The Grateful Dead’s, Throwing Stones: A critical and Analytical Essay from the Christian Perspective
Members of The Grateful Dead and those familiar with their music are no strangers to political rebellion and protest. The band was birthed in the thick of, “the hippie movement” which cried out for political reform and freedom from oppression. They became and still are an icon for the counterculture. The Grateful Dead’s song, Throwing Stones promotes a rabble-rousing cry in support of political reform and a call-to-action for the preservation of the earth before it is too late.
The music of the Grateful Dead is saturated with symbolism. They pull from a variety of forms including but not limited to nursery rhymes, myths, and scripture (Miller). The use of symbols and metaphors found in Throwing Stones will be described throughout the paper. The rhythm and tone of the music itself, alludes to the overall message of the song.
The music starts slow and takes the listener up and down with its beat. Toward the end the pace picks up, stays steady, and is encouraged with lyrics that begin to heighten the pulse. Now the song has a hypnotic fomenting rhythm that begins to stir its listener with a need and urgency to take action against the corrupt controlling powers which are the “cause” of oppression and the earths overall decline. The melody beautifully compliments the lyrics main points which are a call to action and to bring about the awareness of the worlds evil and corruption; inescapably leading to its destruction. Many of the songs principles allude to its cause.
There are five main assuming principles found in, Throwing Stones. The first principle that jumps out is that of a naturalistic world view. The lyrics,”bright blue ball, just spinning, spinning free Dizzy with eternity,” “we are here, and we are on our own,” and “it’s all to clear we’re on our own” makes this evident (Dodd 316-18). One of the main points of the song is that the world’s redemption is up to those who inhabit it and no one else. Another principle is that the earth is on its way to destruction caused by its inhabitance.
The song refers to this by stating, “But afraid we may lay our home to waste,” “If the game is lost Then we’re all the same,” “We can leave this place an empty stone,” and “Ashes, ashes, all fall down” (Dodd 316-18). “Ashes, ashes, all fall down,” alludes to the popular, Mother Goose nursery rhyme, Ring a ring a rosie which according to author, William s. Baring-Gould refers to the sudden death caused by the great plague (252). Another principle found in the song is that of an “unknown” evil and the damage caused by it. The song refers to the evil as a “fear,” that “hasn’t got a name just yet Always awake, always around Singing ashes, ashes, all fall down” (Dodd 316).
The fear also has a possessing affect on people as the song states, “the darkness that never goes From some men’s eyes” (Dodd 316). The song goes on to describe the effects of this darkness and that ultimately; people are the darkness, this is described by their actions. The effects of the evil are depicted as violence, street hustlers attempting to feed their addictions, and finally a corrupt hypocritical government and politicians as-well-as callous commissars and corporate bosses. The topic of politics brings up the next principle.
The corruption of political affairs seems to be the most ubiquitous judgment found throughout the song. One of the most repeated axioms is, “And the politicians throwin’ stones.” The phrase compares politicians to the hypocritical Pharisees found in the New Testament and refers directly to John 8:7, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (Dodd 316). The lyrics continue with a theme of political blame by emotively adverting to its corruptive power, control, and greed.
The government and politicians are referred to as “heartless,” greedy, calculating, and duplicitous. The phrase, “Commissars and pinstripe bosses Roll the dice Any way they fall guess who gets to pay the price” paints them as cold-blooded. The song also paints the people as forcibly indoctrinated and deceived by their government. “Heartless powers try to tell us What to think If the spirit’s sleeping then the flesh is ink,” the last part of this line refers to Matt 26:41, “…the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Dodd 316). There is a call to wake up from the governments “spell” and stand up for what they “know” is right. Political greed is alluded to through a conspiracy theory including the DEA, cocaine, guns, and Bolivia. The lines, “Shipping powders back and forth Singing black goes south and white comes north” refers to the DEA aiding and abetting the smuggling of cocaine into the US and the supply of guns to South America in the early 80’s (Dodds 317). Here deceit and greed are strongly implied without evidence. Finally, a call to action is made.
