Estimated Prophet - Grateful Dead

Описание: Psychedelic video of "Estimated Prophet" with vibrant colors, prophets from around the world, and trippy visuals. Music from 5-8-77 at Barton Hall University.

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"Estimated Prophet," with lyrics by John Barlow and music by Bob Weir, casts a unique spell. Barlow perfectly encapsulates the eccentric or psychedelic Deadhead ethos, yet the song's protagonist evolves beyond this narrow perception, both within each performance and over the years since its debut. This character, vivid in my imagination, seems to embody the certainty and dedication of anyone who's ever been swept up in a transformative belief, succumbed to illusions of greatness, or felt like the center of the world. But isn't that a common human experience, to some extent?

The Grateful Dead first performed "Estimated Prophet" on February 26, 1977, at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, California, also debuting "Terrapin Station" at this concert. They performed it 390 times subsequently, with the longest gap between renditions being 15 shows, usually playing it every third or fourth show. Its last live performance was on June 28, 1995, at The Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It was also featured on their album "Terrapin Station," released on July 27, 1977.

In Blair Jackson's biography of the band, Weir explains the song's origin, noting it was inspired by a familiar figure at Dead concerts - a frenzied, messianic fanatic, a character not uncommon in Deadhead gatherings. Weir says, "There's always this guy, high on drugs, wide-eyed, experiencing a vision, and eager to share his intense epiphany."

The lyrics, penned by Barlow, are rich in biblical references, portraying grand visions like seas parting and fiery celestial wheels. Intriguingly, the character is portrayed as a prophet, subtly alluding to a biblical concept that a prophet is often dishonored in their own land. This idea, echoed by Jesus in three of the four Gospels, suggests that the role of a prophet is to be scorned and disbelieved, reminiscent of Cassandra's curse by Apollo to be perpetually disbelieved. It's a thought-provoking notion.