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Grateful Dead — Sugar Magnolia
Album: American Beauty
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1553









Released: 1970
Length: 3:10
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Sugar Magnolia blossoms blooming
Head's all empty and I don't care
Saw my baby down by the river
Knew she'd have to come up soon for air

Sweet blossom come on under the willow
We can have high times if you'll abide
We can discover the wonders of nature
Rolling in the rushes down by the riverside

She's got everything delightful
She's got everything I need
Takes the wheel when I'm seeing double
Pays my ticket when I speed

She come skimming through rays of violet
She can wade in a drop of dew
She don't come and I don't follow
Waits backstage while I sing to you

She can dance a Cajun rhythm
Jump like a Willys in four wheel drive
She's a summer love in the spring, fall and winter
She can make happy any man alive

Sugar Magnolia
Ringin' that blue bell
Caught up in sunlight
Go on out singing
I'll walk you in the sunshine
Come on honey, come along with me

She's got everything delightful
She's got everything I need
A breeze in the pines in the summer night moonlight
Crazy in the sunlight, yes indeed

Sometimes when the cuckoo's crying
When the moon is halfway down
Sometimes when the night is dying
I take me out and I wander 'round
I wander 'round

Sunshine daydream
Walkin' in the tall trees
Goin' where the wind goes
Blooming like a red rose
Breathing more freely
Light out singing
I'll walk you in the morning sunshine
Sunshine daydream
Walk you in the sunshine
Comments (116)add comment
There is naïve art, this is naïve music.
Posted 2 months ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
 greyfin10 wrote:

Not a deadhead... my introduction to them was via the "Gratefully Deadicated" album (go figure) but I do have this to say... I went to Stone Mountain in the 90s when they were playing Atlanta.  Just to "see the scene" ya know?  And the whole thing about good feelings, love, respect, etc you hear about those folks (dead-heads) are in my opinion totally true.  Never before or since have I been somewhere where every person I saw and talked to made me glad I had.  Over and over again I was impressed with the genuine people that were part of that scene.




Love is a hell of a drug. 

Also. drugs are a hell of a drug. 
Posted 9 months ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
Whenever I hear this tune I remember truckin' R. Crumb-style on New Years Day 1974 in a suburb of Rome with my roommate Chris and three cute MassArt chicks.
Posted 1 year ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Amazing. Still one of my favourite albums. Would love to have seen them live. Ah well, not going to happen now!
Posted 3 years ago by Lyndont    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Maybe I'm getting wiser in my old age, but I never cared for the Dead...but I'm starting to appreciate them more and more. This tune is very cool. Never thought I would feel that way about GD.
 
Nah. You're just getting older! ;p

Great tune.
Posted 3 years ago by ianausten    [ Reply ]
"pays my ticket when I speed" .... if you find a girl like that, hang on to her!

Posted 3 years ago by BSartiste    [ Reply ]
Fuckingroovin'!  My Fav!  nothing left to do but smile, smile...smile!
Posted 3 years ago by deadheadmark    [ Reply ]
Keep playing more Dead please ! Caught them live. 74-94 What a long strange trip it’s been
Posted 3 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
Maybe I'm getting wiser in my old age, but I never cared for the Dead...but I'm starting to appreciate them more and more. This tune is very cool. Never thought I would feel that way about GD.
Posted 4 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
after the first bar or two, i thought this was going to be 'uncle john's band.' dead sorta washes over me indistinguishably.  
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 NickDanger wrote:
Greteful Dead Recipe:
Take one part bluegrass
Add a heaping helping of country
Add rock and roll
Throw in a dash of R & B
Touch off with jazz and improvisation  

A true American Band!

Listening to popular studio Dead songs will show one side of this band. Listening to the more complicated live "songs" where they blend from one to another seamlessly will provide a different experience.
 
Uhhhh...
Don't forget the dash (heaping) of hallucinogenics!
Posted 4 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
I rate Sugar Magnolia with  Grateful Dead  only 6
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
My favorite Dead tune!
Posted 5 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
I now know what tune will counter my insomnia. Thanks for that! A very firm 2.

{#Yawn}
Posted 6 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
Howzabout Whart Rat into any of the dozens of indies it influenced, Ryan Adams, Mazzie Star, MMJ etc....
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Bill,  You should try playing Magnolia Mountain and Wharf Rat back to back 
Posted 7 years ago by Baketown    [ Reply ]
Greteful Dead Recipe:
Take one part bluegrass
Add a heaping helping of country
Add rock and roll
Throw in a dash of R & B
Touch off with jazz and improvisation  

A true American Band!

