Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: psych-rock
Song Meaning of “Help on the Way / Slipknot! / Franklin’s Tower – Live at Capital Theater, Passaic, NJ 6/17/1976” by Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead’s song ‘Help on the Way / Slipknot / Franklin’s Tower’ speaks to the need for assistance and guidance as we journey through life. As the lyrics and title suggest, we all need ‘help on the way’ as we try to take those first steps in a new direction and progress towards our ultimate destination. The ‘slipknot’ referes to the proverbial rope which connects us all, binding us together as a people. The bridge of this song, ‘Franklin’s Tower’, speaks to a beacon of light, a place of hope and compassion, symbolizing our eventual arrival at a higher level of understanding and connection.
Life can be a challenging and arduous journey, filled with uncertainty and doubt, and often we find ourselves unable to proceed forth on our own. This song reminds us that help is always available in the form of friends, family and mentors who can provide support when needed. With their help, we are ultimately able to make it to the ‘Franklin’s Tower’ of our dreams. The tower is the place at the end of the journey, a safe haven where we are free to explore our ideals and be ourselves, and such a goal is something that we should all strive for.