The Grateful Dead was an amazing rock band known for their unique blend of rock, folk, blues, and psychedelic music. They gained massive popularity for their live performances and improvisational style, with songs like Truckin’ and Touch of Grey becoming classics.
The band was honored in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and remains one of the most significant bands in rock history.
About the Song
Cumberland Blues is an energetic folk-rock song that tells the story of a hardworking miner’s struggles and blends bluegrass and rock, making it a fan favorite.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | June 14, 1970 |
| Album | Workingman’s Dead, Dave’s Picks Vol. 22 (2017) |
| Writers | Robert Hunter, Phil Lesh & Jerry Garcia |
| Producers | The Grateful Dead, Betty Cantor & Bob Matthews |
Cumberland Blues by Grateful Dead
Verse
I can’t stay much longer, Melinda, the sun is getting high
I can’t help you with your troubles, if you won’t help with mine
I gotta get down, I gotta get down, I gotta get down to the mine
You keep me up just one more night, I can’t sleep here no more
Little Ben clock says quarter to eight; you kept me up ’till four
I gotta get down, I gotta get down, or I can’t work there no more
A lot of poor man make a five dollar bill, keep him happy all the time
Some other fella’s making nothing at all and you can hear him cry
“Can I go, buddy, can I go down take your shift at the mine?”
Gotta get down to the Cumberland mine
Gotta get down to the Cumberland mine
That’s where I mainly spend my time
Make good money, five dollars a day
Made anymore, I might move away
Lotta poor man got the Cumberland blues he can’t win for losing
Lotta poor man got to walk the line just to pay his union dues
I don’t know now, I just don’t know if I’m going back again
I don’t know now, I just don’t know if I’m going back again
I don’t know now, I just don’t know if I’m going back again
Live Performance at Alpine Valley 7/17/89
Similar Songs Like Cumberland Blues
Here are some songs similar to Cumberland Blues by the Grateful Dead, focusing on the blend of country, bluegrass, and rock styles:
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“Uncle John’s Band“ – The folk-rock classic is known for its rich harmonies and storytelling. The song carries a message of unity and hope.
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“Friend of the Devil“ – A bluegrass-inspired song about a fugitive on the run. Its fast-paced melody and clear lyrics make it a fan favorite.
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“Dire Wolf“ – This song is a country-style ballad with eerie lyrics and a catchy tune. It tells a mysterious story with a playful yet haunting feel.
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“Casey Jones“ – Lively rock-country fusion about a reckless train engineer. Its upbeat energy contrasts with its cautionary tale.
Similar Bands Like Grateful Dead
These bands share the Grateful Dead’s spirit of experimentation, improvisation, and blending of genres:
- Allman Brothers Band
Genre: Southern Rock, Blues, Jam Band
Top Album: At Fillmore East (1971) - Phish
Genre: Jam Band, Rock
Top Album: Billy Breathes (1996) - Jefferson Airplane
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Top Album: Surrealistic Pillow (1967) - New Riders of the Purple Sage
Genre: Country Rock
Top Album: New Riders of the Purple Sage (1971) - The String Cheese Incident
Genre: Jam Band, Bluegrass, Rock Fusion
Top Album: Untying the Not (2003)
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Other Artists Covered Cumberland Blues?
Yes, it has been performed 1,897 times by 135 artists, including tribute bands like Half Step.
Is Cumberland Blues Based on a Real Place?
The song references a fictionalized Cumberland mine but draws inspiration from real working-class struggles.
What is the Main Theme of Cumberland Blues?
It highlights the hardships of laborers, balancing work and personal life, with a country-rock storytelling style.