Listening to popular studio Dead songs will show one side of this band. Listening to the more complicated live "songs" where they blend from one to another seamlessly will provide a different experience.
Posted 7 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:
{#Stop}{#Naughty}{#Taped-shut} I cannot for the life of me understand, why this band had so high acclaim, its the worst band ever!

 
There is much that you do not understand.  Starting with grammar.{#Cheers}
Posted 7 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
So an open mind doesn't mind lyrics like "We can have high times if you'll oblige"?
Sounds so paternalistic. 
Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
Bill Graham's favorite Dead song

 
Mine too.  My dog's name is Sugar Magnolia (Maggie) and I have a tattoo of the album cover rose.
Posted 7 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
{#Stop}{#Naughty}{#Taped-shut} I cannot for the life of me understand, why this band had so high acclaim, its the worst band ever!
Posted 7 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
Awful.
Posted 7 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
any Lady that can jump like a Willys in four wheel drive is all right in my book
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Bill Graham's favorite Dead song
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Nice
 
Posted 8 years ago by greek_fun    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I knew a Psyche major who wrote her thesis on Pavlovian conditioning.  Her name was Isabelle Wringing.
...I'll get my ushanka. 

 
Arf! That's so silly :o)

However, I concur with the justin4kick's feelings - the first notes of a Dead song have me reaching for PSD, whence I am truly grateful. Eat your heart out, Pavlov.
Posted 8 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I would like to hear this remixed so that the stellar guitar work is much more prominent.
Posted 8 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Have to agree. I don't care for anything they ever did. Oh well.....
 
justin4kick wrote:
It has become a Pavlov-reaction. After hearing the first notes of a GD-song, I start looking for the PSD-button.

 


Posted 8 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:
It has become a Pavlov-reaction. After hearing the first notes of a GD-song, I start looking for the PSD-button.

 
I knew a Psyche major who wrote her thesis on Pavlovian conditioning.  Her name was Isabelle Wringing.
...I'll get my ushanka. 
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:
There, suitably fixed. 
 
That is reproachable, Poacher.
Posted 9 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
 hencini wrote:
Oh man. Sometimes I forget how awful these guys can be. 
 
There, suitably fixed. 
Posted 9 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Love the Dead!
Posted 9 years ago by RSF    [ Reply ]
 Keef wrote:

I start looking for my bong
 
Oh that's good!
Posted 10 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Oh man. Sometimes I forget how awesome these guys can be. 
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:
It has become a Pavlov-reaction. After hearing the first notes of a GD-song, I start looking for the PSD-button.

 
Love them or hate them, the Dead was an incredible institution.  I was never a member, haven't done drugs for decades, but still really love most of their music for all kinds of reasons.
Posted 10 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:
It has become a Pavlov-reaction. After hearing the first notes of a GD-song, I start looking for the PSD-button.

 
I start looking for my bong
Posted 10 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
It has become a Pavlov-reaction. After hearing the first notes of a GD-song, I start looking for the PSD-button.
Posted 10 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Sounds like the Beach Boys on drugs.

 
It's possible that Brian Wilson may have been on more drugs than these guys.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 hippiechick wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}
 

Love it...  we be dancing...
 
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Hooray for hippies!!
Posted 10 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Sounds like the Beach Boys on drugs.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
made me jump like a Willys in 4WD.
Posted 11 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
Just another wonderful song to help me get the house cleaned! Thanks, Bill. And if I win the Outside Lands tickets, you won't even have to buy me a plane ticket, although a limo would be nice. :) (Hint, hint!)
Posted 11 years ago by voicers    [ Reply ]
its all good
 
Posted 11 years ago by tiler    [ Reply ]
As much as I love the Dead, it's always hard hearing the album versions rather than live.
Posted 12 years ago by kylieh    [ Reply ]

Sugar tastes a lot better than steel.


Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
the secret national anthem ....

Posted 12 years ago by marmelock    [ Reply ]
Always love The Dead!
Posted 12 years ago by heidi61    [ Reply ]
Love this song
Posted 12 years ago by sheshrey    [ Reply ]
Been a long time since this was last played...one of my all time favorites...getting to be the right time of year for it (northern hemisphere)
Posted 13 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
Not a Dead fan, but I am a Sugar Magnolia fan!{#Cowboy}8!
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Love this! I wasn't a fan in the day, but thanks to RP I've come to appreciated GD. What impresses me is that they managed to put out many good songs like this with their distinctive style but that don't sound (to me) like the same theme endlessly recycled. That is quite an achievement, IMHO. Many bands did and do the same thing but GD seemed to do it better than most. These guys were really good!

