Every time I look for a Brent or a Pigpen song to include here I’m struck by how narrow my options are, especially vis-a-vis Jerry and Bob. We Can Run is an interesting song. I don’t love, but I don’t hate it either. I tend to think Brent’s songs are hit-or-miss. This one bucks the trend in that it’s actually in the middle somewhere for me.

I like the message that the lyrics spell out in this tune and I think that it’s themes were very salient in the 1980s and continue to be today. This live version is pretty rough around the edges, but the song was only played 22 times and this was the fifth go at it. Random note: for some reason I always think that this came out on the In The Dark album, when it was actually on Built To Last. In some sense Brent started to come into his own on that record as a songwriter and contributor to the Dead. Of the 4 songs he penned I like them all (but I do like the other three more than We Can Run).

Nevertheless, as reader and regular contributor to this site Mike mentioned previously, the rougher cuts like this one are just as important as the all-time great versions because they provide a snapshot what it was like to hear the Dead at that point in time. A helpful and salient reminder, indeed.

A plaintive commentary on excesses in various forms. This one starts off mellow and maintains that vibe throughout. The backing vocals are pretty rough (notably Jerry), but Brent sings with conviction and passion in the lead role. Jerry of Bob hits a big harmonic note right during the “one child crying” line that adds a sense of purity to the otherwise distressing message of the song. The end nears with an acapella rendering of the chorus (only a few drums echo in the background, but finally falls out) and they finally do a bit of justice to the singing. Going out on a high note is a good idea indeed.

Complete Setlist 4/2/89