Stagger Lee

Stagger Lee was first performed by the Grateful Dead in August 1978. It was then played regularly through 1978 and 1979 but hardly at all in the first half of the 1980's. The song returned to the repertoire in 1985 and thereafter it was played on average just under 10 times a year through to 1995. In total the Grateful Dead played the song just under 150 times.

The Grateful Dead's relationship with "Stagger Lee" is rooted in their commitment to reinterpreting and revitalizing traditional American folk music. They adopted the song as part of their live repertoire, making it a staple during their concerts. The band’s approach to "Stagger Lee" exemplifies their broader ethos of experimentation and improvisation, allowing each performance to take on a unique character.

The Grateful Dead often performed "Stagger Lee" during their shows, especially in the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Each rendition was distinct, marked by extended instrumental solos and varying arrangements. The band's improvisational style meant that no two performances were the same, allowing them to explore different musical directions and emotional depths.

The song’s narrative about violence, betrayal, and the consequences of a card game aligns with themes found in other traditional folk songs that the band often covered. The Grateful Dead's delivery, particularly Jerry Garcia's expressive guitar work and vocals, added a layer of depth and feeling to the story.

By performing "Stagger Lee," the Grateful Dead helped keep the song alive in the rock and jam band scenes. Their interpretation introduced the tale to new audiences, blending the storytelling tradition with the psychedelic and improvisational elements that defined their music.

The band's versions contributed to the song's evolution within the music landscape, influencing other artists and bands that draw from the same folk roots. Fans often cherish specific live recordings of "Stagger Lee," reflecting the band's improvisational spirit and their ability to make each performance a unique experience.

Nineteen forty, Xmas eve, with the full moon over town
Stagger Lee shot Billy DeLyon and he blew that poor boy down
Do you know what he shot him for, what do you make of that
'Cause Billy DeLyon threw lucky dice, won Stagger Lee's stetson hat

Baio, Baio, tell me how can this be
You go arrest the girls for turning tricks but you're scared of Stagger Lee
Stagger Lee is a mad man, and he shot my Billy dead
Baio go get him, or give the job to me

Delia, Delia, dear sweet Delia D
How the hell can I arrest him, when he's twice as big as me
Well don't ask me to go downtown, I wouldn't come back alive
Not only is that mother big, he packs a forty five

Baio, Delia said, just give me a gun
He shot my Billy dead and now I'm gonna see him hung
She waded to DeLyon's club through Billy DeLyon's blood
Stepped up to Stagger Lee at the bar, said buy me a gin fizz love

As Stagger Lee lit a cigarette, she shot him in the balls
Blew the smoke off her revolver, had him dragged to City Hall
Baio, Baio, see you hang him high
He shot my Billy dead and now he's got to die

Delia went a-walking down on Singapore Street
Three piece band on the corner played 'nearer my God to thee'
But Delia whistled a different tune, what tune could it be
The song that woman sang was look out Stagger Lee
The song that Delia sang was look out Stagger Lee