I was looking over the list of song that we have done so far and was really surprise how many repetunes we’ve missed from some of the greatest bands. Well, I cover one that always sticks in my head
I kinda feel sorry for you folks much younger than me because you’ll never get to see the Grateful Dead live. I guess it is a lot like missing Woodstock but the dead was always on tour and folks would follow them for months on end, seemingly without bathing the entire time. Now it’s kinda hard to say which Dead song sticks in you head and is a true repetune because the show would start and that hallmark rhythm kick in and not end for hours, but for me it’s Bertha. It captures youth
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I had a hard run, runnin’ from your window/ I was all night running, running, Lord I wonder if you care
Amazing how much a young ladies father can inspire running in a young man, even if he has to do it in his underwear.
I had a run in, run around, and run down/ Run around the corner, corner, Lord I run smack into a tree
If you close you eyes you can kinda picture a scene that could be right out of Animal House or American Pie. Nothing will bring out the “flight” part of the “fight or flight” reflex in a young man better than a girl’s shocked father (of course, this never happened to me).
I had to move, really had to move/ That’s why if you please I am on my bended knees/ Bertha don’t you come around here any more
While I did know this song till I was in college, it still makes me think of so many times in high school. Looking back now I am a little surprised I didn’t end up in the hospital or doing time.
Test me, test me/ Test me, test me, test me/ Why don’t you arrest me?/ Throw me in the jail house
Ahhhhh, the days of youth. If you don’t really like the sound of the dead you can still enjoy there songs. Track down a cd from the early 90’s called Dedication -A Tribute to the Grateful Dead. It’s got some great covers by Los Lobos (Bertha), Lyle Lovette (Friend of the Devil), Indigo Girls (Uncle John’s Band) and others. You can find it used for about $10, new about $50. You’ll love it.
