Critical Ranking of Beloved Grateful Dead Songs Like "Wings"

The Meaning and Significance of "Wings" by the Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead have an extensive catalog of songs spanning decades of prolific output. While hits like "Touch of Grey" and "Casey Jones" are more well-known amongst casual fans, the Dead have no shortage of beloved deeper cuts.

"Wings", a song written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, is one such tune that holds significance despite not being commercially successful. First debuting as an instrumental in 1973 before gaining lyrics in 1977, "Wings" contains rich imagery and symbolism that has resonated with Deadheads throughout the years.

Lyrical Analysis of "Wings"

The lyrics written by Hunter capture a yearning for freedom and transcendence: "I am eager to soar vertically / Too thin to contain my journey within." This desire speaks to the hippie ethos of breaking free from societal constraints. Lines like "There is no word for the winged desire" also communicate a spiritual seeking, emphasizing the ineffable nature of the human soul.

The song uses birds, wings, and flight as central motifs. The chorus featuring angelic backing vocals repeats the line "The wings of future's vibrant sight." Reading symbolically, wings could represent imagination, hope, risk-taking, or evolution to a higher state of being.

The Feeling of "Wings" in Grateful Dead Performances

As an ethereal, hymnal ballad, "Wings" cultivates a transportive atmosphere during Grateful Dead concerts. The instrumentation provides plenty of space for reflection between Garcia's soulful guitar leads.

Live recordings showcase inspired group interplay with rich textures including grand piano, Hammond organ, and the Rhythm Devils' percussive palette. Extended jazzy improvisations also allow the band to stretch out and reach ecstatic musical heights.

Overall, "Wings" captures a yearning for freedom that speaks to the hippie ideals of breaking boundaries. Through lyrics, melody, and live performances, the song seems to temporarily give listeners metaphorical wings to transcend the mundane.

Critical Ranking of Grateful Dead Songs

With the Grateful Dead spanning three decades of music, ranking their best songs presents a fun challenge for critics and fans alike. The task requires consideration of commercial popularity, historical significance, and enduring musical quality.

While the band has no shortage of iconic hits, their vast catalog can intimidate potential newcomers. Understanding the critical consensus on the Dead's most seminal works offers an entry point.

Most Praised Grateful Dead Classics

"Dark Star" invariably lands near the top of most Grateful Dead song rankings. Consistently performed live between 1968 to 1994, the over 20-minute exploration of psychedelic soundscapes encapsulates the Dead's spirit of risk-taking improvisation.

The melodic folk ballad "Ripple" also earns widespread acclaim for its sage-like lyrics providing solace in troubled times. Lines like "Let there be songs to fill the air" reflect the Dead's role as a live touring act spreading joy through music.

The charting single "Touch of Grey" merits inclusion as the Dead's most commercially successful hit. Its accessibility even to mainstream audiences paved the way for a new wave of popularity preceding the band's final decade.

Underrated Gems and Buried Treasures

While popular mainstay tracks satisfaction, hardcore Deadheads also cherish the overlooked gems hiding within deep album cuts and non-single releases.

"China Cat Sunflower", for example, features Garcia's peppy fingerpicked riffs paired with trippy lyrics of feline mischief. Despite minimal radio play, the tune earned beloved status through thundering live workouts merged with "I Know You Rider."

Idiosyncratic songs like "Crazy Fingers" also showcase the Dead's colorful ensemble chemistry with vibrant instrumentation and a playful yet mystical aesthetic.

Ultimately the band thrives on high-risk diversity, making delicate folk tunes and odd jazz fusions just as captivating for fans as blockbuster hits.

FAQs

When did the Grateful Dead first perform "Wings"?

The Grateful Dead debuted an instrumental version of "Wings" in 1973. The song did not feature lyrics by Robert Hunter until 1977.

What was Jerry Garcia's inspiration for writing "Wings"?

It's believed Garcia's inspiration for "Wings" stemmed from his passion for free-flying as he wrote the song following a series of hang gliding sessions. The lyrics and symbolism evoke a desire for transcendence and boundless freedom.

Which albums feature a studio recording of "Wings"?

There is no official Grateful Dead studio recording of "Wings" available. Only live concert recordings feature performances of the song, most notably on the albums Reckoning and Dead Set.

What are the key instruments played in "Wings"?

As heard in live versions, "Wings" showcases Garcia on lead guitar as well as rich additional instrumentation including piano, organ, percussion, and angelic backing vocals.