Loser - Grateful Dead

1984-07-13 - Greek Theatre, U. Of California. "Loser" stands as one of the most compelling narratives in Hunter's lyrical collection. It brings us into the world of the song's narrator, a figure both intriguing and complex. Is he the protagonist or the antagonist? That's for us to discern.
Hunter's genius lies in his ability to make us see through the eyes of characters we might not naturally align with - be they outcasts, criminals, con artists, or dreamers. "Loser" is a prime example of this talent. The song's tone is immediately gripping, starting with the vivid line: "If I had a gun for every ace I’ve drawn, I could arm a town the size of Abilene." It's an edgy twist on a familiar saying.
Despite this, the narrator seeks empathy and even love, urging, "Put your gold money where your love is, baby." His approach is one of deception, a stark contrast to his disdain for the boastful ones in the game, even as he himself indulges in grandiose claims.
This character is one of Hunter's more challenging to connect with. While I may understand or even pity him, he doesn't evoke the same sentiment as Hunter's other creations like August West, Candyman, or Jack Straw. Nameless, he's defined only by his title: "Loser."
He's a paradox - boasting of his abilities while mocking others for doing the same, viewing love as a financial opportunity, and always complaining. There's a distinct lack of redeeming qualities in him.
The song, embedded in the Americana essence of Hunter's and Garcia's collaborative era, paints a vivid picture. Set in a dusty, cattle-dominated Abilene, it evokes the image of a down-and-out gambler in an old saloon.
Featured on the album "Garcia," "Loser" forms a thematic pair with "Deal," perhaps as tales of the same character on different days. It aligns with other songs from that period, like "Brown-Eyed Women," "Jack Straw," and others, sharing motifs of gambling, money, and an American setting marked by its historical context, specifically through the mention of gold dollar coins.
The song's bridge is its crowning moment, offering a fleeting glimpse of hope: "Last fair deal in the country, Sweet Susie, last fair deal in the town. Put your gold money where your love is, baby, before you let my deal go down-go down." The occasional inclusion and exclusion of "Sweet Susie" in the lyrics adds an interesting layer to its interpretation.
In these songs, Hunter and Garcia create a panorama of America's shadowed underbelly, a tribute to the "old, weird America" of folk anthologies and collective memories, including the darker aspects of our history. It's a part of our heritage, still present among us.

[@keavo5368]

You have fulfilled a fantasy I never knew I had. Thanx.

[@traderjoe141]

Just incredible! Thank you talented Sir! These look amazing on my 90 inch projection Tv😳. 😊Look forward to more. Please Lazy Lightening-Supplication from Pembroke Pines Fla from Dick’s Picks #5. This Loser is so good and clear…Bravo !🙏

[@jambandvideos]

Thats why I make em 4k! 😎

[@charlieh9147]

HSF from the evening is leviathan.

[@archstanton_live]

Absolutely fantastic graphics, a most excellent choice of shows and a wonderful written introduction. My only comment would be that, because of the line "I can tell the queen of diamonds by the way she shines," the game we are talking about is five card draw *and* the deck has been marked. The graphics only reflect one of Hunter's entendres here. "Drawing to an inside straight" is a desperation move and is generally ill advised in poker, unless of course, one had marked the back of the cards with a fingernail or perhaps a greasy finger and could see the queen of diamonds rising up in the deck by the way she shines...(no chance of losing this time) 😉😁
I would add that, in the old west, Abeline had a reputation for gunslingers and hookers. It's population is not really the question.
Hunter was a master wordsmith.

[@FrankStewart-go7zr]

😁 this shit's ticklin' my brain man!!! 💜

[@gratefulkm]

i watched about 45 secs, then I danced ty :)

[@edhorton2766]

Really top notch. Liked and

[@Chakawookfound]

Thank you

[@scottcampbell2929]

I'd love to see what you can do with, Traffic's "Forty Thousand Headman" or "Hole on my Shoe".

[@biffjohnson7891]

Thank you so very much
The Greeks where musically crushing The sound Exquisite The boys killing it Overwhelmingly beautiful shows Then this beautiful animation So grateful
Jerry Saves {🥕🐇}:=}

[@sparkomatic]

these AI animations are so trippy

[@Karmakatt6]

Im convinced that woman in this video is actually Sweet Suzie 😉 ❤

[@brianbates1873]

Very cool can't get enough of these vids. 67 year old hippie from the Berkshires. You brought me back to the amazing days of my youth

[@jeffreyedwards767]

A time Traveler you are ,

[@bartjoy5179]

I went to school in Lenox. The Berkshires are beautiful. I saw Miles Davis at Tanglewood. Memories.

[@jeffreyedwards767]

@@bartjoy5179 music has power

[@brianbates1873]

@@bartjoy5179 Tanglewood is a national treasure. Saw so many big names there. The Berkshires are beautiful

[@balancepoint67]

Imagine this in Vegas

[@LAW___ONE23]

💜⚡️🎉

[@80thtasties85]

great work !!! is A.I. in the game?

[@elijahwilson1422]

Make one for Black Throated Wind and one for Terrapin Station

[@gregkolesnikov7044]

REAL COOL BACK GROUND PICTURE..THE DEAD SHOULD MADE AN ALBUM COVER .WITH THE SKELTONS..COOL BACK GROUND. 😂😂😂

[@jeffreyedwards767]

°•°•°•°• 🦋 °•°•°•

[@thomasromano6526]

💃🕺🤸🤸‍♀️💨💨💨🕳🐰

[@robertbulterman1677]

what show was this?

[@jambandvideos]

its in the description ;) 1984-07-13 - Greek Theatre, U. Of California.

[@robertbulterman1677]

Oops. Thanks for the reply. Missed that. Are you the one creating these awesome graphics?! @@jambandvideos

[@jambandvideos]

Yes with AI