Eyes of the World (Grateful Dead song)

The Dead recorded a demo of "Eyes of the World" in early 1973, with the demo being more laid back than the final version.^[2] As lyricist Robert Hunter states: "'Eyes of the World' was quite mystical and, I think, a very right song for the late sixties and early seventies. Looking back on it now, it's kind of dated[.]"^[3]

Hunter stated the song was about compassion and viewing things from another person's view.^[3] The song is a rock^[1] and jazz^[3] track that runs for a total of five minutes and sixteen seconds.^[4]

"Eyes of the World" was issued as a 7-inch single in January 1974 by Grateful Dead Records, the Dead's own label.^[5] The song was well received, with Matt Mitchell placing it at number 5, stating that "Jerry and Robert Hunter deliver such beautiful musings on the wonders of the nature around us.", noting that it "Featur[es] dueling (but complimentary) guitar-playing from Jerry and Bob, I particularly love how Keith and Donna’s harmonies shine so brightly midway through."^[6] Lindsay Planer wrote that "The liberated tempo and autonomically catchy tune are seasoned with Jerry Garcia's compact solos which weave between the lines to create a sense of lyrical and melodic unity. Robert Hunter's images are exceedingly pastoral with the final verse delving into the band’s extended and rural family life"^[1] In 2019, the single was reissued as a part of a series of reissue singles.^[7]

According to the Grateful Dead Family Discography:^[8]

• Jerry Garcia – lead guitar, vocals
• Bob Weir – guitar, vocals
• Phil Lesh – bass, vocals
• Keith Godchaux – keyboards, vocals
• Donna Jean Godchaux – vocals
• Bill Kreutzmann – drums