Dead Songs in Depth

    
You Don't Have To Ask
w&m: Grateful Dead
LASF: http://www.whitegum.com/songfile/YOU1DONH.HTM
  

    
You Don't Have To Ask 
Lyrics: Grateful Dead
Music: Grateful Dead

Copyright Ice Nine Publishing; used by permission.

If you wanna know what time it is, you don't have to ask 
If you wanna know what [sermon] is, you don't have to ask 
If you wanna know what's real or not, you don't have to ask 
If you wanna know where to find your spot, you don't have to ask 
You don't have to ask
You don't have to ask
You already know
You already know

If you wanna leave your troubles behind, you don't have to ask 
If you wanna go away and lose your mind, you don't have to ask 
If it's peace that you're looking for 
You got the key to every door, you already know 

If there's a way out you'll find out and see all and be all
You'll never wonder what spell you been under 
To make you forget all this time 

If you're looking for the way, you don't have to ask 
You can see it plain as day, you don't have to ask 
If you're trying to find what's true, just take a look at all of you
You don't have to ask
You don't have to ask
You already know 
You already know
  

    
John Serjeant sent me an email suggesting that this might be the song
which was originally titled "Otis On A Shakedown Crusie."

If you listen carefully to the 19 May 1966 recording, it sounds as if
one band member (Bob?) says "Otis" immediately after they finish "Good
Lovin'." Another band member (Phil?) says "Otis?" and they start
straight into "You Don't Have Yo Ask."

It's not that clear, but it seems to fit in with other information
that mentions "Otis On A Shakedown Cruise" being recorded around this
time, along with "Stealin'" and "Don't Ease Me In" (on the Scorpio
Sessions).

Dennis McNally's book mentions two other titles: "The Monster" and
"You Can't Catch Me." Any suggestions for which songs they might have
been?
  

    <scribbled by ddodd Thu 1 Jul 04 14:52>
  

    <scribbled by ddodd Thu 1 Jul 04 14:52>