Maggie's Farm
Grateful Dead · Postcards Of The Hanging [1968]
Ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Wake up in the morning, fold my hands, pray for rain
Got a head full of ideas, that are drivin' me insane
It's a shame the way they makes me scrub the floor
Ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more
Ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more
Hands you a nickel, hands you a dime
Asks you with a grin if you're havin' a good time
Then he fines you every time you slam the door
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more
Ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more
Ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more
Well, she talks to the servants about man and God and law
Everybody knows she's the brains behind pa
She's sixty eight, says she's twenty four
Ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more
Ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more
Ain't gonna work for Maggie's father no more
He puts his cigar out in your face just for kicks
Bedroom window is made out of bricks
The national guard hangs 'round his door
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's father no more
Ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Try my level best to be just like I am
Everybody wants me to be just like them
They sing while you slave and I just get bored
Ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Maggie's Farm
Grateful Dead's "Maggie's Farm" stands as a defining anthem of the late 1960s psychedelic rock era, originally recorded for the album *Postcards From The Hanging*. The track exemplifies the band's signature improvisational style, blending intricate guitar work with a hypnotic, free-form rhythm section that encouraged audience participation. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to transcend specific lyrical themes, serving instead as a sonic landscape that captured the spirit of the counterculture movement. The song remains a staple of the band's live performances, showcasing their mastery of extended jams and communal energy. As a cornerstone of their discography, it continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate the fusion of folk, blues, and experimental rock that characterized the Dead's most influential period.