Sunrise

Lyrics: Donna Godchaux
Music: Donna Godchaux

There are two accounts of the origins of this song, both of which may be true.

One account is that it is about Rolling Thunder, the Cherokee Shaman, conducting a ceremony (which certainly fits with many of the lyrics). Jerilyn Lee Brandis noted that "he was a regular visitor at Mickey's ranch ... and while he was in residence, we got up for a sunrise ceremony every morning". (thanks to Tom Iaconetti for pointing me to that quote).

The other account is that it was written by Donna in memory of Rex Jackson, one of the Grateful Dead's crew (after whom the Rex Foundation is named).

Update: It seems both accounts are true. In an answer on Reddit in 2018, Donna Jean said:

"Sunrise is about my whole friendship with Rolling Thunder. And any Native American will know that when they hear it. If they don't, I wonder what planet they're on. The lyrics are very literal. They communicate a traditional sunrise service. The main sunrise service that is alluded or communicated to in the song Sunrise is Rex Jackson's memorial by Rolling Thunder in mine and Keith's backyard.

Gazing at the fire
Burning by the water
Before he speaks, the world around us quiets
With eyes as sharp as arrows
And turning to the fire
He clears the air and cuts it with a feather

Many in a circle
Slowly round the fire
When he is gone, I want to know him better
No one is forsaken
No one is a liar
He plants the tree of life on our foreheads with water

He hums
There are drums
Four winds
Rising suns
We are singing and playing
I hear what he's saying
I remember breezes
From winds inside your body
Keep me high
Like I told you
I'll sing to them this story
And know why