Throwing Stones predominately places blame on the government and politicians, but it also owns up to and places blame on its listeners or the “civilians” in the world. The song begins by placing the cause of the world’s destruction on the “fear” that’s, “Always awake, always around Singing ashes, ashes, all fall down” then it connects politicians to the “ashes,” and finally, it connects the “kids” to the ashes (Dodds 316-17). Ultimately, it places the reasonability of the world’s deliverance and liberation on everyone and that they are the earths only hope. The kids are referred to as blindly dancing and shaking their bones while the politicians play their games of deceit and blame. Further blame is placed on the “radical” who “rants and raves” but does nothing and the “rich man” saying that there’s no problem, but is caught with his pants down showing his guilt and involvement. Toward the end of the song two options are given, “We can leave this place an empty stone Or that shinin’ ball we used to call our home” (Dodds 318).[1] The song paints a final picture of the earth spinning on its own and, “Dizzy with possibilities” assuming that there are countless ways to redeem the world. If this was all people had to go on, they would be absolutely doomed. Jesus came and died because he knew that “people” can’t redeem themselves; much-less the world.
After the fall, mankind was without hope. Sin, evil, and death held the world captive. As it were, man was completely cut off from God. Through Christ, mankind was released from the bondage of sin and death. From man alone, a call to action is futile; history has proven this to be true as it has only spawned wars, factions, and evil-ideals. Man’s call is to God through Christ. This is the only place that evil can be defeated and the redemption of man and the world can take place. Although man is not ignorant to evil and corruption, many are crazed by it while countless others are oblivious or ignorant to it. Without Christ, the human race cannot define evil know its purpose, or its origin. Evil gives birth to sin and sin, generates evil (Deut 9:18, Psalm 51:4). Any intent even a “sincere moral” intent is evil when it comes from man (Gen 8:21). Only in Christ, can a person be justified and redeemed.
Although there is some truth in this song, it is ultimately rebellious and denies the world’s creator both of which need to be brought before God in repentance. Christians are to submit to the governing authorities not act out of rebellion (1 Peter 2:13). Christ also teaches that people are to love their enemy and not judge them but instead be a light for the whole world to see bringing glory to God (Matt 5:16). Throwing Stones denies God as Lord and creator. Denying God moves people away from him and promotes ungodliness; ultimately leading people to the slaughter (Isaiah 59:12-11).
I am no stranger to, The Grateful Dead. I admit with shame and embarrassment, that I use to fervently follow and idolize, “The Dead.” During a time of hate, rebellion, and addiction, I was blind to the evil and sin that surrounded The Dead, its people, and the culture. As a Christian, pride and arrogance is replaced by sorrow when listening to this song. Instead of a spirit of rebellion there is a desire to help lift the blindfold of confusion off of a lost people’s eyes and hearts. It echoes the anguishing cry for deliverance that all people desperately want. When a person, looks at the world and the evil within it from a misconstrued perspective, it only promotes ignorance; as they try to make sense of it and fix it. Although the world is corrupt, full of evil doers, deception, and oppressors; Christians should take the opportunity to point out the truth of evil. As evil is illuminated, they can begin to awaken the lost, present the truth, and bring people to Christ.
As Christians, this song can be used to help point out that even without the belief in God, evil exists and there is something terribly wrong with this world and the people in it. People are not a product of nature, simply attempting to pass on genes nor are people left to their own post-modern preference which liberates them from the consequences of their choices. As a Christian, I would not encourage anyone to regularly listen to this song. Throwing Stones is a good tool which can be used to teach and promote truth but the spirit of the song and the underlying theme of godlessness and rebellion can only bring about the same attitude. Music media is highly influential second only to electronic image media. Any media that ultimately undermines God and promotes sin should be approached with caution.
The music of the Grateful Dead is saturated with symbolism. They pull from a variety of forms including but not limited to nursery rhymes, myths, and scripture (Miller). The use of symbols and metaphors found in Throwing Stones will be described throughout the paper. The rhythm and tone of the music itself, alludes to the overall message of the song.
The music starts slow and takes the listener up and down with its beat. Toward the end the pace picks up, stays steady, and is encouraged with lyrics that begin to heighten the pulse. Now the song has a hypnotic fomenting rhythm that begins to stir its listener with a need and urgency to take action against the corrupt controlling powers which are the “cause” of oppression and the earths overall decline. The melody beautifully compliments the lyrics main points which are a call to action and to bring about the awareness of the worlds evil and corruption; inescapably leading to its destruction. Many of the songs principles allude to its cause.
There are five main assuming principles found in, Throwing Stones. The first principle that jumps out is that of a naturalistic world view. The lyrics,”bright blue ball, just spinning, spinning free Dizzy with eternity,” “we are here, and we are on our own,” and “it’s all to clear we’re on our own” makes this evident (Dodd 316-18). One of the main points of the song is that the world’s redemption is up to those who inhabit it and no one else. Another principle is that the earth is on its way to destruction caused by its inhabitance.
