While driving, the song “Casey Jones” by The Grateful Dead played on the car radio, giving me an idea for a blog post. I enjoyed listening to it. Though I never considered myself a “Deadhead,” I like their music.

When I checked to see if Deadhead is one or two words, I couldn’t believe it was in the dictionary!

noun: deadhead

1. 1.

a fan and follower of the rock group the Grateful Dead.

“The Deadhead hard core shadows the band, selling tie-dyes and beads.”

 

So, what about their music lures people to have a deep connection to it?

I’ve never been to a Grateful Dead concert. I knew people who went, but I imagined it to be a weird scene, and I thought I was above all those wanna-be hippies who just went there to smoke pot and wouldn’t know they were at a concert. I even wrote a song about it called “Hippy Zippie” from my experiences seeing Strawberry Jam, who covered the Dead brilliantly. But I didn’t know who attended those concerts, their life philosophies, or their musical prowess. Man, I was a schmuck!

Hippy Zippie by Sugar Lime Twist.

That misjudging crap was a learned behavior I absorbed from being around many people who judged others. Hey, the easiest way to cover your insecurities is to complain or judge another. I see that now.

I like the Grateful Dead music, but I didn’t get into the hippie clothing vibe. I wanted to enjoy the music my way, not because it’s cool to dress or dance a certain way. Listening to “Casey Jones” brought up memories of me judging others for having a good time.

When I was dancing to the Grateful Dead songs performed by Strawberry Jam, I tried to have a good time but fixated too much on how I presented myself to the world. I couldn’t let my hair down and relax, which meant I couldn’t listen to the Dead music and let it all go; I just absorbed the beat and instrumental part of the music. I didn’t know most of the words to the songs or the band’s story until I saw the mini-series Long Strange Trip.

I called myself a Dead fan, but was I one? I’ve never wanted to dissect the Dead – until today.

The Grateful Dead’s music beckons you to let go and relax, most likely because the band was in a “relaxed” state (okay, code for the drug-induced state – lol) when they created and recorded the music. But the Grateful Dead’s music has stood the test of time and will continue to do so and there will always be more and more fans. I always interpreted their music as pure entertainment, not message-filled songs that might change the world. But can it? Hmm.

Just keeping the Grateful Dead’s music on in the background in a store, at a party, or on your radio can help calm the mood.

Just think about it. Grateful Dead music can transform emotion.

It transforms me when I hear it. It mellows me out. I’m calm and feel good. That’s some powerful stuff, and that’s why so many people followed the band from town to town, watching them perform live. It wasn’t just about getting wasted or wearing long skirts; it was about feeling good for a moment where anything is possible and love is so concentrated you feel like you’re living in heaven on earth. That’s heavy, but even though I was never at one of their concerts, I now feel that way listening to their songs.

You don’t need to call yourself a “Deadhead” to enjoy the music created by very talented musicians and songwriters. But if that’s the case, I’d be in good company with other peace-loving folks who want to listen to some good tunes and take a break.

Thank you for reading.

To a peaceful life,

Francesca