The Meaning Behind The Song: That’s What Love Will Make You Do by Jerry Garcia
Jerry Garcia, the legendary singer-songwriter, and lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, wrote the song “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” in 1977, which quickly became one of his best-loved tracks.
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The beautiful lyrics of the song, in combination with the guitar playing, prove that Jerry Garcia was not only a master musician but also a master storyteller. The song tells a universal and relatable story of relationships and the lengths that we go to for love.
But what inspired Jerry Garcia to write “That’s What Love Will Make You Do”? What is the meaning behind the song, and how did it come to be one of Garcia’s most popular tracks? Let’s dive in.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
While there is no known backstory to the song, many believe that the inspiration behind “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” stems from Garcia’s personal life. Garcia was married twice, and he also battled drug addiction throughout his life, which could have played a role in the lyrics.
The song’s lyrics sound like a love letter, and it’s possible they’re directed towards one of his wives. The lyrics describe the lengths that people will go to for love, including “Walking down the streets with a dollar tucked in your shoe” and “Working like a dog trying to make ends meet.”
It’s easy to draw parallels between these lyrics and the personal struggles that Garcia faced throughout his life, including his financial woes and dependence on drugs.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics of “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” paint a picture of a person who is willing to do anything for their partner and their relationship. The protagonist of the song reveals that they will “climb a mountain” and “swim across the ocean” just to be with the one they love.
The lyrics also touch on the struggles that come with love, including heartache, loneliness, and financial hardship. However, despite these challenges, the protagonist remains steadfast in their love and devotion.
Ultimately, the message of the song is that love is a powerful force that can inspire us to do great things. Love has the power to make us better people, even in the face of adversity.
The Musical Style of the Song
Musically, “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” is a blend of rock, blues, and soul, featuring Garcia’s signature guitar playing style. The song’s upbeat tempo and soulful vocals make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a popular choice among live performers.
Garcia’s guitar playing, in particular, is a standout feature of the song. His unique style incorporates a mix of blues and jazz, and his improvisational skills are on full display in the song’s extended guitar solo.
The Legacy of the Song
“That’s What Love Will Make You Do” remains a beloved song among Garcia’s fans, and it’s a classic example of his songwriting and guitar playing ability. It’s been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and the Jerry Garcia Band.
The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universality and relatability. No matter who you are or where you come from, the message of love and devotion resonates with us all.
FAQs
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “That’s What Love Will Make You Do”?
The lyrics of the song describe the lengths that people will go to for love, including “Walking down the streets with a dollar tucked in your shoe” and “Working like a dog trying to make ends meet.” The song’s message is that love is a powerful force that can inspire us to do great things, even in the face of adversity.
What inspired Jerry Garcia to write the song?
While there is no known backstory to the song, many believe that the inspiration behind “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” stems from Garcia’s personal life. Garcia was married twice, and he also battled drug addiction throughout his life, which could have played a role in the lyrics.
What musical style does the song incorporate?
“That’s What Love Will Make You Do” is a blend of rock, blues, and soul, featuring Garcia’s signature guitar playing style. The song’s upbeat tempo and soulful vocals make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a popular choice among live performers.
How popular is the song?
“That’s What Love Will Make You Do” remains a beloved song among Garcia’s fans, and it’s a classic example of his songwriting and guitar playing ability. It’s been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and the Jerry Garcia Band.
What does the song signify for the fans of Jerry Garcia?
The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universality and relatability. No matter who you are or where you come from, the message of love and devotion resonates with us all. For fans of Jerry Garcia, the song serves as a reminder of his musical genius and his ability to tell stories through his music.
Why is the song popular among live performers?
The song’s upbeat tempo and soulful vocals make it a crowd-pleaser, and its extended guitar solo provides an opportunity for live performers to showcase their skills. Additionally, the song’s message of love and devotion is relatable and universal, making it a popular choice among audiences.
What are some notable covers of the song?
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bonnie Raitt, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and the Jerry Garcia Band. Additionally, the song was performed by the Grateful Dead on several occasions, including their famed 1978 performance at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.
Is the song autobiographical?
While there is no known backstory to the song, many believe that the inspiration behind “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” stems from Garcia’s personal life. Garcia was married twice, and he also battled drug addiction throughout his life, which could have played a role in the lyrics.
What message does the song convey?
The song’s message is that love is a powerful force that can inspire us to do great things, even in the face of adversity. The lyrics describe the lengths that people will go to for love, including “Walking down the streets with a dollar tucked in your shoe” and “Working like a dog trying to make ends meet.”
How does Jerry Garcia incorporate blues and jazz into the song?
Jerry Garcia’s unique guitar playing style incorporates a mix of blues and jazz, and his improvisational skills are on full display in the song’s extended guitar solo. His use of pentatonic scales, chromatic runs, and chord substitutions adds depth and complexity to the song.
What role does the guitar solo play in the song?
The guitar solo in “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” is an essential part of the song’s structure and adds depth and complexity to the melody. It’s also an opportunity for the performer to showcase their skills and improvisational abilities.
What makes the song a classic?
The song’s enduring popularity, relatable lyrics, and unique guitar playing style make it a classic. The song speaks to the power of love and devotion, and its message resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Has the song ever been used in films or television shows?
“That’s What Love Will Make You Do” has been featured in several films and television shows over the years, including the movies “Jackie Brown” and “Meet Joe Black” and the television series “Supernatural” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
What is the legacy of the song?
The enduring popularity of “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” speaks to its universality and relatability. The song serves as a reminder of Jerry Garcia’s musical genius and his ability to tell stories through his music. It’s been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a beloved track among Garcia’s fans.
