Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2013-07-26
- Album Name: Complete Live Rarities Collection
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “He Was a Friend of Mine – Previously Unissued Live In San Francisco 1966 Version” by Grateful Dead
The previously unissued live version of “He Was a Friend of Mine” was recorded in 1966 by Grateful Dead in San Francisco. The song is a tribute to a beloved John F. Kennedy, whose assassination had left a deep pain in the hearts of many people and the band. The lyrics are a combination of sorrow and fond remembrance, as the singer reminisces about the friendship between himself and the late president—their shared moments of joy, laughter, and camaraderie. The somber melody and heartfelt performance express the sadness and emptiness that was left in the wake of the tragedy. “He Was a Friend of Mine” is an elegy, a song of remembrance for an inspirational leader whose life was cut far too short.