Throw Out The Lifeline

Lyrics: Edwin Smith Ufford
Music: Edwin Smith Ufford

Played by Jerry in the JGB with Melvin Seals. Based on a hymn by Edwn Smith Ufford, apparently written after observing a lifesaving drill at Point Alllerton near Boston, Massachusetts in 1888. Thanks to Walter Keenan for the lyrics to the JGB version.

Chorus
Throw out the life line
Throw out the life line
Someone is drifting away
Throw out the life line
Throw out the life line
Someone is sinking today

Throw out the life line
Across the dark wave
There is a brother
That someone could save
Somebody's brother
Who then will dare
Throw out the lifeline
His perils to share

[chorus]

Throw out the life line
With arms that are strong
Why do you tarry
Why do you linger so long
Throw out the lifeline
Hasten today
Throw out the life line
I'm drifting away

[chorus]

Throw out the life line
To danger fraught men
Someone's in trouble
[Why] this never been
Have him [descend]
Dangers of woe
[Forced to the border]
Where darkness once flow

[chorus]
[chorus]
[chorus]
A fuller version of the lyrics to the original hymn can be found on the Cyber Hymnal site.

Recordings
     2020 Spirit The Garcia Project


Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography

 


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