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Autograph manuscript by Robert Hunter containing his working draft of the lyrics for the Grateful Dead’s ‘Playing in the Band,’ unsigned, no date, penned in brown and red ink with a few lines in pencil, four pages on two lined notebook sheets. The handwritten lyrics, in part: “Some folks look for answers / Others look for fights / some are up in treetops / lookin for the kites… You can take my window / even take my door / but I down & beg you / please don’t take my floor / need a place to fall on / place where I can stand / tell you what’s so fine about (why I’m) / playin in the band / standin in the closet / waitin for the sun / look at my position / I know its time to run / I could tell your fortune / (just) look what’s your hand / better put it down & get back / playin in the band.”
The pages show the song taking shape: roughly drafted verses are heavily revised with crossed-out words and lines, interlinear substitutions, and marginal alternates, with the title refrain recurring throughout. One page shows a cleaner version of a verse drafted roughly on another, and the same page is decorated with two abstract pen sketches. Matted in a wood and glass display that allows both sides of each sheet to be viewed; framed to an overall size of 27.5 x 18.5 x 4. In very good to fine condition, with scattered staining, creases, and light toning.
Provenance: Guernsey's, 'Wolf, Tiger & Other Joyous Artifacts of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead,' Studio 54, New York City, May 8, 2002, lot 50.
'Playing in the Band' developed from the instrumental theme 'The Main Ten,' with lyrics by Robert Hunter and music credited to Bob Weir and Mickey Hart. The Grateful Dead introduced it in concert in 1971 and first released it that September on their live album Grateful Dead, popularly known as Skull and Roses. Studio versions followed in 1972 on Weir's Ace and on Hart's Rolling Thunder, where it appeared as 'The Main Ten.' The song became a cornerstone of the band's live shows, opening into extended improvisations from 1972 on, and was performed more than 600 times, making it one of the most-played songs in the Grateful Dead's repertoire.
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