Shakedown Street
"Shakedown Street" is one of only three Garcia/Hunter compositions to appear on the band's 1978 album of the same name. Over time, the title became synonymous with the Deadhead vending area found in the parking lot at most Grateful Dead concerts in the 1980s and 1990s.
"Shakedown Street" was first played in concert on August 31, 1978, at Red Rocks Amphitheater, in Morrison, Colorado, before the album's release. It continued to be part of the Dead's repertoire every year until its last performance on July 9, 1995, at their final performance in Chicago.
Lyrics
Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jerry Garcia
You tell me this town ain't got no heart
(Well, well, well, you can never tell)
The sunny side of the street is dark
(Well, well, well, you can never tell)
Maybe that's 'cause it's midnight (note 1)
And the dark of the moon besides
Maybe the dark is from your eyes
(Maybe the dark is from your eyes)
Maybe the dark is from your eyes
(Maybe the dark is from your eyes)
Maybe the dark is from your eyes
(Maybe the dark is from your eyes)
You know you got such dark eyes
Nothing shaking on Shakedown Street
Used to be the heart of town
Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart
You just got to poke around
You think you've seen this town clear through
(Well, well, well, you can never tell)
Nothing here could interest you
(Well, well, well, you can never tell)
It's not because you missed out
On the thing that we had to start
Maybe you had too much too fast
(Maybe you had too much too fast)
Maybe you had too much too fast
(Maybe you had too much too fast)
Maybe you had too much too fast
(Maybe you had too much too fast)
And just overplayed your part
Nothing shaking on Shakedown Street
Used to be the heart of town
Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart
You just got to poke around
Since I'm passing your way today
(Well, well, well, you can never tell)
I just stopped in 'cause I want to say
(Well, well, well, you can never tell)
I recall your darkness
When it crackled like a thunder cloud
Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart
(Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart)
Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart
(Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart)
Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart
(Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart)
I can hear it beat out loud
Nothing shaking on Shakedown Street
Used to be the heart of town
Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart
You just got to poke around
Notes
(1) Jerry sang "Maybe because it's sunlight on 15 April 1983.
12/31/81 Solo Demo
Solo Transcription (12/31/81)

