Bob Weir Reveals the Grateful Dead Song He Wants Played at His Funeral
The guitarist, known for his understated style, chose a deeply personal track for his final send-off.
- Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, selected “Cassidy” to be played at his funeral.
- The song, penned by John Perry Barlow, holds significant personal meaning for Weir, connecting to themes of life, loss, and remembrance.
- Weir’s preference for artistic expression over fame defined his career within the iconic band.
- He valued creating a vast catalog of live music and maintaining integrity throughout his decades-long career.
For most of rock and roll history, performers have craved the spotlight, but Bob Weir, the iconic singer and guitarist of the Grateful Dead, consistently defied that expectation. He wasn’t driven by a desire for fame, but rather a deep commitment to the art itself, a quality that set him apart within one of the most influential bands of all time.
Despite his often-understated presence—even in those signature denim shorts—Weir quietly built a legacy of musical innovation. He allowed his music to speak for itself, evolving from a scrawny teenager into a rock music mainstay, all while largely avoiding the tabloid headlines that plague so many of his peers. He wasn’t interested in notoriety; he simply wanted contentment.
The Grateful Dead were renowned for their expansive live performances, capable of unleashing a sonic arsenal at a moment’s notice. Yet, when asked about his favorite Grateful Dead song, Weir consistently deflected, a common trait among respected musicians. However, during an interview with journalist Dan Rather, he did reveal the one song he’d want played at his funeral.
When contemplating his legacy and mortality, Weir offered a poignant response: “Individually, for people who want to remember me, to remember on the moment for a song that relates to that moment for them, because that’s all I’m here for.” He then recited the opening lyrics of “Cassidy”: “I have seen where the wolf has slept by the silver stream. I can tell by the mark he left you were in his dream.”
He continued, adding: “Ah, child of countless trees. Ah, child of boundless seas. What you are, what you’re meant to be. Speaks his name, though you were born to me. Cassidy.” The song holds a particularly deep resonance, as he once performed it for lyricist John Perry Barlow while Barlow was on his deathbed.
“Cassidy” is inspired by two figures: Neal Cassady, a prominent beat poet, and the daughter of Rex Jackson, a former Grateful Dead crew member, and Eileen Law, the band’s office manager. The song also draws inspiration from Barlow’s father and a ranch he inherited. It’s a celebration of embracing life’s journey and savoring each moment.
While some Deadheads might debate its categorization as a quintessential Grateful Dead track—as it initially appeared on Weir’s solo album Ace—the song’s creation involved all band members, solidifying its place within their collective repertoire. It remains a standout piece and a fitting choice for Weir’s final musical request.
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