Viola Lee Blues
The Grateful Dead Lyrics
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Clerk he wrote it down indeed-e
Judge decreed it, clerk he wrote it down
Give you this jail sentence you'll be Nashville bound
Some got six month some got one solid.
Some got one solid year indeed-e
Some got six month some got one solid.
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air
Mailed it on the air indeed-e
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air.
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere
The Grateful Dead's song "Viola Lee Blues" is a classic blues tune that tells the story of a group of people who have been sentenced to jail. The lyrics begin with a description of the sentencing process, with the judge decreeing the sentence and the clerk recording it. The punishment varies, as some are given a shorter sentence of six months or one year, while others are condemned to a lifetime behind bars. The singer of the song is one of the unlucky ones who has been given a life sentence, but still holds onto hope that they have a friend somewhere who cares for them.
The song is a commentary on the harsh realities of the justice system and the impact it has on the lives of those who are caught up in it. The use of the line "I mailed it on the air" suggests a sense of hopelessness, as if the singer's letter will never actually reach anyone, but it also speaks to the power of communication and connection. The gritty sound of the blues, combined with the poetic lyrics, creates a haunting and powerful message.
Line by Line Meaning
The judge decreed it, the clerk he wrote it.
The legal verdict was proclaimed by the judge and documented by the clerk.
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-e
The clerk wrote down the decision without a doubt.
Judge decreed it, clerk he wrote it down
The judge issued a sentence and the clerk recorded it.
Give you this jail sentence you'll be Nashville bound
The punishment for the crime is a prison sentence that will take the individual to Nashville.
Some got six month some got one solid.
Some received a jail term of six months and others were imprisoned for a full year.
Some got one solid year indeed-e
Some criminals got a sentence of one full year in prison without a doubt.
Some got six month some got one solid.
Some were sentenced to go to jail for six months and others for a full year.
But me and my buddies all got lifetime here
My friends and I have all received a lifelong prison sentence.
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air
I sent a letter through the mail service.
Mailed it on the air indeed-e
I sent the letter through the air via the postal service.
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air.
I composed a written message which I sent over the air through the postal service.
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere
The recipient of the letter will understand that I have a friend somewhere.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: NOAH LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tkoch19606
Man, I used to play this song all of the time and as loud as I could. I cannot believe that Pigpen's organ did not blow out my tweeters. What an absolutely great jam
@mavjimbo
Still sounds as great to me now as it did back then
@gregoryalbert379
...January 14th, I walked to Golden Gate Park from where I lived in the Sunset. The Human Be-In was happening. Sunny warm weather defied winter in San Francisco. A Truly Magical Moment indeed. People were walking from every path, road, avenue to get to The Polo Fields. As I walked in to the area, I could feel an energy shield protecting the whole area. I made my way to the front of the stage. The was Tim Leary espousing the virtues of turning on, tuning in, and dropping out ! When the Grateful Dead came on and played several songs, Viola Lee Blues was unlike anything I ever heard before. It was the kind of improvisation and rhythm I heard in my head. These Guys put it together. Looking straight up at them from where I was standing, they looked weird too. Pig Pen looked like a giant bee with a stripped shirt. Who the hell are these guys..they look "tripped out"..long hair and all..and they sound Great ! I went to The Psychedelic Shop to order their Album. It had not been released yet. When I finally bought it and played it; I loved it and consider it absolutely required listening ! Mandatory ! Viola Lee Blues is a unique song in its' own league..there is nothing like it at all. I have heard this song almost 2,000 times. So much for the 2-2.5 minute hit single on pop radio. KSAN & KMPX took care of that by playing whole albums. Yes People, We need another Renaissance were We all gather and share again and again !
@brianmeagher5771
What an awesome experience! I've always wished i could've been alive back then. Fortunately the Dead were still playing in 91 when i started touring. I had my fun but yours was the real deal man. Peace and love.
@kellyhopkins5576
Wow, what a jam! There had to be smoke and flames billowing from the guitars and amplifiers afterwards.
@dorkadezso5826
Oh yeah, it sure did. After Doors' recording "Light My Fire" it was the 2nd. time the Fire Department drove their vehicles to a recording studio.
@mavjimbo
Love the Monterrey Pop version the best but the studio take wss awesome also.
@scotthoggan2115
Close your eyes and turn it up..
@bibienjo
Kelly hopkins stay healthy music lover greetings from weert a southern country of the netherlands smoking weed
@bourbonflow
I am on your side, completely Kelly🥀