Ramble On Rose

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Jerry Garcia Solo Transcription (7/7/89)

Robert Hunter has named "Ramble On Rose" as one of his favorites, and in an interview with David Gans's has said "I think "Ramble On Rose" is the closest to complete whimsy I've come up with. I just sat down and wrote numerous verses that tied around "Did you say..."".

First played on October 19, 1971 at the Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the song was introduced with a number of other soon-to-be Grateful Dead classics, including "Comes a Time," Mexicali Blues," "One More Saturday Night," and "Tennessee Jed".

Lyrics

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jerry Garcia

Just like Jack the Ripper
Just like Mojo Hand
Just like Billy Sunday
In a shotgun rag-time band

Just like New York City
Just like Jericho
Pace the halls and climb the walls
And get out when they blow

Did you say your name was Rambling Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose

Just like Jack and Jill
Mama told the sailor
One heat up and one cool down
Leave nothing for the tailor

Just like Jack and Jill
Papa told the jailer
One go up and one come down
Do yourself a favour

Did you say your name was Rambling Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose

I'm gonna sing you
A hundred verses in ragtime
I know this song
It ain't never gonna end
I'm gonna march you up and down

The local county line
Take you to the leader
Of the band

Just like Crazy Otto
Just like Wolfman Jack
Sitting plush with a royal flush
Aces back to back

Just like Mary Shelley
Just like Frankenstein
Clank your chains and count your change
And try to walk the line

Did you say your name was Rambling Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose

I'm gonna sing you
A hundred verses in ragtime
I know this song
It ain't never gonna end
I'm gonna march you up and down
The local county line
Take you to the leader
Of the band

Goodbye Mama and Papa
Goodbye Jack and Jill
The grass ain't greener, the wine ain't sweeter
Either side of the hill

Did you say your name was Rambling Rose?
Ramble on baby, settle down easy
Ramble on Rose
Ramble on Rose