Abstract
Many songs in the Grateful Dead repertoire, particularly those written by Robert Hunter but also those by other lyricists, feature “loser” characters: characters who fail, in ways mundane or spectacular, usually while simultaneously deluding themselves about their chances of success. In this presentation we examine several of these characters and their stories, applying Tolkienian terminology and concepts like ofermod, “Northern courage,” trust in providence, and eucatastrophe. We’ll compare our hopeful losers with Tolkien’s characters, who hold on to hope in the bleakest of circumstances, yet temper all hopes by acknowledging that living in the physical world is “fighting the long defeat.” This paper was presented at Mythcon 52, Albuquerque, NM, July 2022. A previous version was presented at the Southwest Popular and American Culture Annual Conference, Albuquerque NM, February 2022.
Recommended Citation
Emerson, David L. and Croft, Janet Brennan
(2025)
"‘But I’ll Get Back on My Feet Some Day’: Hopeful Losers in Grateful Dead Lyrics,"
Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 23:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol23/iss2/6