Music goes way back before language does. And music is like the key to a whole spiritual existence which this society doesn't even talk about. We know it's there. The Grateful Dead plays at religious services essentially. We play at the religious services of the new age. Everybody gets high, and that's what it's all about really. Getting high is a lot more real than listening to a politician. You can think that getting high actually did happen - that you danced, and got sweaty, and carried on. It really did happen. I know when it happens. I know it when it happens every time.
Jerry GarciaIf you assume you haven't learned anything yet, there's no reason your playing can't stay dynamic all your life.
Jerry GarciaWhat is life but being conscious? And good and evil are manifestations of consciousness. If you reject one, you're not getting the whole thing that's there to be had.
Jerry GarciaI think The Grateful Dead kind of represents the spirit of being able to go out and have an adventure in America at large.
Jerry Garcia