Poverty Bar was the official name of our property when we first acquired it, but as a tribute to the Grateful Dead we decided to inofficially find a name that would be fitting. This is our dream house and we have worked hard for it. We do the rentals both to be able to finance this project but also to be able to share the beauty of these surroundings with our friends and other people who will know how to appreciate it.

So, the name Beggar's Tomb seemed pretty obvious. It comes from "Uncle John's Band" and definitely fits together with Poverty Bar, 'cause that's where we will be if this doesn't work out....

The Grateful Dead and their music have had a significant influence on our lives. Through the brotherhood of deadheads we have got to know so many people and made so many really good friends. And it is thanks to these friends that we can offer this beautiful house for rent. Without their support and help, we would probably not have made it this far.

Even though the 'Dead do not play together anymore, their spirit lives on, at least in our hearts.

For a great site with annotations on this and other Grateful Dead songs, we strongly recommend that you visit David Dodds great Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics site.

The photographs of the 'Dead are published with permission and are copyrighted by Rob Cohn. He has got a terrific collection of tour photographs at www.deadimages.com.

Uncle John's Band

Words by Robert Hunter; music by Jerry Garcia
Copyright Ice Nine Publishing; used by permission

Well, the first days are the hardest days,
don't you worry anymore
When life looks like Easy Street
there is danger at your door
Think this through with me
Let me know your mind
Wo-oah, what I want to know
is are you kind?

It's a Buck Dancer's Choice, my friend,
better take my advice
You know all the rules by now
and the fire from the ice
Will you come with me?
Won't you come with me?
Wo-oah, what I want to know,
will you come with me?

Goddamn, well I declare
Have you seen the like?
Their walls are built of cannonballs,
their motto is Don't Tread on Me
Come hear Uncle John's Band
by the riverside
Got some things to talk about
here beside the rising tide

It's the same story the crow told me
It's the only one he know -
like the morning sun you come
and like the wind you go
Ain't no time to hate,
barely time to wait
Wo-oah, what I want to know,
where does the time go?

I live in a silver mine
and I call it Beggar's Tomb
I got me a violin
and I beg you call the tune
Anybody's choice
I can hear your voice
Wo-oah what I want to know,
how does the song go?

Come hear Uncle John's Band
by the riverside
Come with me or go alone
He's come to take his children home
Come hear Uncle John's Band
playing to the tide
Come on along or go alone
he's come to take his children home