Lyrics of
Ripple

Ripple is a song by the Grateful Dead, composed by guitarist Jerry Garcia and lyricist Robert Hunter. It was released on the 1970 album American Beauty. The song was written during a period of great creative output for the band, and Hunter is said to have written the lyrics in a single afternoon. Jerry Garcia said he wanted the song to have a hymnal feel, akin to that of a traditional spiritual hymn.

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?

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

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

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
Verse 4
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

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

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

Lat da dat da, Lah da-ah da da, da
La da da, la da, da da da-ah, da da
Lat da dat da, Lah da-ah da da, da
La da da da, Lah da da da da
************************************