Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “Estimated Prophet – Live at the Capital Center, Landover, MD, March 16, 1990” by Grateful Dead
Estimated Prophet is a psychedelic song by the psychedelic rock band Grateful Dead. The title of this performance, ‘Live at the Capital Center, Landover, MD, March 16, 1990’, suggests that this performance is from a particularly special live show.
The lyrics of the song are typically interpreted in two different ways. Firstly, the song can be taken as a sort of allegory, in which the ‘Estimated Prophet’ is seen as a kind of spiritual guide – a figure who can help lead the listener to self-knowledge, clarity, and understanding.
The second interpretation of the song is that it is not about one particular person, but rather about the power of collective action – about how by supporting each other, people can create a powerful force for change. It’s a celebration of human connection and collaboration, something that was undoubtedly on display when this interpretation of Estimated Prophet was performed live.
The song’s chorus of “Fire on the mountain, rain on my soul” speaks of the mysterious power of nature and of the energy that can be created when we work together. As the audience watched the Grateful Dead perform Estimated Prophet Live at the Capital Center, they were reminded to listen for the music of humanity and nature, to recognize the power of collective action, and to follow the path of the estimated prophet.