One of its founders, Garcia performed with the Grateful Dead for their entire thirty-year career (1965–1995). Garcia also founded and participated in a variety of side projects, including the Saunders–Garcia Band (with longtime friend Merl Saunders), the Jerry Garcia Band, Old and in the Way, the Garcia/Grisman acoustic duo, Legion of Mary, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage (which Garcia co-founded with John Dawson and David Nelson). He also released several solo albums, and contributed to a number of albums by other artists over the years as a session musician. He was well known for his distinctive guitar playing and was ranked 46th in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" cover story.
Later in life, Garcia was sometimes ill because of his diabetes, and in 1986 went into a diabetic coma that nearly cost him his life. Although his overall health improved somewhat after that, he also struggled with heroin and cocaine addictions, and was staying in a California drug rehabilitation facility when he died of a heart attack in August 1995.
Deal
Jerry Garcia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You and me bound to spend some time wond'rin' what to choose.
Goes to show, you don't ever know,
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round,
Don't you let that deal go down, no, no.
I been gamblin' hereabouts for ten good solid years,
Goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round,
Don't you let that deal go down, no, no.
Since you poured the wine for me and tightened up my shoes,
I hate to leave you sittin' there, composin' lonesome blues.
Goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down.
Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down,
Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down,
Don't you let that deal go down, don't you let that deal go down.
The song "Deal" by Jerry Garcia Band is an insightful reflection on the nature of gambling, the cost of winning and losing, and the need to play each hand carefully. The lyrics suggest that the act of gambling is not simply a game of chance, but a complex and unpredictable process that requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to wait for the right moment. The opening lines - "Since it costs a lot to win, and even more to lose, you and me bound to spend some time wond'rin' what to choose" - set the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing that gambling is not just about money, but about making choices and taking risks.
The singer of the song has been gambling "hereabouts" for ten years, and has seen it all - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. He suggests that gambling is not a game for the faint-hearted, and that only those who are willing to take risks and stick it out through the long haul can hope to come out on top. The chorus - "Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down" - is a reminder to stay focused and patient, and to not let the excitement of the moment cloud one's judgment.
The final verse of the song takes on a more personal tone, as the singer reflects on the value of human connection in a world where so much is left up to chance. He acknowledges the role that luck plays in our lives - "Goes to show you don't ever know" - but also suggests that there are some things that we can control, such as the way we treat others and the way we approach the game of life. Ultimately, the song is a message of hope and resilience, urging us to stay strong and to never give up, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Since it costs a lot to win, and even more to lose,
It takes a lot to succeed in life and losing can be even more expensive.
You and me bound to spend some time wond'rin' what to choose.
We will always face choices that will cause us to wonder and contemplate, which path to choose.
Goes to show, you don't ever know,
This line talks about the unpredictability of life; you can never be sure of what will happen next.
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
This line urges the listener to be careful and think through their decisions, making sure to take their time.
Wait until that deal come round,
Patience is key, waiting until the right opportunity comes to seize it.
Don't you let that deal go down, no, no.
When the right opportunity presents itself, don't let it slip away.
I been gamblin' hereabouts for ten good solid years,
The singer reveals their history of gambling for a decade, implying that they understand the game well.
If I told you all that went down it would burn off both of your ears.
The artist is warning the listener that their gambling experience contains so much that it would be overwhelming to hear all at once.
Since you poured the wine for me and tightened up my shoes,
The artist acknowledges the efforts of the people around them in supporting them.
I hate to leave you sittin' there, composin' lonesome blues.
Despite feeling the pull of the game and the thrill of gambling, the artist is aware that they will be leaving someone behind, who may feel lonely without them.
Wait until that deal come round,
This line is repeated, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the right opportunity before acting.
Don't you let that deal go down.
Once again, the importance of seizing the right opportunity is repeated.
Don't you let that deal go down, don't you let that deal go down.
The repetition in these lines stresses the importance of taking action when the right opportunity arises, and not letting it pass by.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY GARCIA, ROBERT HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sudhamshu Narayan
Since it costs a lot to win, and even more to lose,
You and me bound to spend some time wond'rin' what to choose.
Goes to show, you don't ever know,
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round,
Don't you let that deal go down, no, no.
I been gamblin' hereabouts for ten good solid years,
If I told you all that went down it would burn off both of your ears.
Goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round,
Don't you let that deal go down, no, no.
Since you poured the wine for me and tightened up my shoes,
I hate to leave you sittin' there, composin' lonesome blues.
Goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down.
Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down,
Wait until that deal come round, don't you let that deal go down,
Don't you let that deal go down, don't you let that deal go down.
Robert Sloan
Just played this song in a two hour set at a local coffee shop with my best friend/player. Was our first show that we ever been paid for.
Peter Short
CONGRATS n good choice of tune to perform...
Raymond Meunier Musique
Best feeling in the world isn’t it?
jjsudlow
Just heard this on season 6 episode 12 of "Billions." A Jerry Garcia gem from his 1972 solo album. Had it then, but in 50 years of moves lost my vinyl and forgot the song, until hearing tonight. A treat.
Barry Obama
@jjsudlow now that Bobby Axelrod is coming back to Billions should be plenty more opportunities for Garcia songs 😊
Paul Schersten
I think this is possibly Garcia's best studio playing, all through it and especially the lead after the second verse. Not rushed but total control and the beautiful little stops and starts and direction changes that say 100% clear - that's Jerry playing.
Frank wouldn'tyouknow
Jerry garcia will always live through his music. love ya man
Peter Short
"Big deal", said Jerry..."So will Betty Boop through her cartoons..."
William Christian
Bought this Wonderful album at a record store on Market Street in San Francisco in 1972. What a Long Strange Trip it has been. I am 70 years old now.
2468pebble
Also 70, also bought the album back then. I can take or leave the electronic meanderings on side two, but it's a fantastic record. 'Sugaree' and 'The wheel' are also standout tracks.