Grateful Dead – “They Love Each Other” Live
It’s Nothing You Can Stop!
“They Love Each Other” is another Hunter-Garcia collaboration. It was first performed on February 9, 1973 and appeared on the second set during the show in Roscoe Maples Pavilion. There were several other songs they debuted on that night such as “Here Comes Sunshine” and “Wave That Flag.”
Musically, this song is classic Garcia. It has a funny little off-beat thing going on, and the bouncy ascending motif is elegant, simple, and catchy. And I always loved the punchy ending.
It became a staple in the band’s repertoire and the last time they played it was on September 27, 1994 during a performance at the Boston Garden. It’s a beautiful love song with very unforgettable lyrics. It’s something you’d dedicate to your beloved!
The lost verse sings of a “dizzy ride”—once again, sounds like the proverbial playground merry-go-round. So, as usual with Hunter’s lyrics, there’s a certain opacity. Just when you think you’ve got that gold ring of “meaning,” it just slips away.
While the words are great, the tune is just as fantastic!