Phil continues to tour the country, and often releases digital soundboards of shows for free to keep the community spirit that the Dead created alive and allow the fans access to the music, because as Jerry Garcia once said, once it's out there, it's yours.
Phil received a liver transplant in 1998, and usually includes in his shows a "Donor Rap" encouraging others to become organ donors.
His current lineup as of September 2007 includes:
Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, fiddle)
Jackie Greene (vocals and guitar)
Steve Molitz (keyboards)
John Molo (drums)
Unbroken Chain
Phil Lesh & Friends Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for familiar faces in an empty window pane.
Listening for the secret, searching for the sound
But I could only hear the preacher and the baying of his hounds.
Willow sky, whoa, I walk and wonder why,
They say love your brother, but you will catch it when you try.
Roll you down the line boy, drop you for a loss,
Ride you out on a cold railroad and nail you to a cross.
November and more, as I wait for the score,
They're telling me forgiveness is the key to every door.
A slow winter day a night like forever,
Sink like a stone, float like a feather.
(instrumental)
Lilac rain, unbroken chain, Song of the sawhet owl.
Out on the mountain, it'll drive you insane, Listening to the winds howl
Unbroken chain of sorrow and pearls, Unbroken chain of shy and sea.
Unbroken chain of the western wind, Unbroken chain of you and me.
The lyrics of Phil Lesh & Friends' "Unbroken Chain" are poetic and enigmatic, filled with evocative images and contemplative thoughts. The opening lines paint a picture of a blue light rain and an unbroken chain, a metaphorical symbol of continuity and enduring connections. The singer is looking for familiar faces in an empty window pane, perhaps searching for a sense of belonging or homecoming. The second stanza suggests a deeper, more spiritual quest, as the singer listens for the secret and searches for the sound, seeking a hidden truth or inner peace. However, all they can hear is the preacher and the baying of his hounds, suggesting that organized religion can be a source of noise and confusion rather than enlightenment.
The following stanzas shift from metaphorical imagery to specific, concrete scenes. The singer walks under a willow sky, pondering the contradiction between loving one's brother and the risk of catching something from them. The imagery then turns violent, as the singer is threatened with being rolled down the line or nailed to a cross. The final stanza, however, turns back to contemplation, as the singer reflects on forgiveness as the key to every door. As they sink like a stone or float like a feather, they hear lilac rain and an unbroken chain, a reminder of the enduring connections that link us all.
Line by Line Meaning
Blue light rain, whoa unbroken chain,
I am searching for something, anything familiar but all I see is an endless cycle stretching before me.
Looking for familiar faces in an empty window pane.
I seek comfort in the familiar but everywhere I look there is emptiness.
Listening for the secret, searching for the sound
I am seeking hidden knowledge, searching for something I cannot hear.
But I could only hear the preacher and the baying of his hounds.
But those who claim to have answers only drown out the truth with their noise.
Willow sky, whoa, I walk and wonder why,
As I gaze at the natural beauty around me, I am consumed by questions.
They say love your brother, but you will catch it when you try.
I am told to love others, but doing so can leave me vulnerable and open to wounds.
Roll you down the line boy, drop you for a loss,
Those with power can easily crush the weak and innocent.
Ride you out on a cold railroad and nail you to a cross.
Injustice and cruelty can take many forms and leave deep scars.
November and more, as I wait for the score,
Days pass by, and I am still waiting for answers or some sign of progress.
They're telling me forgiveness is the key to every door.
I am told that forgiveness is the answer, that absolving others can bring me peace.
A slow winter day a night like forever,
Time can feel slow and unyielding, especially in moments of loneliness or grief.
Sink like a stone, float like a feather.
Life can be unpredictable, and I can sometimes feel simultaneously heavy and weightless.
Lilac rain, unbroken chain, Song of the sawhet owl.
The beauty of nature can sometimes provide me solace.
Out on the mountain, it'll drive you insane, Listening to the winds howl
However, nature's power can also be overwhelming and even intimidating.
Unbroken chain of sorrow and pearls, Unbroken chain of shy and sea.
Life is an unbroken chain of both hardship and beauty, of both humility and grandeur.
Unbroken chain of the western wind, Unbroken chain of you and me.
We are all connected, part of a greater chain that stretches across time and space.
Contributed by Chloe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Simon
This was truly “Looking for familiar faces in an empty window pane.” Great tribute. What a delightful experience. Thank you
Thomas Bell
do they mix instruments in and out, depending who is being viewed on screen? They can't all possibly be in the final mix at the same time are they? (agreed, it's utterly brilliant and super touching to see Phil's legacy)
Squigtonian Mayhem
Agreed!
Michael Carey
The thing that struck me right away was the mix. It is beautifully mixed and shows off the talents of all of these fine musicians. All these people were brought together by Phil. Luckily, I've seen most of these iterations of Phil's bands. He is an immense talent and I thank him for all of the great music that he has brought our way. Thank you Phil- and Happy Birthday!
wangson
Yeah...agreed.
Michael Willency
Me too, seeing Elliott Peck, Stanley Jordan, Karl Denson, and others here fills my heart.
Tom B
Blown away. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this and Happy Birthday Phil and Thank You for the wonderful music and vibes you’ve brought this world. This is special.
TraderJoe
Phil is such a wonderful musician and person. I saw him play live in concert over 500 times in 33 years... he never ceased to amaze me with his incredible playing and generous,fun spirit.🙏🙏🎂 happy birthday....
Dave Cole AKA Davey Painting
Incredible. One of my favorite songs ever. Fantastic rendition.
Chazbike 9
WOW! That was exceptional!! What a mix and such an outstanding collection of musicians. Truly touched my heart.