Posted 13 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
 greyfin10 wrote:

Not a deadhead... my introduction to them was via the "Gratefully Deadicated" album (go figure) but I do have this to say... I went to Stone Mountain in the 90s when they were playing Atlanta.  Just to "see the scene" ya know?  And the whole thing about good feelings, love, respect, etc you hear about those folks (dead-heads) are in my opinion totally true.  Never before or since have I been somewhere where every person I saw and talked to made me glad I had.  Over and over again I was impressed with the genuine people that were part of that scene.


 
This comment made me remember an old friend.

Sambo lived the life and followed the band. He was a true friend, and a sojourner in this life.

Here's to you, old friend. We'll meet again, and the next time will be better. {#Daisy}
Posted 14 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
My favorite Dead tune of all time!  Just about to turn the computer off and saw this queued up - awesome as always!
 
wait a minute.  what about friend of the devil? or ripple?

Posted 14 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
yes
Posted 14 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}
Posted 14 years ago by Downunda    [ Reply ]

Not a deadhead... my introduction to them was via the "Gratefully Deadicated" album (go figure) but I do have this to say... I went to Stone Mountain in the 90s when they were playing Atlanta.  Just to "see the scene" ya know?  And the whole thing about good feelings, love, respect, etc you hear about those folks (dead-heads) are in my opinion totally true.  Never before or since have I been somewhere where every person I saw and talked to made me glad I had.  Over and over again I was impressed with the genuine people that were part of that scene.


Posted 14 years ago by greyfin10    [ Reply ]
 AliGator wrote:
I just saw this. n4ku and I live together. But wait, we didn't when we made those comments. That makes it even better!
 
Whoa- I didn't think those kind of differences could be bridged.

Now  I wonder if  all that stuff about the Sino- Soviet split was just a bunch of crap?

 In this spirit I reach out to all my Muslim brothers and ask that you don't blow up my house.

Posted 14 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
 nance wrote:
why don't we just enjoy the music....

 

 
thanks for the altitude
Posted 14 years ago by p2h2d2    [ Reply ]
Astonishing album when it came out—even of the heels of Workingmans Dead. This song, and so many on this album and many others, is one definition of timeless.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Great song.  Wish RP would play more of the obscure dead music though.  This one while excellent- has been so overplayed.  Kindof like Freebird or Stairway to Heaven. 
Posted 15 years ago by cafortier    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 15 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I was never a deadhead, saw them only once back in '72 I think.  But I absolutely love this song and this album.
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 nance wrote:
why don't we just enjoy the music....

  Works for me...


Posted 15 years ago by etwilson    [ Reply ]
 Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Thats 2 of us.
 

