A Merle Haggard classic. Just like Mama Tried this one seems to involve prison. Was Merle trying to tell us something? Nevertheless, this is a song that didn’t get a ton of play from the Dead, having been performed only 38 times between 1971-1973, with the bulk of the performances coming in 1972, but it’s a really great song.

I don’t want to use the term power ballad to describe Morning Dew on Europe ’72, as it’s not the correct nomenclature, but that was the ballad with oomph selected for that record. It was originally between Morning Dew and Sing Me Back Home. I’m sure most people are glad the band went with Dew, but there are some really great versions of Sing Me Back Home. The 5/26/72 version of Sing Me Back Home was included on the Europe ’72, Vol. 2 release, and I believe that’s the same one that was slated for the original album. If I’m mistaken I’m sure someone will let me know!

This version from Veneta was included on the So Many Roads boxset, but was released in its proper context with the Sunshine Daydream album.

A lazy, relaxed introduction to this peaceful number greets the listener here. Jerry hits all the notes perfectly from a vocal stand point, and Keith interjects the occasional riff. For the most part the playing is sparse, and serving the needs of the song. Here comes the chorus and everyone is singing so well together; Donna sounds simply angelic. It isn’t until about half way through the song that the volume swells a bit with an (on-key) Donna mini-wail. The surge of sound quickly gives way to the relaxed tempo that preceded it. Jerry takes a solo that is slow and deliberate, and Bobby adds some very nice country-inflected chords. Jerry’s solo is almost lyrical in its own right. It’s as though his guitar replaces the voice of the tortured narrator of this Merle Haggard missive. The next verse has some very nice “ooo”s in the background vocal department, and the succeeding chorus has another growling “Come alive!” from Donna. The band picks it up along with Donna and the sound is rich and full. The singing isn’t perfectly in sync at this point, but no one seems to be too off. One final plea to “sing me back home before I die” brings this chapter in the narrator’s life to a close.

Complete Setlist 8/27/72