The song refers to this by stating, “But afraid we may lay our home to waste,” “If the game is lost Then we’re all the same,” “We can leave this place an empty stone,” and “Ashes, ashes, all fall down” (Dodd 316-18). “Ashes, ashes, all fall down,” alludes to the popular, Mother Goose nursery rhyme, Ring a ring a rosie which according to author, William s. Baring-Gould refers to the sudden death caused by the great plague (252). Another principle found in the song is that of an “unknown” evil and the damage caused by it. The song refers to the evil as a “fear,” that “hasn’t got a name just yet Always awake, always around Singing ashes, ashes, all fall down” (Dodd 316).
The fear also has a possessing affect on people as the song states, “the darkness that never goes From some men’s eyes” (Dodd 316). The song goes on to describe the effects of this darkness and that ultimately; people are the darkness, this is described by their actions. The effects of the evil are depicted as violence, street hustlers attempting to feed their addictions, and finally a corrupt hypocritical government and politicians as-well-as callous commissars and corporate bosses. The topic of politics brings up the next principle.
The corruption of political affairs seems to be the most ubiquitous judgment found throughout the song. One of the most repeated axioms is, “And the politicians throwin’ stones.” The phrase compares politicians to the hypocritical Pharisees found in the New Testament and refers directly to John 8:7, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (Dodd 316). The lyrics continue with a theme of political blame by emotively adverting to its corruptive power, control, and greed.
The government and politicians are referred to as “heartless,” greedy, calculating, and duplicitous. The phrase, “Commissars and pinstripe bosses Roll the dice Any way they fall guess who gets to pay the price” paints them as cold-blooded. The song also paints the people as forcibly indoctrinated and deceived by their government. “Heartless powers try to tell us What to think If the spirit’s sleeping then the flesh is ink,” the last part of this line refers to Matt 26:41, “…the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Dodd 316). There is a call to wake up from the governments “spell” and stand up for what they “know” is right. Political greed is alluded to through a conspiracy theory including the DEA, cocaine, guns, and Bolivia. The lines, “Shipping powders back and forth Singing black goes south and white comes north” refers to the DEA aiding and abetting the smuggling of cocaine into the US and the supply of guns to South America in the early 80’s (Dodds 317). Here deceit and greed are strongly implied without evidence. Finally, a call to action is made.
Throwing Stones predominately places blame on the government and politicians, but it also owns up to and places blame on its listeners or the “civilians” in the world. The song begins by placing the cause of the world’s destruction on the “fear” that’s, “Always awake, always around Singing ashes, ashes, all fall down” then it connects politicians to the “ashes,” and finally, it connects the “kids” to the ashes (Dodds 316-17). Ultimately, it places the reasonability of the world’s deliverance and liberation on everyone and that they are the earths only hope. The kids are referred to as blindly dancing and shaking their bones while the politicians play their games of deceit and blame. Further blame is placed on the “radical” who “rants and raves” but does nothing and the “rich man” saying that there’s no problem, but is caught with his pants down showing his guilt and involvement. Toward the end of the song two options are given, “We can leave this place an empty stone Or that shinin’ ball we used to call our home” (Dodds 318).[1] The song paints a final picture of the earth spinning on its own and, “Dizzy with possibilities” assuming that there are countless ways to redeem the world. If this was all people had to go on, they would be absolutely doomed. Jesus came and died because he knew that “people” can’t redeem themselves; much-less the world.
After the fall, mankind was without hope. Sin, evil, and death held the world captive. As it were, man was completely cut off from God. Through Christ, mankind was released from the bondage of sin and death. From man alone, a call to action is futile; history has proven this to be true as it has only spawned wars, factions, and evil-ideals. Man’s call is to God through Christ. This is the only place that evil can be defeated and the redemption of man and the world can take place. Although man is not ignorant to evil and corruption, many are crazed by it while countless others are oblivious or ignorant to it. Without Christ, the human race cannot define evil know its purpose, or its origin. Evil gives birth to sin and sin, generates evil (Deut 9:18, Psalm 51:4). Any intent even a “sincere moral” intent is evil when it comes from man (Gen 8:21). Only in Christ, can a person be justified and redeemed.
