Dupree's Diamond Blues

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jerry Garcia

The lyrics by Robert Hunter are based on the traditional ballad Betty and Dupree

When I was just a little young boy
Papa said "Son, you'll never get far
I'll tell you the reason, if you want to know
'Cause child of mine, there isn't really very far to go" (note 1)

Well baby, baby wants a gold diamond ring
Wants it more than almost any old thing
Well when I get those jelly roll blues
Why, I'd go and get anything in this world for you

Down to the jewelry store packing a gun
Says "wrap it up, I think I'll take this one"
"A thousand dollars, please" the jewelry man said
Dupree, he said "I'll pay this one to you off in lead"

Well you know son, you just can't figure
First thing you know, you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

Judge said "Son, it's gonna cost you some time"
Dupree said "Judge, you know that crossed my mind"
Judge said "[In] fact it's gonna cost you your life"
Dupree, he said "Judge, you know that seems to me to be about right"

Well, baby, baby's gonna lose her sweet man
Dupree came out with a losing hand
Baby's gonna weep it up for a while
Then go out and find another sweet man gonna treat her with style

Judge said "Son, I know your baby well
But that's a secret that I can't never tell"
Dupree said "Judge, well, it's well understood
And you got to admit that sweet, sweet jelly's so good"

Well you know son, you just can't figure
First thing you know, you're gonna pull that trigger
And it's no wonder your reason goes bad
Jelly roll will drive you stone mad

Same old story, and I know it's been told
Some like jelly jelly, some like gold
Many a man's done a terrible thing
Just to get baby a shiny diamond ring