Top 10 Best Grateful Dead Songs

1. St. Stephen

   

   St. Stephen performed live (not the album version) really is the Grateful Dead's greatest song of all! It's so bumpy, alive, and jumping. And it's a hoot to play live with friends too.

   The version included on "Live/Dead," which leads into "The Eleven" (which I'd consider perhaps another one of their greatest songs of all - that jam is so complex and fiery!), is the best version of the amazing St. Stephen. There are some Dick's Picks that include St. Stephen into The Eleven, but for the casual fan or the curious, you just can't beat St. Stephen/The Eleven from Live/Dead. I hope that those of you who've never heard this brilliant song choose to check it out on YouTube!

2. Friend of the Devil

   

   Reminds me of Robert Johnson.

   Best singalong.

3. Casey Jones

   

4. Truckin'

   

   What a song, man. What a song. Perfect. You will never get tired of listening to it.

5. China Cat Sunflower

   

   Never got into them, but love this song.

6. Touch of Grey

   

   It came into concerts around '82 and didn't make it to a record until '89, I think. Perfect song for a perfect time in the band's long, strange trip.

   This song had a powerful meaning to it.

7. Ripple

   

   Read the lyrics and listen to the most beautiful Dead tune ever!

   There is no question - best lyrics and melody.

   Best lyrics ever in a song.

8. Scarlet Begonias

   

   I was tripping at a show somewhere and met the girl of my dreams while this song was playing. This was in the late eighties. I never got her name or number, but if you're reading this, lady gypsy sugar plum fairy, I hope all is well in the bubbly maroon love sauna.

9. Playing In the Band

   

10. Terrapin Station

    

    A powerful masterpiece that, in its best versions, leaves goosebumps. One of the greatest songs by one of the greatest bands ever. This song can transcend time and, at times, be a symbolic image of the mightiest visions ever portrayed by this genius of a band.

    One of the most beautiful tunes ever written, with sounds that send chills down your spine just thinking about them. One of a kind and powerful.

    Progressive, complex music and lyrics. My favorite Dead material.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Althea

    

    Best acoustic.

12. ?

    Don't Ease Me In

    
The Contenders

13. Uncle John's Band

    

    Great song about life.

14. Sugar Magnolia

    

    What can be said?

15. Box of Rain

    

    Best song ever.

    A box of rain will ease the pain, and love will see you through. Becca 💙

16. Eyes of the World

    

    Always one of my favorites!

17. Shakedown Street

    

    Will get 50 thousand fans on their feet immediately.

18. Estimated Prophet

    

    It has a different feel than most Dead songs. It has an unusual time pattern that adds to the cool mood.

19. U.S. Blues

    

    P.T. Barnum and Uncle Sam - my two favorites.

20. The Golden Road

    

21. Dark Star

    

    Woodstock version is awesome.

22. Fire On the Mountain

    

23. The Music Never Stopped

    

24. Franklin's Tower

    

    "Roll away the dew!"

25. Standing On the Moon

    

26. Cassidy

    

27. Mississippi Half Step

    

    I have seen the Dead many times, and Half-Step is my favorite opening number. I always love it, but like Cold Rain & Snow, it's a perfect opener.