Lyrics: John Barlow
Music: Bob Weir
The Grateful Dead only played this once, in Salt Lake City on 21 February 1995, though they had much earlier soundchecked it on
10 April 1978 (thanks to Angus MacDonald for pointing this out).
The 1995 version sticks very close to the version Bob Weir played with most of his bands.
It was a paradise for lizards when young Brigham saw it first
He said I've seen some nasty deserts Lord, but this one here's the worst
Then the Lord called down to Brigham, said "I've got a great idea"
I want a mighty city and I think I want it here
Salt Lake City, that town of righteousness and fame
Salt Lake City, don't sound like much, but hell what's in a name?
Nobody ever sings about it, but Lord I be going there just the same
Salt Lake City, where it's so easy keeping straight
Salt Lake City, just really makes Des Moines look second rate
Ain't making no big deal about it
But I hear the Mormon girls are really great
Salt Lake City, hey, dig that Tabernacle Choir
Salt Lake City, yeah they be bound to take you higher
There just ain't no two ways about it, yes Lord they really light my fire
Well Brigham kicked a prairie dog, and he muttered in his beard
Said you've put me through some changes Lord but this one's really weird
The Lord just laughed at Brigham, said "you'd better get to work"
The next time I check in here, I want paradise on earth
Salt Lake City, where Brigham made the desert bloom
Salt Lake City, put a color TV in every room
And they got them crazy Mormon chicks, Lord, I'll be going there real soon
Salt Lake City, hey feel that magic in the air
Salt Lake City, you know that's kind of why I like it there
Salt Lake City, well you know that's where I'm bound
Salt Lake City, I'm going down to Salt Lake town
Grateful Dead Recordings | |||||
Date | Album | Recorded By | |||
21 Feb 1995 | 30 Trips Around The Sun | Grateful Dead | |||
Bob Weir Recordings | |||||
Studio 1977 | Heaven Help The Fool | Bob Weir | |||
Jan/Feb 1983 | Bobby And The Midnites | Bobby And The Midnites (video only) |