Grateful Dead – Friend of the Devil

About the song

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Grateful Dead – Friend of the Devil

About the song: Released in 1970 on their seminal album American Beauty, “Friend of the Devil” quickly became one of Grateful Dead’s most beloved and enduring acoustic-driven songs. Penned by Jerry Garcia, John Dawson (of New Riders of the Purple Sage), and Robert Hunter, it tells the story of a man on the run, pursued by both the law and the devil himself. The song’s deceptively simple melody and intricate narrative have made it a staple in their live performances for decades and a favorite among fans and casual listeners alike.

The sound and style: “Friend of the Devil” is a quintessential example of Grateful Dead’s embrace of Americana, folk, and country music. It’s primarily an acoustic song, characterized by its warm, inviting sound and a relaxed, almost conversational pace. Unlike many of their more exploratory, psychedelic jams, this track is concise and melodically focused, showcasing their knack for crafting beautifully structured songs. The sound is rootsy, organic, and feels like it could have been played on a front porch somewhere in the American heartland.

Musical features:

• Acoustic Guitar Dominance: The song is built around the interplay of acoustic guitars, primarily Jerry Garcia’s fingerpicked lines and rhythm guitar, creating a rich, flowing texture.
• Jerry Garcia’s Mellow Vocals: Garcia’s lead vocal is gentle and unhurried, perfectly suiting the narrative tone of the lyrics. His delivery feels intimate and confessional.
• Harmonious Backing Vocals: The subtle yet effective harmonies from Bob Weir and Phil Lesh add depth and warmth to the chorus, a hallmark of Grateful Dead’s vocal arrangements.
• Melodic Bass Line: Phil Lesh’s bass line is remarkably melodic and active, adding counterpoint and rhythmic drive without overpowering the acoustic core.
• Subtle Mandolin/Dobro: While not always prominent in every recording or live version, the subtle inclusion of instruments like mandolin or dobro in some arrangements enhances the country/folk flavor.
• Clear, Uncluttered Production: The production on American Beauty is celebrated for its clarity, allowing each instrument to breathe and the acoustic elements to shine.

It’s mellow, narrative-driven, and imbued with a sense of wandering freedom tinged with impending doom.

Lyrical themes and atmosphere:

“I lit out from Reno, I was trailing a man / Couldn’t make a living, robbing cards with my hand”

The lyrics follow a protagonist who is constantly on the move, trying to evade a past he can’t quite shake. There’s a pervasive sense of flight and an unsettling feeling that the “friend of the devil” he encounters might be an external force or perhaps an internal struggle. The atmosphere is one of weary travel, the allure of the open road, and the shadowy presence of consequences. Despite the dark undertones of being on the run, there’s also a certain romanticism to the wanderer’s life described.

Themes:

• Life on the Run: The constant pursuit and the inability to settle down.
• Fate vs. Free Will: The sense that the protagonist is guided, or perhaps haunted, by forces beyond his control.
• Temptation and Consequences: The “friend of the devil” can be interpreted as temptation, bad choices, or the inevitable reckoning for one’s actions.
• Melancholy and Resignation: A quiet acceptance of one’s circumstances, even if they are dire.
• The American Landscape: Implicitly, the vast, open spaces of the American West as a backdrop for escape.

Unlike some of their more overtly philosophical songs, “Friend of the Devil” tells a straightforward story while leaving room for deeper interpretation.

Legacy and impact:

• Live Staple: Became one of the most frequently played songs in Grateful Dead’s extensive live repertoire, often opening or appearing early in acoustic sets.
• Accessible Entry Point: Often cited as one of the most accessible Grateful Dead songs for new listeners due to its melodic nature and clear narrative.
• Quintessential American Beauty Track: A highlight on an album renowned for its songwriting and folk/country leanings, which marked a significant stylistic shift for the band.
• Covered by Diverse Artists: Its universal appeal has led to covers by artists across genres, including John Denver, Counting Crows, and Dave Matthews.
• Enduring Popularity: Continues to be one of Grateful Dead’s most recognizable and beloved songs, transcending their dedicated fanbase.

“Friend of the Devil” is a timeless narrative of wandering and reckoning, delivered with Grateful Dead’s signature blend of musical warmth and lyrical intrigue.

Final thoughts: “Friend of the Devil” is a deceptively simple masterpiece. Its charm lies in its understated delivery, combining a beautiful, flowing melody with a captivating story. Jerry Garcia’s vocal performance is particularly poignant, drawing the listener into the protagonist’s weary journey. It demonstrates Grateful Dead’s profound ability to craft compelling narratives within a folk/country framework, proving that their genius extended far beyond their famed psychedelic jams. It’s a song that invites introspection, a quiet companion for a long road, and a testament to the enduring power of American roots music.

Video

Lyrics

“Friend Of The Devil”

I lit out from Reno, I was trailed by twenty hounds
Didn’t get to sleep that night ’til the morning came aroundSet out runnin’ but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonightRan into the devil, babe, he loaned me twenty bills
Spent the night in Utah in a cave up in the hills

Set out runnin’ but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight

I ran down to the levee but the devil caught me there
He took my twenty dollar bill and he vanished in the air

Set out runnin’ but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight

Got two reasons why I cry away each lonely night:
The first one’s named sweet Anne Marie, and she’s my heart’s delight
The second one is prison, babe, and the sheriff’s on my trail
And if he catches up with me, I’ll spend my life in jail

Got a wife in Chino, babe, and one in Cherokee
The first one says she’s got my child, but it don’t look like me

Set out runnin’ but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight

Got two reasons why I cry away each lonely night:
The first one’s named sweet Anne Marie, and she’s my heart’s delight
The second one is prison, babe, the sheriff’s on my trail
And if he catches up with me, I’ll spend my life in jail

Got a wife in Chino, babe, and one in Cherokee
The first one says she’s got my child, but it don’t look like me

Set out runnin’ but I take my time
A friend of the devil is a friend of mine
If I get home before daylight
Just might get some sleep tonight