Well she’s coming down the stairs, combing back her yellow hair
And I ain’t gonna be treated this-a-way This-a-way
And I ain’t gonna be treated this-a-way
Well she went up to her room and she sang a fateful tune
And I’m going where those chilly winds don’t blow
Winds don’t blow
And I’m going where those chilly winds don’t blow
Well I married me a wife, she’s been trouble all my life
Run me out in the cold rain and snow
Rain and snow
Run me out in the cold rain and snow
Words and music: traditional
Arranged by the Grateful Dead
Studio recording: Grateful Dead (March 17, 1967).
First documented performance: February 23, 1966, location unknown. The song became a staple of the repertoire thereafter.
This tune comes from the Eastern-mountain music tradition, most likely the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina or Virginia. Rarely recorded, this white blues has long been popular among old-timey music groups. Pegging an “original” version is impossible, since it dates back (at least) to the nineteenth century and is “folk” music in the truest sense. Perhaps the best-known recording of the tune among country aficionados is one by Obray Ramsey on his Obray Ramsey Sings Folksong from Three Laurels. (Jackson: Goin’ Down the Road) 94