Although there is some truth in this song, it is ultimately rebellious and denies the world’s creator both of which need to be brought before God in repentance. Christians are to submit to the governing authorities not act out of rebellion (1 Peter 2:13). Christ also teaches that people are to love their enemy and not judge them but instead be a light for the whole world to see bringing glory to God (Matt 5:16). Throwing Stones denies God as Lord and creator. Denying God moves people away from him and promotes ungodliness; ultimately leading people to the slaughter (Isaiah 59:12-11).
I am no stranger to, The Grateful Dead. I admit with shame and embarrassment, that I use to fervently follow and idolize, “The Dead.” During a time of hate, rebellion, and addiction, I was blind to the evil and sin that surrounded The Dead, its people, and the culture. As a Christian, pride and arrogance is replaced by sorrow when listening to this song. Instead of a spirit of rebellion there is a desire to help lift the blindfold of confusion off of a lost people’s eyes and hearts. It echoes the anguishing cry for deliverance that all people desperately want. When a person, looks at the world and the evil within it from a misconstrued perspective, it only promotes ignorance; as they try to make sense of it and fix it. Although the world is corrupt, full of evil doers, deception, and oppressors; Christians should take the opportunity to point out the truth of evil. As evil is illuminated, they can begin to awaken the lost, present the truth, and bring people to Christ.
As Christians, this song can be used to help point out that even without the belief in God, evil exists and there is something terribly wrong with this world and the people in it. People are not a product of nature, simply attempting to pass on genes nor are people left to their own post-modern preference which liberates them from the consequences of their choices. As a Christian, I would not encourage anyone to regularly listen to this song. Throwing Stones is a good tool which can be used to teach and promote truth but the spirit of the song and the underlying theme of godlessness and rebellion can only bring about the same attitude. Music media is highly influential second only to electronic image media. Any media that ultimately undermines God and promotes sin should be approached with caution.
Works Cited
Baring-Gould, William S. and Ceil Barring-Gould. The Annotated Mother Gosse: Nursery
Rhymes Old and New, Arranged and Explained. Illus. Walter Crane, Randolph Caldecott,
Kate Greenway, et al. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, Inc., 1962.
Dodd, David. The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics. Illus. Jim Carpenter. Eds. Alan
Trist and David Dodd. New York: Free Press, 2005.
Miller, Bryan. “Biblical Symolics of the Grateful Dead” Essay. 8 Nov. 2007
[1] “used” is sometimes sung as “can”
posted by Christ Follower @ 11:24 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
"Christians are to submit to the governing authorities not act out of rebellion (1 Peter 2:13)"
True. But please read the rest of 1Peter 2 for the reason why it is true.
Excellent analysis. I remember that Bob Weir supported Bill Clinton, believing that Clinton would bring about "CHANGE" from the corrupt practices of politicians and government. Sound familiar? When will they ever learn? When will they e-v-e-r- learn?
"Christians are to submit to the governing authorities not act out of rebellion (1 Peter 2:13)"
True. But please read the rest of 1Peter 2 for the reason why it is true." (end quote)
If the rulers (or administrators legislators, and judiciary of an elected government in a Constitutional Republic)are personally sinners, we still have to obey them. But if they COMMAND us to do things that are aqainst God, we must not obey them.
"Which must be always understood, if they COMMAND nothing against God. For THEN there rule is ever to be followed. WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. Acts 5:29."
The Original and True Rheims New Testament-1582 A.D., p. 502-commentary.
Anonymous said...
"Christians are to submit to the governing authorities not act out of rebellion (1 Peter 2:13)"
True. But please read the rest of 1Peter 2 for the reason why it is true." (end quote)
If the rulers (or administrators, legislators, and judiciary of an elected government in a Constitutional Republic) are personally sinners, we still have to obey them. But if they COMMAND us to do things that are against God, we must not obey them.
"Which must be always understood, if they COMMAND nothing against God. For THEN their rule is ever to be followed. WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. Acts 5:29."
The Original and True Rheims New Testament-1582 A.D., p. 502-commentary.
"If the rulers (or administrators legislators, and judiciary of an elected government in a Constitutional Republic)are personally sinners, we still have to obey them. But if they COMMAND us to do things that are aqainst God, we must not obey them."
I wholly concur. My allegiance lies first and foremost with God, His commandments, and His Kingdom. If a governing body asks or attempts to force me to do something that is against God’s commands, I would passively refuse and suffer the consequences. Not out of rebellion but out of obedience to God.
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