No other band has ever surpassed the enduring popularity of The Grateful Dead. No other group has regularly scheduled radio shows devoted solely to it, or such an extensive fan base stretching over several generations. And, with the surviving members still touring and the official website receiving more that 100,000 hits a week, no other fan base has proved itself more dedicated or more diverse, from professionals to vagabonds to politicians. This compilation was meticulously put together by David Dodd, who has spent the last ten years building the Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics website. Using his Web sites resources and vast knowledge of the Grateful Dead, Dodd has produced a unique compilation that offers literary, historical and cultural references to all the band's lyrics. Dodd's compilation will help Grateful Dead fans and music lovers alike build a better understanding of both the Dead's songs and the musical tradition they arose from. This essential guide includes the words to every original song from both recorded and live repertoire. Notes on performance statistics, a series of thematic essays, copious illustrations and a full-colour insert all contribute to an edition worthy of a special place in every Deadhead's collection.