I was listening to the Grateful Dead Channel today at work (as I do most Sundays)...and Bobbie Weir comes on for a snippet explaining that New Speedway Boogie was about their experience at Altamont and their decision not to play because of all the violence etc...Of course, with typical Hunter lyrics, there's a bunch of symbolism and round-about meanings, but it comes quite clear once you know the background...


I have always LOVED this song...live, studio, whatever...it was always a fun song to hear live...Until now, I NEVER put the song title and that dreaded day together...

This was a great show (also the truly amazing first time Eyes of the World first set opener) Bruce Hornsby tears it up!!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LTaMLdldxQ


Starts at 13:13...but feel free to enjoy the entire album...a true classic!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUOKXibHpbA

https://www.dead.net/song/new-speedway-boogie

Please don't dominate the rap, Jack
If you got nothing new to say
If you please, don't back up the track
This train's got to run today

I spent a little time in the mountain
Spent a little time on the hill
I heard some say "better run away"
Others say "better stand still"

Now I don't know but I've been told
It's hard to run with the weight of gold   <<< A dig at Jagger and the Stones Machine???
Other hand I heard it said
It's just as hard with the weight of lead  <<< Dig #2 ?

Who can deny? Who can deny?
It's not just a change in style
One step done and another begun
In I wonder how many miles?

I spent a little time on the mountain
Spent a little time on the hill
Things went down we don't understand
But I think in time we will

Now I don't know but I was told
In the heat of the sun a man died of cold  <<<<< YIKES!!
Do we keep on coming or stand and wait
With the sun so dark and the hour so late?

You can't overlook the lack Jack
Of any other highway to ride
It's got no signs or dividing lines
And very few rules to guide         <<<< YEPPERS

I spent a little time on the mountain
Spent a little time on the hill
I saw things getting out of hand
I guess they always will

Now, I don't know but I've been told
If the horse don't pull, you got to carry the load
I don't know whose back's that strong
Maybe find out before too long

One way or another
One way or another
One way or another
This darkness got to give
[etc]

:)

I always just took it as politcial protest song. One of my favorite Dead songs. I'll have to listen a little more carefully to it.

Never any question that the New Speedway was Altamont;
"Please don't dominate the rap, (Jumpin') Jack"