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"Brokedown Palace" is a song by the American rock band Grateful Dead. It was released on their fifth studio album, American Beauty, in November 1970. The song was written by Jerry Garcia and lyricist Robert Hunter, who composed it during a prolific songwriting period in London in 1970.
Composition and Lyrics
The lyrics of "Brokedown Palace" were penned by Robert Hunter, reportedly on the same afternoon as "Ripple" and "To Lay Me Down," with the aid of a half bottle of retsina. The song's lyrics evoke themes of farewell, rest, and the end of a journey, often interpreted as a metaphor for death or the end of a relationship. The emotional depth and poetic nature of the lyrics have made it a favorite among fans, often played at memorial services.
Live Performances
"Brokedown Palace" made its live debut on August 18, 1970, at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. It quickly became a staple in the Grateful Dead's live repertoire, often performed as an encore to send audiences off with a sense of peace and closure. After the band's hiatus in 1974, the song was primarily used as a closing number in their concerts.
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