A Box of Rain: Lyrics, 1965-1993

by Robert C. Hunter

A collection of over 250 classic songs by the main lyricist for the Grateful Dead--with a new introduction and over 20 additional songs, including from the Dead's next album. Hunter also explains the sources of certain songs and describes the evolution of others over years of performance. Complete discography.

Genres: Music, Poetry, Reference, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Robert C. Christie Hunter (born Robert Burns) was an American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator, and poet, best known for his work with Jerry Garcìa and the Grateful Dead.

Reviews

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Box of Rain by Robert Hunter (Viking 1990) (782.42166) is a beautiful collection of the complete lyrics of Robert Hunter, the long-time songwrting partner of Jerry Garcia. So important are Hunter's lyrics to the Grateful Dead that he is considered by the bandmates to be an often uncredited member of the band. This beautiful volume contains all of Robert Hunter' song lyrics composed between 1965 and 1993 and includes unrecorded songs as well as songs recorded by Bob Dylan and a few other select recording artists. My rating: 8.5/10, finished 1/26/14.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if reading a book of lyrics qualifies as poetry, but I guess if I was reviewing Bob Dylan's lyrics I would call it poetry, so I shall carry on. The Grateful Dead have always intrigued me and repulsed me at the same time. The idea of a band so in sync with each other to the point of maximum versatility and service to the song is very admirable and impressive. However, the obnoxious hippy-oozing/dancing drug culture (fans, band, you name it) always left me keeping this band at a great distance. Robert Hunter's role in all of this has always been pretty mysterious to me. He's not really a member of the band (at least that I'm aware of), but has a towering role in their legacy. Long story short: it was time to check out the complete lyrics. To sum it up: when he's on I'd say that he's as good of a lyricist as anyone. They totally read like poetry and some of this is truly breathtaking. Not surprisingly, there are a number of stinkers contained within, but let's cut the guy some slack. These are timeless words written to accompany (some) timeless songs. The themes of loneliness, confusion, love, hate, and so on are laid down in a pretty classic old-west folkish style. There are some great ballads here too. All in all, hats of to Hunter for writing some pretty spectacular and weird songs - the Van Dyke Parks for the greasy, bloated, bearded Grateful Dead collective?

[Jon Dom]

A great book "Relapse, A love story" written by Robert Hunter, is a story which revolves around Rob Wildhide who is author who makes sure that his book is published. Hoping that he will become a great novelist in the near future. The only hindrance in his life is alcohol.he has great love for alcohol. And when he drinks he makes bad decisions  which pulls down his career. He believes that alcohol will make his writter's block disappear. 

He began looking at other women which results to falling of his marriage. He decides to take a trip to Maine with his wife Annie. But things doesn't go well he meets other ladies there and gets into an affair. After they return home he feels guilty and decides to tell his wife the truth. He knows that this could ruin their marriage but deep down he can't keep it anymore. He is surprised and moved when Annie reveals to him that she has cancer. This when he realizes that he loves his wife Soo much.he decides to change his ways and become a better man even if not for anything but his wife, and also to save his marriage and career. He has to be there for his wife. 

This was a nice novel , with many lessons example not abandoning things that make us who we are and work hard to achieve our desires. I would actually recommend this read.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hunter’s lyrics! ...and when paired with Jerry’s music, they really are magical and even spiritual to me.

[Brennan Donnellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the poetry that lifted the music of Jerry Garcia to heaven.

[Scott W. Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote a paper regarding Robert Hunter's version of the tale of Stagger Lee, which he calls "Delia DeLyon and Stagger Lee." The book serves as a great reference for his lyrical output. It would have been nice to see more notes regarding the songs, though. Hunter never cared to explain his lyrics, and as a result there is little to be obtained from this book beyond the lyrics themselves. There are a few exceptions, but overall it is just the lyrics. Still, it is an excellent reference for anyone doing academic research on Hunter or the Grateful Dead.

[Delia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I frequently reference. A must-have for all Dead Heads. It's a book of lyrics to all the songs Robert Hunter wrote for the Grateful Dead over the years. Of course he didn't write all of their songs, so you won't find every song the Dead did. It's a funny book to read to see how off you've been on the lyrics for so many years!

[Helen L · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lyric's of Robert Hunter, a true poet. I have read and been reading through this book for years. It is bookmarked, tabbed, highlighted and dog-eared. It's one of those books I cold never part with.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visiting this book quite often, I love to read the lyrics and pass through the music in my head. Its also quite handy - with some songs you can never quite figure the lyrics when listening to live cuts.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

noodle.

[Janice]

any fan of the Grateful Dead music would love to get their hands on this book of lyrics by the primary wordsmith. Great to listen and read!!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avast and swab away your Grateful Dead mondegreens- here you have all the lyrics as the poet himself intended them.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not every lyric of Hunter's is indispensible, but the best of his work will still be interpreted two hundred years from now.

[Matthew Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must have for Deadheads.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Grateful Dead lyrics – I use it time and again