibly the best major commercial live album ever released. Not one bad song/version on the whole thing. And to think Jerry thought he sounded bad on acoustic guitar...what I wouldn't give for those skills.
LongGoneDaddy wrote:
Fennario!


For the longest time I thought they were singing "in the timbers up-and-derry-oh!" like as if it were penned by Thomas Campion.

ch83575 wrote:
What!? Of all of the things I have heard people say about the dead, this is the first time I have heard that one!
Depends on the album. This song, being on Workingman's Dead originally, I can see. WD & American Beauty are the two studio albums that they REALLY got right. The first few albums suffered from primitive equipment and overly restrictive producers and engenieers(WB's). The 70's studio albums suffered from really lousy mastering and borderline performances on a couple of tracks(imo) like "Let Me Sing Your Blues Away" or "Money Money". That's why most of the old-school 'Heads decided the albums were worthless. Oh, and Shakedown Street. I remember when that came out all the old 'Heads hated it because it was a "Disco" record.
Fennario!
'Reckoning' is such a great accoustic live album by GD. Killer versions of 'The Race is on','Rosalie McFall','The Monkey And the Engineer' and so many others. Worth checkin' out guys!
The Quintessential party band. Great song.
lmic wrote:
The quintessential live band, I suppose, but I prefer the studio versions of most of their stuff.
What!? Of all of the things I have heard people say about the dead, this is the first time I have heard that one!
rharvey658 wrote:
What's a 'tape'?
What we had before playlists. Relax, you're not missing anything.
I've never heard this version before, I like it better than the original I think, but then, the Dead were always better live anyway!
Will the wolf theme survive... actually, just being a smart ass I like It
iTuner wrote:
All through college I had chances to see the Dead, and just never made it to any shows even though I really liked them. Truly a missed experience.
Truly. My condolences.
All through college I had chances to see the Dead, and just never made it to any shows even though I really liked them. Truly a missed experience.
These guys suck almost as much as REM. I was also at a Dead concert in the Bay Area once in the mid 70's - it sucked!
buddy0407 wrote:
You can always tell when Bill's runnin a tape. Same set, different day.
What's a 'tape'?
milehighYinzer wrote:
I love this album. My parents were all anti-hippie Dead haters. I played this in the car with them back when I was in college and they loved it not knowing it was the Dead. Rosa Lee Mcfall is a great tune on this one.
Were your Parents Republicens too?
Everything from this acoustic set is just so gosh darn GOOD. Another one that is missed... Hmmm... Warren...Jerry...is there someone in Los Lobos who just died? Not Hidalgo!!
The quintessential live band, I suppose, but I prefer the studio versions of most of their stuff.
Yeah, I went to a Dead concert onceĀ…once. Because I got the tickets for free! The Dead just don't sing to my soul. Now, give me some Frank Zappa, that guy can play a solo!!!
kerr wrote:
Grateful Dead - Dire Wolf Los Lobos - Will the Wolf Survive Warren Zevon - Werewolves Of London Mmmmm... There's a theme going on here if I could only work it out.... How about some Howlin' Wolf next?
You can always tell when Bill's runnin a tape. Same set, different day.
Grateful Dead - Dire Wolf Los Lobos - Will the Wolf Survive Warren Zevon - Werewolves Of London Mmmmm... There's a theme going on here if I could only work it out.... How about some Howlin' Wolf next?
GD - the peak in musical history. There's nothing quite as good as them out there. I hate that I was born that late...
I love this album. My parents were all anti-hippie Dead haters. I played this in the car with them back when I was in college and they loved it not knowing it was the Dead. Rosa Lee Mcfall is a great tune on this one.
Finally, some happy s***. Look below, this little bouncy guy is UBIQUITOUS!
Originally Posted by beelzebubba: The Dead were the quintessential American musicians, and this song is just an example. Captures the spirit of Americana, the western desperado spririt and that legendary 'cowboy' culture perfectly.
And they sound good too!
The Dead were the quintessential American musicians, and this song is just an example. Captures the spirit of Americana, the western desperado spririt and that legendary \'cowboy\' culture perfectly.
One of my college roommates once saw the Dead performing this song and was amazed to see BOTH of Jerry\'s feet leave the floor AT THE SAME TIME. Guess it was a particularly rockin\' version of this tune. What Jerry lacked in physical energy on stage, though, he made up for in musical energy.
THANK YOU RP. THANK YOU RP. THANK YOU RP. THANK YOU RP. THANK YOU RP. The Dead are a legal, OTC anti-depressant.
Oh yeah. Keep the music flowing. My day is better already. \"600 pounds of sin,... all I said was \'come on in\'.\"
I\'m humming and bouncing
Originally Posted by Flying_Donut: If you don't start tapping your foot and bouncing along, you're Dead. :D
If you don\'t start tapping your foot and bouncing along, you\'re Dead. :D
Originally Posted by Leslie: Me too! The Dead's music has enabled me to get through some really rough times in my life. Whenever I feel bad I listen to the Dead and I immediately feel much better.
i'm with you guys... we miss you, jerry! good thing your music will carry on with us ;)
Originally Posted by Johray63: Grateful Dead's music often makes me happier. Why? I didn't get to the roots of it yet- and maybe I should keep it that way.
Me too! The Dead's music has enabled me to get through some really rough times in my life. Whenever I feel bad I listen to the Dead and I immediately feel much better.
Grateful Dead\'s music often makes me happier. Why? I didn\'t get to the roots of it yet- and maybe I should keep it that way.
One of my favorite songs to play my mandolin along with!