A long, almost epic song thought by many to be summing up the philosophy and nature of the Dead.

In the style of Robert Hunter (one of the Grateful Dead's lyricists), immensely meaningful (if one really stops to think), and perhaps suggestive, but in no way dictating what the listener is to think. The storyteller makes no choice...his job is to shed light, and not to master.

Hunter originally wrote many parts to the song, but Garcia made the choice to only play some of them. Hunter did put out his own version of Terrapin Station, but it might be considered too long... the Dead's version can be much more fulfilling.

Terrapin Station (Arista) released on July 27, 1977

Produced by Keith Olsen
Cover art: Kelley/Mouse Studio

1. Estimated Prophet
2. Dancin' in the Streets
3. Passenger
4. Samson & Delilah
5. Sunrise
6. Terrapin Part One
Lady With a Fan
Terrapin Station
Terrapin
Terrapin Transit
At a Siding
Terrapin Flyer
Refrain



Terrapin Station is also the second part of the suite of lyrics written by Hunter.


Reprinted with permissions copyright Ice Nine Publishing


Inspiration, move me brightly
Light the song with sense of colour
Hold away despair
More than this I will not ask
Faced with mysteries deep and vast
Statements just seem vain at last
Some rise, some fall, some climb
To get to Terrapin

Counting stars by candlelight
Some are dim but one is bright
The spiral light on Venus
Rising first and shining best
Oh, from the north-west corner
Of a brand new crescent moon
Where crickets and cicadas sing
A rare and different tune
Terrapin Station
In the shadow of the moon
Terrapin Station
And I know we'll be there soon

(Terrapin)
I can't figure out
(Terrapin)
If it's the end or beginning
(Terrapin)
But the train's put it brakes on
(Terrapin)
And the whistle is screaming
Terrapin


First performance: February 26, 1977, at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, California.


The complete Terrapin Station suite by Robert Hunter
The suite is comprised of several lyrics never recorded or performed by the Dead...

1. Lady With A Fan
2. Terrapin Station
3. At A Siding
4. Return To Terrapin
5. Ivory Wheels, Rosewood Track
6. And I Know You
7. Jack O' Roses
8. Leaving Terrapin
9. Recognition

See also:
Lady Of Carlisle
L'Alhambra

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