Long Black Veil

Lyrics: Wilkins, Deal
Music: Wilkins, Dear

Played by Garcia and Grisman in 1992, and long before that by Jerry with his then wife Sarah in 1963. Also played by the New Riders of the Purple Sage, with Donna Godchaux on backing vocals, and more recently by Phil Lesh & Friends and by Furthur.

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
There was someone killed 'neath the town hall light
There were few there at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran looked a lot like me

Chorus
She walks these hills in a long black veil (note 1)
Visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows, but me

The judge said son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die
I spoke not a word, though it meant my life
For I had been in the arms of my best friend's wife

[chorus]

The gallows were close and eternity near
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
Sometimes at night, when the cold winds blow (note 2)
In a long black veil, she cries o'er my bones

[chorus]
Nobody knows but me