The Meaning Behind The Song: The Eleven by Grateful Dead
Grateful Dead, the American rock band known for their improvisational style, released the song “The Eleven” in their 1968 album “Anthem of the Sun”. The song is known for its complex rhythm and unusual time signature of 11/8. The lyrics of “The Eleven” consist of cryptic phrases and allusions, making the meaning behind the song a mystery to many listeners.
So, what is the meaning behind “The Eleven”? Let’s explore below.
The Music and Lyrics of The Eleven
“The Eleven” starts with a distinctive drumbeat played by Bill Kreutzmann, followed by the entrance of the other band members. The rhythm of the song is in 11/8 time, meaning there are 11 beats per measure instead of the more common 4 or 8.
The chorus of the song doesn’t have any discernible lyrics, consisting only of the repetition of the word “eleven”. The verses contain cryptic lyrics hinting at a larger theme. Some of the most memorable lines from the song include:
– “From the seeds of your ideals grew a tangled maze of steel”
– “Misty morning, diamond sky / Eleven mirrors way up high”
– “Over Jordan, ancient blue, / With robes of green and eyes of glue”
The verses of the song seem to refer to some sort of spiritual or mystical experience. However, the meaning behind the lyrics is open to interpretation and has been the subject of much speculation over the years.
Theories Behind the Meaning of The Eleven
There are a few competing theories about what “The Eleven” means, although none have been confirmed by the band members themselves.
One theory suggests that “The Eleven” is about the search for enlightenment. The “tangled maze of steel” mentioned in the first verse could refer to the obstacles one faces on their journey towards spiritual enlightenment. The “eleven mirrors” in the chorus may represent different elements of the self that one must integrate in order to achieve enlightenment.
Another theory suggests that the song is about the Vietnam War, which was at its height in the late 1960s when “Anthem of the Sun” was released. The “misty morning, diamond sky” mentioned in the second verse could represent a battlefield. The “robes of green and eyes of glue” mentioned in the third verse could refer to the uniforms and equipment of soldiers.
A more straightforward theory suggests that the song is simply about the experience of taking LSD, which was a common theme in the music of Grateful Dead and other psychedelic rock bands of the era.
The Legacy of The Eleven
Regardless of the true meaning behind the song, “The Eleven” has become a staple of Grateful Dead’s live performances. The band played the song hundreds of times over the years, often improvising and extending the song’s already complex rhythm.
The song has also influenced many other musicians, inspiring them to experiment with unusual time signatures and complex rhythms. Bands like Radiohead and Tool have cited Grateful Dead as an influence on their music, and it’s easy to hear the echoes of “The Eleven” in some of their more rhythmically complex songs.
FAQs
What inspired Grateful Dead to write “The Eleven”?
The true inspiration behind “The Eleven” is unknown, as the band members have never spoken about it specifically. However, it’s widely believed that the song was heavily influenced by the band’s experimentation with LSD and their interest in spirituality and mysticism.
What does the title “The Eleven” refer to?
The title “The Eleven” refers to the unusual time signature of the song, which is in 11/8 time (meaning there are 11 beats per measure instead of the more common 4 or 8).
What other bands were influenced by “The Eleven”?
Bands like Radiohead and Tool have cited Grateful Dead as an influence on their music, and it’s easy to hear the echoes of “The Eleven” in some of their more rhythmically complex songs.
What does the phrase “over Jordan” mean in the third verse?
The phrase “over Jordan” can be interpreted in a few different ways. Some believe that it refers to the River Jordan in the Bible, which is associated with spiritual renewal and rebirth. Others believe that it refers to a specific location, perhaps in the American South.
Why is “The Eleven” considered to be one of Grateful Dead’s most iconic songs?
“The Eleven” is considered to be one of Grateful Dead’s most iconic songs because of its unusual time signature, complex rhythm, and cryptic lyrics. The song showcases the band’s improvisational style and experimental approach to music, making it a favorite among fans.
What does the repetition of the word “eleven” in the chorus mean?
The repetition of the word “eleven” in the chorus may represent different elements of the self that one must integrate in order to achieve enlightenment. However, the true meaning behind the repetition of the word is open to interpretation.
How did Grateful Dead’s live performances of “The Eleven” differ from the studio recording?
Grateful Dead often improvised and extended “The Eleven” during their live performances, adding new layers of complexity to the already intricate rhythm. The band members were known for their ability to feed off of each other’s energy during live performances, creating a uniquely dynamic and unpredictable experience for their listeners.
When was “The Eleven” released?
“The Eleven” was released in 1968 as part of Grateful Dead’s album “Anthem of the Sun”.
What other songs are similar to “The Eleven”?
Other songs in Grateful Dead’s catalog that feature unusual time signatures and complex rhythms include “Dark Star” and “The Other One”. Bands like King Crimson and Yes also experimented with similar rhythms in their music.
What other themes are common in Grateful Dead’s music?
Grateful Dead’s music is known for its exploration of spirituality, mysticism, and psychedelic experiences. The band often experimented with improvisation and unusual time signatures, creating a uniquely creative and experimental sound.
How has “The Eleven” influenced music today?
“The Eleven” has influenced many musicians, inspiring them to experiment with unusual time signatures and complex rhythms. Bands like Radiohead and Tool have cited Grateful Dead as an influence on their music, and it’s easy to hear the echoes of “The Eleven” in some of their most rhythmically complex songs.
