About the song
“Touch of Grey” is arguably the Grateful Dead’s biggest commercial hit, released in 1987 as a single from their album In the Dark. Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, this song broke into the mainstream, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 – a remarkable feat for a band known for its counter-cultural roots and jam-band status. It became an anthem for the band’s devoted fanbase, the “Deadheads,” and introduced them to a new generation of listeners. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus belie its lyrics, which grapple with aging, resilience, and finding optimism in the face of adversity.
The sound and style: “Touch of Grey” is a bright and energetic rock/pop song with a distinct 1980s production style, yet still retaining the Grateful Dead’s signature blend of rock, folk, and country influences. It’s characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, prominent keyboards, and Jerry Garcia’s distinctive, slightly world-weary vocals. The sound is polished and accessible, yet still retains the band’s improvisational spirit, particularly in the instrumental sections. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to create a radio-friendly hit without sacrificing their core musical identity.
Musical features:
- Jerry Garcia’s Vocals: Garcia’s voice, while not traditionally powerful, is full of character and conveys a sense of both weariness and enduring optimism. His phrasing is conversational and relatable.
- Catchy Melody and Chorus: The chorus (“I will get by / I will survive”) is incredibly memorable and anthemic, contributing to the song’s broad appeal.
- 1980s Production: The song features a slick 1980s production style, with prominent keyboards and a polished sound that was a departure from some of their earlier, more raw recordings.
- Upbeat Tempo: The brisk tempo gives the song a sense of forward momentum and energy.
- Instrumental Sections: While shorter than their typical jams, the song still features instrumental breaks that showcase the band’s musicianship, particularly Garcia’s guitar work.
- Positive Energy: Despite the lyrical themes of aging and struggle, the overall feel of the song is positive and uplifting.
It’s optimistic, catchy, and surprisingly polished for the Grateful Dead, a testament to their ability to cross over into the mainstream.
Lyrical themes and atmosphere:
“I will get by / I will survive”
The lyrics, penned by Robert Hunter, deal with the themes of aging, resilience, and finding hope in the face of life’s challenges. The famous refrain, “I will get by / I will survive,” is a powerful declaration of perseverance. The “touch of grey” metaphor refers to the inevitable signs of aging and the acceptance of life’s hardships, but the song ultimately emphasizes the ability to overcome adversity. The atmosphere is one of determined optimism, a refusal to succumb to despair, and a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to endure.
Themes:
- Resilience and Perseverance: The central idea of overcoming challenges and surviving difficult times.
- Aging and Acceptance: Acknowledging the inevitable signs of getting older.
- Optimism in the Face of Adversity: Finding hope even when things are tough.
- The Human Spirit: Celebrating the strength and endurance of people.
- Finding Light in Darkness: The ability to find positive energy even in difficult circumstances.
Unlike some of the Grateful Dead’s more abstract or psychedelic lyrics, “Touch of Grey” offers a direct and universally relatable message.
Legacy and impact:
- Commercial Breakthrough: Their only Top 10 hit, introducing the Grateful Dead to a much wider audience.
- Deadhead Anthem: Became a beloved anthem for their devoted fanbase, solidifying their connection to the band’s message of perseverance.
- MTV Hit: The song’s music video, featuring the band as animated skeletons, was a success on MTV, further expanding their reach.
- Enduring Popularity: Remains one of their most recognizable songs, frequently played on classic rock radio and used in popular culture.
- Showed Band’s Versatility: Proved that the Grateful Dead could create a commercially successful song without abandoning their musical integrity.
“Touch of Grey” is more than just a hit song; it’s a testament to the Grateful Dead’s enduring appeal, their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply human level, and their surprising capacity to create a mainstream anthem without losing their unique identity.
Final thoughts: “Touch of Grey” is a remarkable song. It’s catchy and upbeat, yet it carries a message of resilience and hope that resonates deeply. Jerry Garcia’s vocals, while not traditionally polished, are full of character and convey a genuine sense of world-weariness mixed with unwavering optimism. The song’s success is a testament to the Grateful Dead’s ability to touch a nerve with a broad audience while still staying true to their core values. It’s a reminder that even in the face of life’s challenges, the human spirit has an incredible capacity to endure and find the light.
Video
Lyrics
It must be getting early, clocks are running late
Paint-by-number morning sky looks so phony
Dawn is breaking everywhere, light a candle, curse the glare
Draw the curtains, I don’t care ’cause it’s alright
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
I see you’ve got your fist out, say your piece and get out
Yes, I get the gist of it, but it’s alright
Sorry that you feel that way, the only thing there is to say
Every silver lining’s got a touch of grey
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
It’s a lesson to me
The Ables and the Bakers and the C’s
The ABC’s we all must face
Try to keep a little grace
It’s a lesson to me
The Deltas and the East and the Freeze
The ABC’s we all think of
And try to wean a little love
I know the rent is in arrears, the dog has not been fed in years
It’s even worse than it appears, but it’s alright
Cow is giving kerosene, kid can’t read at seventeen
The words he knows are all obscene, but it’s alright
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
The shoe is on the hand it fits, there’s really nothing much to it
Whistle through your teeth and spit ’cause it’s alright
Oh, well, a touch of grey, kinda suits you anyway
That was all I had to say and it’s alright
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive
We will get by
We will get by
We will get by
We will survive
We will get by
We will get by
We will get by