“Ripple” is the sixth song on the Grateful Dead album American Beauty. It was released as the B-side to the single “Truckin'”.
Robert Hunter wrote this song in 1970 in London in the same afternoon he wrote “Brokedown Palace” and “To Lay Me Down” (reputedly also drinking half a bottle of retsina in...
[Verse 1]
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
[Pre-Chorus 1]
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
[Chorus]
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
[Verse 2]
Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
[Pre-Chorus 2]
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
[Chorus]
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
[Verse 3]
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
Ripple was written by Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia.
Ripple was produced by The Grateful Dead & Steve Barncard.
The Grateful Dead released Ripple on Sun Nov 01 1970.