Mayer recounts that in 2011 he was listening to Pandora and happened upon the song "Althea" by the Grateful Dead, and that soon Grateful Dead music was all he would listen to. In February 2015, while Mayer was guest hosting The Late Late Show, he invited Grateful Dead guitar player Bob Weir to join him in a studio performance. A bond developed between the two, and while Weir and the other three surviving core members of the Grateful Dead were preparing for their 50th anniversary shows, dubbed Fare Thee Well, Mayer began practicing the band's large catalog of songs. That August, Mayer and original Grateful Dead members Weir, Hart, and Kreutzmann formed the band, along with keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and bassist Oteil Burbridge. Mayer expressed a particularly strong enthusiasm toward playing with the new band.
Phil Lesh, the bassist for the Grateful Dead, did not join Dead & Company. Instead he continued to perform with his band Phil Lesh and Friends. Mike Gordon of Phish briefly auditioned for the bassist role but had to withdraw due to being too busy with other matters.
The band has not released any studio recordings, but all of the concerts from their 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 tours have been (or are being) released on CD, iTunes, streaming services, and through their Livedead.co website.
https://deadandcompany.com/
Playin' in the Band
Dead & Company Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Others trust to might
I don't trust to nothing
But I know it come out right
Say it once again now
Oh, I hope you understand
When it's done and over
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
Some folks look for answers
Others look for fights
Some folks up in treetops
Just look to see the sights
But I can tell your future
Well, just look what's in your hand
But I can't stop for nothing
I'm just playing in the band
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
Standing on a tower
World at my command
You just keep a turning
While I'm playing in the band
If a man among you
Got no sin upon his hand
Let him cast a stone at me
For playing in the band
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
Playing
Playing in the band
Daybreak
Daybreak on the land
The lyrics of "Playing in the Band" by Dead & Company can be interpreted as a reflection on the different approaches people take in life. The first two lines suggest that some people rely on reasoning or strength, while the singer claims to trust in nothing, but still believes that things will work out in the end. This can be seen as a testament to the power of allowing oneself to go with the flow and embracing the uncertainty of life.
In the chorus, the repetition of "playing in the band" indicates a sense of joy and freedom in simply being part of the larger collective experience. The line "when it's done and over, Lord, a man is just a man" implies that despite our individual struggles and accomplishments, we are all equal in the grand scheme of things.
The second verse contrasts those who seek answers or engage in conflict with those who simply observe the world around them. The singer claims to possess the ability to predict the future, symbolized by looking at what is in one's hand, but is unable to halt their own journey of playing in the band.
The final verse references standing on a tower with the world at one's command, possibly suggesting a position of power or influence. However, the focus remains on the ongoing experience of playing in the band, indicating that external accomplishments and recognition are secondary to the joy found in participating in something greater than oneself.
Overall, "Playing in the Band" celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity, the acceptance of life's uncertainties, and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Some folks trust to reason
Some people rely on logic and rationality
Others trust to might
Others rely on power or strength
I don't trust to nothing
I don't rely on anything
But I know it come out right
But I have faith that everything will turn out well
Say it once again now
Reiterating the previous statement
Oh, I hope you understand
I sincerely hope you comprehend
When it's done and over
After it's finished and resolved
Lord, a man is just a man
In the grand scheme of things, a person is simply human
Playing
Engaging in an activity
Playing in the band
Participating in the musical group
Daybreak
The beginning of a new day
Daybreak on the land
The dawn illuminating the earth
Some folks look for answers
Certain individuals search for solutions
Others look for fights
While others seek confrontations
Some folks up in treetops
Certain people are perched in treetops
Just look to see the sights
Merely observing the surroundings
But I can tell your future
However, I can predict your destiny
Well, just look what's in your hand
Simply examine what you're holding
But I can't stop for nothing
Yet, I cannot halt for anything
I'm just playing in the band
I'm merely participating in the musical group
Standing on a tower
Elevated on a structure
World at my command
Having control over the world
You just keep a turning
You continue rotating
While I'm playing in the band
While I'm actively involved in the musical group
If a man among you
If one of you
Got no sin upon his hand
Doesn't have any wrongdoing on his conscience
Let him cast a stone at me
Allow him to criticize or condemn me
For playing in the band
Because of my participation in the musical group
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Michael S. Hart, Robert C. Hunter, Robert Hall Weir
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nick
The smile Mickey gives Bobby at 3:04, “here we go again brother, let’s jam” ❤️⚡️💙💀
DarkerthanbluPhotography
It is a marvelous acknowledgement of their brotherhood for sure.
Keith Phillips
I don't think J Chementti gets enough credit from the old timers.Jeff freaking owns that key board like Jerry was the guitar type of shit JGB album " reflections" Thank you JC for playin your ass off .......Dead and Co..
Golden Gate wing men . ROCK COLECTION. O'TEIL and friends, Rock on Jeff .
Party Llama Therapy
We was there! Warm hugs from the Caribbean breeze, soft sand dance floor, Mexican hospitality and kind vibes from the crowd... What an unforgettable time!
Siniša Blažić
Napokon!!! Baš su mi uljepšali dan! Slušamo ih rado ovde u Banja Luci, Republika Srpska, BiH! Playin' in The Baaaand🖑😎🖐
Marco Black
sluša se i u Rožajama, Crna Gora!!
daybreak on the land😊
Geoff Danker
It's too bad Bob is always so far back in the mix. I know I could learn a lot from him if I could hear him!
christopher zubcic
tie for Oteil to take a lead
N Taylor
I've had the same shirt John is wearing for years. Its my favorite shirt!! Its like, my uniform.
Christopher Greco
Wow!!! That's us soooo amazing!!!?