I’ve always loved the bittersweet, poignant presentation of “Morning Dew” as performed by the Grateful Dead.
Only recently was it called to my attention that it is not a traditional folk song but rather was written by Bonnie Dobson in 1961. The story behind its creation adds new weight to it for me.
In this first performance, Robert Plant introduces Bonnie (Plant having been one of numerous artists to have performed this song).
In retrospect, the story behind the song makes sense, it and certainly adds to the impact of both her performance as well as those by the Dead and others. The “Where have all the children gone?” verse in particular, now sends chills up my spine.
The song was written in 1961 (think Cold War and mutually assured distruction), and was inspired by the movie “On the Beach” – a post nuclear holocost apocalyptic fantasy.
You can read more about it here: Wikipedia – Morning Dew.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t link you to a 1974 performance at the Winterland Ballroom.