Make that 3! This is really bad.
Posted 15 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
Carl wrote:
Maybe they were high and thought they were in tune.
Their concert audiences certainly were, and didn't care... An 8 for historical significance.
Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
buckskin wrote:
n4ku wrote:
It's Radio Deadhead. All Dead. All Day. All the time. Meh. :(
AliGator wrote:
I beg to differ, friend.
Only 'cause N4KU listens all the time. Any Dead is worth an 8 minimum; even the jams I don't like
I just saw this. n4ku and I live together. But wait, we didn't when we made those comments. That makes it even better!
Posted 15 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
dit·ty (n. pl. dit·ties): A sweet, simple song.- see "Sugar Magnolia"
Posted 15 years ago by TexasAggies    [ Reply ]
newfor wrote:
Great song. If only they could sing in tune...
Maybe they were high and thought they were in tune.
Posted 16 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
Yeah!
Posted 16 years ago by ghcollins86    [ Reply ]
Great song. If only they could sing in tune...
Posted 16 years ago by newfor    [ Reply ]
danagraves wrote:
Warms my heart & lightens my brain hearing this song!
Posted 16 years ago by jarrudy    [ Reply ]
Conventional wisdom says that the Dead's studio tracks cannot touch the live versions. But, one place where I have to disagree ... songs like Sugar Mag and The Wheel that have that sweet pedal steel guitar, which was missing when they played them live.
Posted 16 years ago by RongoTBurg    [ Reply ]
Zep wrote:
Bush-loving morons at RP? Those you might be able to count on one or two fingers.
I voted for Bush (only the first time though) and listen to GD jam tapes as often as I can. Go figure!
Posted 16 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
This was the first song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. Thanks Bill!
Posted 16 years ago by Schmoovie    [ Reply ]
Warms my heart & lightens my brain hearing this song!
Posted 16 years ago by danagraves    [ Reply ]
"She can dance a Cajun rythm/ Just like a Willys in four wheel drive" Man, what a line! c.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Zep wrote:
but don't you think 8 trillion concert jam tapes dilute the band's material just a little?
It can't be diluted. It's always pure. It just is.
Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted 16 years ago by pogue    [ Reply ]
An absolute stellar, landmark record of that year. Has stood the test of time and still shines like a new Farrari!
Posted 16 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
milehighYinzer wrote:
Just hate filled, Bush loving, morons. I love when people hate great bands. I try to keep open minded to everything.
Well, apparently there is at least one hate filled individual here...
Posted 16 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
milehighYinzer wrote:
Just hate filled, Bush loving, morons. I love when people hate great bands. I try to keep open minded to everything.
Bush-loving morons at RP? Those you might be able to count on one or two fingers. As for the Dead, they're highly overrated. Technically, not a bad band, but don't you think 8 trillion concert jam tapes dilute the band's material just a little?
Posted 16 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
why don't we just enjoy the music....
Posted 16 years ago by nance    [ Reply ]
cyndromeda wrote:
i just don't understand. never have. never will.
Thats 2 of us.
Posted 16 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
milehighYinzer wrote:
You attack the Dead in every thread of their songs. I have a few artist on here that I personally don't like. I take my mom's advice. If I have nothing nice to say, I don't say anything at all.
You must have a different definition of attack than most people do. Voicing opinions that you disagree with?Stating facts you wish weren't true? I'm sure your Mom is a nice lady but she should have taught you that calling people morons isn't nice. I've never said anything to you(I don't think). I know I have never attacked you although you have insulted me before. I suggest that if you don't like what I have to say you simply ignore it. Peace.
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
I was being nice and not saying anything only to be attacked by a violent deadhead.
You attack the Dead in every thread of their songs. I have a few artist on here that I personally don't like. I take my mom's advice. If I have nothing nice to say, I don't say anything at all.
Posted 17 years ago by milehighYinzer    [ Reply ]
buckskin wrote:
Let me help
I was being nice and not saying anything only to be attacked by a violent deadhead.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
tapatia wrote:
Wow, that's just plain mean. What's wrong with you?
Just hate filled, Bush loving, morons. I love when people hate great bands. I try to keep open minded to everything.
Posted 17 years ago by milehighYinzer    [ Reply ]
Diversity is the spice of life - it's great to hear the Dead every once in a while. I repeat that old refrain, "if you don't like the Dead, you've never been to a show"
Posted 17 years ago by kylieh    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
Let me help
Posted 17 years ago by buckskin    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Victoria_Jane    [ Reply ]
ehunthorsha wrote:
Agreed. If their name is well deserved, they will thank us for killing them. Let fire rain on their bad hippy music!
Wow, that's just plain mean. What's wrong with you?
Posted 17 years ago by tapatia    [ Reply ]
Great song, cheering me up from the debacle in Barbados.
Posted 17 years ago by MatClarke    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
n4ku wrote: It's Radio Deadhead. All Dead. All Day. All the time. Meh. :( AliGator wrote:
I beg to differ, friend.
Only 'cause N4KU listens all the time. Any Dead is worth an 8 minimum; even the jams I don't like
Posted 17 years ago by buckskin    [ Reply ]
The only dead song I won't give a 10.
Posted 17 years ago by milehighYinzer    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by tapatia    [ Reply ]
n4ku wrote:
It's Radio Deadhead. All Dead. All Day. All the time. Meh. :(
I beg to differ, friend.
Posted 20 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
i just don't understand. never have. never will.
Posted 20 years ago by cyndromeda    [ Reply ]
Great tune! Hmmm... I can see that I'm missing some Grateful Dead in my cd collection. Cheers Peter
Posted 20 years ago by Corpus_Juris    [ Reply ]
Agreed. If their name is well deserved, they will thank us for killing them. Let fire rain on their bad hippy music!
Posted 20 years ago by ehunthorsha    [ Reply ]
What\'s not to like?
Posted 20 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
It\'s Radio Deadhead. All Dead. All Day. All the time. Meh. :(
Posted 21 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by robinesque: Hmmm, maybe you're not singing along loud enough ;-) Hope this helps...
It is kind of you to offer such good advice.
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by BRYNBRYN: I am probally one of the few people out here that hates the Dead. I just dont get there music. It's terrible
Hmmm, maybe you're not singing along loud enough ;-) Hope this helps...
Posted 21 years ago by robinesque    [ Reply ]
Groovy!
Posted 21 years ago by Frischtom    [ Reply ]
This one is really great even as a studio cut. Always a fave.
Posted 21 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite Dead songs done live. This and Scarlet Begonias. :D
Posted 21 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]