Lyrics omitted. The annotations below are reproduced by permission of David Dodd; the song lyrics themselves are copyrighted and are not reproduced here. Read them at the official source: dead.net/songs.
According to Hunter's note in Box of Rain,
"Also known as "Pumpman" and "Moses"--I wrote this to the rhythm of the pump in Mickey Hart's well."
First performed February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, N.Y. Other firsts in the show included "Bertha," "Johnny B. Goode," "Loser," "Playin' in the Band," and "Wharf Rat."
Also the title of a 1965 film, produced and directed by George Stevens, about the life of Jesus. Based on a book of the same title by Fulton Oursler.
"Bob Weir...sings quasar rather than guitar."
This note from a reader:
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 8:16 PM
Subject: Greatest Story ever toldgreetings,
I love your site, and i visit it all the time.
Just one very minor point: in the listing for "Greatest Story Ever Told," you point out that "Hunter notes in BOX OF RAIN: 'Bob Weir sings QUASAR rather than GUITAR.'" (referring to the line "moses came riding up on a guitar")
However, when the song was first sung with the Dead, Weir actually does say "GUITAR" rather than "QUASAR." The very first performance of the song was in Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on February 18, 1971. I do not know when he actually started saying "quasar."
Again, great site... keep it up!
[name withheld by request]
This is what's known in the folklore trade as a "fool's errand." Here's a list of similar tools which a new apprentice or recruit may be sent to find: (from Eric Partridge's A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, p. 1381.)
"remembered for mobilizing a force which at last put an end to annual raids at harvest time..." and "also remembered for having an exceptional penchant for oracle-seeking and divinatory inquiry..." (Anchor Bible Dictionary)
"Well, I asked for water and
She gave me gasoline." (Oakley: The Devil's Music, p. 156)
And this note from a reader:
Steven wrote:Hello David -
I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am to find your site!
I've been reading over some of the lyrics, and I think I have an annotation to add in "Greatest Story Ever Told"
I suspect that, in staying with the tonal quality of the rest of the song, the reference "asked him for water he poured me some wine" is not, related to the soug you suggest (Compare the line in the "Cool Drink of Water Blues": "Well, I asked for water and She gave me gasoline." (Oakley: The Devil's Music, p. 156) ).
Rather, I'd postulate that it's much simpler than that - another biblical reference. - Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine. Then again, maybe I'm full of it!
Cheers,
Steven
Another note:
From: Patrick Donnelly [mailto:smilnoncloudyday@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 9:27 AM
Subject: AGDL: Greatest Story Ever ToldHi David,
I know everyone begins their submissions with this, but I wholeheartedly agree: Your site is an invaluable and fantastic resource! Thanks for all the hard work!
I was reading through the Greatest Story Ever Told entry, and another reader had mentioned that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine, a possible interpretation of the line "I asked him for water, he poured me some wine". However I would think that it is related to a different passage in the bible. When Jesus was hanging from the cross, he asked the Roman guards for a drink of water. Instead, they filled a sponge with old wine (vinegar) and put it to his lips. This might be something your readers would be interested in.
Keep up the good work! Peace
-Patrick Donnelly
From: clifford stephens [mailto:cliffrojousa@netscape.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2002 8:49 AM
Subject: Greatest Story ever toldLove your site.
I married a farm girl who listens to C&W. (Go figure) But was listening to some of her Marty Robbins (El Paso, Big Iron) stuff the other day and the song "Cool Water" and the last line in his song is "Cool clear water" repeated twice.
Keep up the great work!